Introduction
The proud home of Toronto’s vibrant LGBT community, Church Wellesley Village’ is informally bound by Charles Street south to Gould, and from Yonge to Jarvis. This 24-hour neighbourhood occupies the northern half of what the City of Toronto defines as the Church-Yonge Corridor.
Lifestyle
While its importance to Toronto nightlife, and in particular gay culture, can’t be overstated, local residents are more likely to rave about the area’s abundance of culinary options – from fine dining restaurants and popular pubs, to the many specialty shops that appeal to the home chef. An urbanite’s paradise, this is another big-city neighbourhood that many locals commend for its small town feel.
The Vibe
“The only thing gayer than you is your pet unicorn!” screeches a poster in a storefront window here, and to a degree that sums up the Church Wellesley experience. Friendly, funny and altogether fabulous, Toronto’s queer village is undoubtedly the most festive part of town. While Pride only officially happens once a year, rainbows are rampant – even the crosswalks here take you on a tour across the sexual colour spectrum.
Meet the Neighbours
While most households comprise of working adults over 25, the area also appeals to increasing numbers of families with young children. As long-time residents age, it’s also becoming home to a healthy population of very active seniors. It’s not uncommon to see shiny black-and-chrome mobility devices and motorbikes parked side-by-side along Church Street, as leather daddies become granddaddies. But the area is mainly populated by singles and couples who love the urban lifestyle.
In the Area
By downtown standards Church-Wellesley Village is a relative bargain, but shops and businesses cater to a more upscale clientele in general. Its proximity to Ryerson and the University of Toronto means that there are a range of reasonably priced accommodations scattered amongst the more upscale dwellings that typify the area. Drinking and dining options are friendly to pretty much every wallet, with $5 drafts and $28 cocktails on offer within the same block.
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
The removal of the Jarvis Street bike lanes has been a blow to this otherwise very bike-friendly community. Your best bet for getting around is on foot. Luckily there’s not much that isn’t within walking distance. TTC subway stops are College, Wellesley, and Bloor-Yonge, but Church St. itself is devoid of even bus service, with riders relying instead on bus route 75 (Sherbourne) or the subway for north-south journeys.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
The 519 Community Centre provides a grassroots home base for many of the neighbourhood’s non-profit groups, and is a fantastic resource for those new to the area. Students attend Church Street Elementary School, Jarvis Collegiate, or the exclusive (yet public) Francophone school Le College Francais. Ryerson University’s campus helps define the neighbourhood’s south end. There are a few medical clinics, and two hospitals (St. Michael’s and Mount Sinai) within easy reach.
Dollars & Sense
You’d be hard pressed to find a tighter-knit community anywhere in the city, but this isn’t a great choice of neighbourhood for those who are uncomfortable with the expression of alternative sexualities. Buttless chaps and glitter are as common as finely tailored suits around here, and it’s undoubtedly the only part of town where construction workers receive more catcalls than they shout out. It’s party central on the weekends, which officially starts on Thursday night.
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Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Out On The Street
Out On The Street features an array of must-have clothing basics for young and well-dressed gay men and other deliciously kitschy items. Calling itself “Toronto’s True Gay Department Store,” this shop is located at Church and Monteith.
more infoHair of the Dog
This neighbourhood tavern offers simple but well-prepared upscale pub grub in an intimate setting. It has seating on two levels, but during summer months it’s the nicely shaded, ivy-enclosed patio that is the biggest draw for locals.
more infoBuddies in Bad Times
Founded by gay Toronto playwright, professor and activist Skye Gilbert, the lofty space features the theatre Main Space, and Tallulah’s Cabaret, also a popular nightlife destination with djs spinning every weekend.
more infoWoody’s and Sailor
Woody’s and Sailor remains at the heart of the scene – so much so that it was heavily featured on the show, Queer as Folk. It has five bars and the men’s beauty contests are popular draws.
more infoCumbrae’s
Locals swear by the dry-aged beef, smoked pork and prepared chickens. In a neighbourhood where people really know their food Cumbrae’s remains a standout.
more infoThe 519
The 519 Community Centre (named for its Church Street address) has been a hub for the many diverse interest groups in the neighbourhood. Among its claims to fame, the 519 was the birthplace of comedy franchise Yuk Yuk’s!
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