Introduction
Until the early aughts, factories dominated this southwestern stretch of downtown Toronto, which reaches from Strachan to Portland, and from Adelaide to the waterfront. Leftovers from Hogtown’s industrial prime included an abattoir, a coffin factory, a garment factory, workers’ cottages and a handful of stately Victorians. Then came the condos, which changed everything.
Lifestyle
And with the condos came the yuppies, en masse. In the mornings, the streets are congested with J. Crew–clad young professionals rushing, $4 latte in hand, to work. Once the quitting bell rings, the area’s many patios begin to fill up as locals indulge in a few cinq-à-sept tipples. Living smack-dab in the centre of town isn’t for everyone.
Dollars & Sense
If you’re an agoraphobe that never wants to leave the Trinity-Niagara boarders, then you best have a platinum card. This neighbourhood isn’t for the shallow of pocket. It’s not Manhattan pricy, but the horizontally traded coffee roasted by hipsters with Ph.D.’s will set you back a pretty penny. Luckily, Queen West and Kensington are both short walks away.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Many newly minted neighbourhoods are graced with names steeped in the neighbourhood's history. There’s a noted lack of porcine allusions around Trinity-Niagara, but that’s perhaps because the squealing of the abattoir was only silenced a short while ago (spring 2014) and many longtime neighbourhood residents are still suffering post-traumatic shock.
3.3 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
The 504 Streetcar runs from Dundas West to Broadview Station via King Street 24 hours a day (along the way it will connects with both the Yonge and University subway lines). The 511 Bathurst streetcar starts at The Ex and finishes at Bathurst Station. Motorist have an easy hop onto the Gardiner, while the jet-set can walk to Billy Bishop Airport (located at the foot of Bathurst).
In the Area
Historic Fort York, a British military fortification that dates back to the late eighteenth century, is a beacon for tourists. Across the bridge is the new high tech Fort York Library. Trinity-Niagara is serviced by two schools, St. Mary Catholic School and Niagara Street Junior Public School. Just up on Queen and Portland (basely outside the confines of the neighbourhood) is a huge Loblaws.
Meet the Neighbours
Since the area began gentrifying in the early 2000s, thousands of households have come online. According to the 2011 census, about 50 percent of the neighbourhood is made up of singles. Whether or not they are ready to mingle was not addressed by the survey. Because of the tight quarters found in most condos, many area residents tend to move out to the ’burbs once they begin nesting.
The Vibe
Many of the locals appreciate the ease of living here, as can be seen by how the restaurants are perpetually slammed. It’s easy to pop over to Loblaws, but it’s easier (and probably tastier) to hit up Blowfish for dinner. Hopefully those that eat out often have expense accounts. The restaurants won’t burn your fish, but they’ll certainly burn up your credit card.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Stanley Park
You’ll see a Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show’s worth of pooches at this park. Other park facilities include a basketball court, outdoor table tennis, a wadding pool and, of course, a playground.
Thor
Tucked into the ground floor of a glassy new condo, Thor takes its name and design cues from Scandinavia; the tight space is warmed with unpolished wood. This is a haven for unabashed coffee snobs.
Lee
The ponytailed celebrity Chef Susur Lee’s two-room King West restaurant serves up fusion fare sans fear. The cocktails mixed tableside add some Old World charm to the New World dining experience.
Fort York Library
Not only is the library sleek and modern from the outside, it carries more than plain ol’ paper backs. This TPL outpost has 3D printers, digital innovation hubs and DJ equipment.
Edulis
This consistently packed Spanish spot is tucked away from the hubbub. Opt for the multi-course chef’s menu, which changes daily depending on what’s freshest from the farm or the sea. Reservations imperative.
Bar Buca
Italian dishes that are the antithesis of nonna’s rustic cooking. A pesto-stuffed burrata could’ve been plucked from Betsy Johnson’s runway. A plate of patty pan squash and n'duja is pretty enough to be framed.