Transit Archaeology in a Toronto Streetcar Suburb
Scott Lenner
Why do our iconic neighbourhoods look the way they do? Who is responsible for delivering public services? How does a neighbourhood's layout impact our lifestyle?
Though today we think of streetcars as an iconic element of Toronto's downtown neighbourhoods, they also had a presence in the burgeoning Toronto suburbs. At the turn of the last century, when places like Wychwood and Bracondale were developed and later brought into the city-proper, transit access informed nearly every element of their urban design. Though lifestyles, technology, and the makeup of our neighbourhoods have changed in the last 120 years, we can still see the enduring impact of these design choices, if we know where to look.
Join us as we trek through the Dovercourt-Oakwood corridor from St. Clair to Bloor, as we discuss the history (and the remains) of a time when streetcars plied their way through Toronto's west end.
(Photo credit: City of Toronto Archives)
Walk Start:
We will start on St. Clair West, at the south-west corner of Oakwood/St. Clair, in front of Oakwood Collegiate, accessible by 512 St Clair streetcar or 63 Ossington bus
Bloor/Ossington, accessible to Ossington subway station on the Line 2 subway, or via bus routes 63 Ossington, 94 Wellesley, and 161 Rogers
Walk End:
Date:
Start Time:
Sunday, May 4
11:00:00 AM
Duration:
1:30:00
Language:
English
Theme:
Architecture and Urban Planning, History and Places, Transit and Accessibility
Accessibility:
Uneven terrain, Breaks encouraged, Busy sidewalks, Dog-friendly walk, Walk leader will use audio amplification, No stairs, but fairly steep downhill grades. Narrow sidewalks
Attendees Identify You:
Leader will hold a Jane's Walk sign