Toronto’s most diverse selection of apartment buildings and highly sought area in Toronto.
History:
The Church-Yonge Corridor is located in the narrow north to south stretch, between Yonge and Jarvis, reaching Front Street up to Bloor. This highly sought area was originally populated by Toronto’s elite. Prominent families such as William Jarvis, who was the former Provincial Secretary to Upper Canada, built his family estate.
The Downtown was originally settled by some of early Toronto’s most prominent families. The street names in this neighborhood are clues to its rich history.
Casey House, Photo by Unknown
Jarvis Street was named after this very well known family. George Allen is the former mayor of Toronto and his estate earned him Homewood Avenue. McGill Street and Sherbourne also street names named after its predecessor Captain John McGill and the Ridout Family originally from England.
Up until the 1900s, the Church Yonge Corridor real estate was widely known as Toronto’s most fashionable suburb as huge mansions belonging to prominent families in the area set the tone. There still remains a few historical buildings in the area that have now been turned into multi-family homes.
The Yonge Street (formerly listed as “the longest street in the world” by Guinness Book of Records) serves as the west side boundary, while Jarvis serves as the east. This happening hood is one of the city’s most heavily populated and busy areas. It includes the Church-Wellesley Village which hosts the city’s LGBT community and every year when millions from around the world flock to the city for Pride Week, this is the center of the action. The festival is a week-long celebration with concerts, exhibits, and of course the legendary Pride Parade.
Overview:
New condominiums are popping up everywhere which is turning this rough around the edges downtown grit to city chic. Victorian homes from the 1800s have been converted into commercial or multi-family homes and townhomes that were built in the 1970s & 1980s, are historical figures that still remain intact. The downtown core is where you will find a multitude of differently designed apartment buildings and a collection of artistically crafted townhomes. The existence of walk-out apartments from the 1920s, high rises from the 1950s, and new luxury condominium apartments adds character and is quite attractive for those wanting to be unique.
The Church-Yonge corridor has over 600 retails stores, 150 bars, and restaurants and 4 theaters to choose from. The Eaton Centre is located in the hub of it all which is the largest indoor shopping center in Toronto which is home to well over 300 stores. Yonge-Dundas Square is just outside of the Eaton Centre where you can be sure to find concerts, festivals, and year-round events for everyone.
If shopping isn’t your thing, no problem at all, the Church-Yonge Corridor is home to Allan Gardens Conservatory which is the largest outdoor park in the downtown area that houses 6 greenhouses with the most unusual exotic plants. This area is well served by transportation as the bus and subway line is easily accessible to take you around the city.
Homes:
Downtown’s Victorian houses were built in the mid to late 1800’s. Most of these houses have been converted to commercial uses or into multi-family homes. This neighborhood also contains a large number of fashionable townhouses built in the 1970’s and 1980’s. The Downtown is where you will find Toronto’s most diverse selection of apartment buildings. There are art-deco designed, walk-up apartment buildings from the 1920’s, high-rise apartment buildings from the 1950’s, and newer luxury condominium apartment buildings, These range from entry level prices to more exclusive residences such as the Windsor Arms condominium where units sell for over one million dollars.
Ryerson University, Photo by Unknown
Living in Church Yonge-Corridor
Downtown Toronto residents come from a myriad of different backgrounds and span the entire spectrum of the socio-economic scale. There is a large number of rental accommodations in this neighborhood. This reflects the mobility of the population, which is comprised mostly of singles and couples. Ryerson University is helping to reshape Toronto’s downtown east core having recently purchased landmark buildings to expand their campus. One of these acquisitions is the former Maple Leaf Gardens which has been renamed Mattamy Athletic Centre and now serves as the home of the Ryerson University Sports and Recreation Centre. New condo developments are springing up all over the Church-Yonge Corridor which is gradually changing the character of this downtown neighborhood from urban grit to City chic.
Lifestyle:
Lifestyle in Church Yonge-Corridor
Ryerson Student Learning Centre – Snøhetta | Zeidler, Photo by doublespace
Downtown residents have a wide variety of shopping opportunities available to them. This mix includes high-end fashion stores on Bloor Street, trendy shops and restaurants on Church Street, and day-to-day retail shopping on Wellesley, Gerrard, Sherbourne, and Charles Streets. The major shopping center in this part of the city is the Eaton Centre, which is Toronto’s largest indoor shopping mall, with over three hundred stores. The recently minted Downtown Yonge shopping destination includes over 600 retail stores, 150 bars and restaurants, 8 hotels, 4 theatres, and Yonge-Dundas Square which is Toronto’s version of Times Square and features year-round concerts, events, and community celebrations.
Parks, Recreation & Culture
Recreation in Church Yonge-Corridor
Photo by Shane Carslake
Allan Gardens is the largest public park in the Downtown core. This park is the home of the Allan Gardens Conservatory, a botanical garden with six greenhouses that feature unusual and exotic plants from around the world. Allan Gardens’ calendar of events includes spring, easter, and fall flower shows, as well as a Victorian Christmas show.
The John Innes Community Centre located at 150 Sherbourne Street, has an indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium, a running track, a weight room, a cardio training room, a games room, a woodworking shop, and a craft room. Adjacent to the community center is the Moss Park Arena which includes pleasure and power skating programs as well as hockey leagues and a summer hockey camp.
The largest is Allan Gardens Conservatory, also one of the city’s oldest parks. This iconic spot is a 16,000 sq ft indoor botanical garden housing 6 greenhouses, and the park outside even features an off-leash dog area and playground.
St. James Park right beside the iconic attraction St. James Cathedral is a stunning scenic park with walking trails, flower gardens, and a playground for the kiddies. Other green spaces in the hood include Cawthra Square, Ryerson Community Park, and Norman Jewison Park.
Shops, Restaurant and Services
The heart of Church-Yonge Corridor can be found at Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto’s version of New York’s Times Square. It serves as a community gathering place for events and hosts many year-round concerts and community celebrations.
Shopping in this hood is a breeze with so many different options from the high-end fashion stores on Bloor, to the trendy boutiques on Church, to the day-to-day retail that is found throughout the neighborhood. The biggest shopping attraction is the Eaton Centre, with over 300+ retailers it is one of the city’s largest indoor shopping centers.
Entertainment in this neighborhood can be found in many forms, including catching a live theatre or music show at the renowned Massey Hall (and possibly getting a celebrity sighting). Musical, drama, and comedy performances are regular theatrical productions at The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres and if you are in the mood for a. Buddies in Bad Times hosts.
The best part
Church-Yonge Corridor is ranked as the 3rd most walkable hood in the city. Residents literally have everything they need just outside their doorstep. Public transit is well serviced in this area with subway stations running all along Yonge and the Yonge and Bloor lines are the two largest in the city with busses/TTC running from each. Motorists looking to leave the area have easy access to Lakeshore and the Gardiner from Bloor Street.
Transportation in Church Yonge-Corridor
Bus services on Wellesley and Carlton Streets connect to the Sherbourne station on the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line. The Sherbourne Street bus connects to the Sherbourne station on the Bloor-Danforth subway line. There is also an express bus that runs on Jarvis Street during rush hour only. Motorists are approximately ten minutes from Lake Shore Boulevard and the Gardiner Expressway.
Schools:
Church-Yonge Corridor has 7 Public schools, 6 Catholic schools, and 4 Private schools in this neighborhood, your kids can get a great education.
PUBLIC SCHOOL

Jarvis Collegiate Institute
Address: 495 Jarvis St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G8, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-0140 | Fax: (416) 393-0184 | Email: Jarvis@tdsb.on.ca
“Founded in 1807, Jarvis C.I. is the first public high school in Toronto and has a long tradition of academic excellence and student involvement. Jarvis is committed to providing a rich and varied program encouraging higher-order thinking as well as research and communication skills. Over 90% of our graduates attend university, including top schools like U of T, Waterloo, Dalhousie, and Queens. Over 53% of graduates are Ontario Scholars and 60% receive scholarships/bursaries. Situated in the ‘heart of the city’ at Jarvis and Wellesley, our school has a rich mix of students from over 100 countries of origin, integrated into one unified, vibrant community in which diversity is our strength!” As originally published by Jarvis Collegiate Institute

Collège français secondaire
Address: 100 Carlton St, Toronto, ON M5B 1M3, Canada | Telephone: 416 393-0175
”Le Collège français sera un milieu de vie stimulant pour tes amis et toi. Toute une équipe est là, chaque jour, pour t’aider à découvrir de nouveaux horizons et à mieux comprendre le monde qui t’entoure.” As originally published by Collège français secondaire

É Élém Gabrielle-Roy
Address: 14 Pembroke St, Toronto, ON M5A 1Z8, Canada | Telephone: 416 393-1360
“L’école est composée d’une équipe dévouée, compétente et engagée dans la réussite et le bien-être des élèves. Le personnel de l’école travaille tout en comptant sur votre appui, votre soutien et votre engagement comme parents partenaires dans l’éducation de vos enfants. Ce sont des éléments essentiels pour la réussite de tous et de chacun. Pour y arriver, la communication ouverte, continue et positive, entre l’école et la maison, est encouragée et soutenue car c’est le moyen le plus efficace pour assurer le développement et les progrès de vos enfants.” As originally published by É Élém Gabrielle-Roy
Church Street Junior Public School

Church Street Junior Public School
Address: 83 Alexander St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1B7, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-1250 | Fax: (416) 393-1253 | Email: Church@tdsb.on.ca
“Church Street Public School is located at Church and Carlton Streets. Several years ago, the school had a major renovation including the addition of a new third floor. In 2007 half of the second floor of Church Street Public School was renovated in order to create The Native Learning Centre. Church Street School offers regular Junior Kindergarten through Grade 6 programs. Approximately 30 languages are spoken at Church Street Public School.” As originally published by Church Street Junior Public School
Lord Dufferin Junior and Senior Public School

Lord Dufferin Junior and Senior Public School
Address: 350 Parliament St, Toronto, ON M5A 2Z7, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-1760 | Fax: (416) 393-0132 | Email: LordDufferin@tdsb.on.ca
“Lord Dufferin P.S. is a downtown inner-city school serving families in the Regent Park community. The old building was built in the 1920s with additions in the late 1940’s. A new school building was completed in January, 2000. In the fall of 2003, the school yard was landscaped with the addition of a baseball diamond, soccer field, walkway to Berkeley Street and new fencing. In May, 2008, a new play structure was donated and built by the Kids Around the World Organization and the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation.” As originally published by Lord Dufferin Junior and Senior Public School
Market Lane Junior and Senior Public School

Market Lane Junior and Senior Public School
Address: 246 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada
“Market Lane Public School is a relatively new school (1992) located on The Esplanade in the St. Lawrence Community, a mixed social and economic community that is still undergoing development. The school is housed in a building complex which includes a community recreation center and apartment dwellings.” As originally published by Market Lane Junior and Senior Public School
Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School

Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School
Address: 61 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 1H4, Canada
“Jesse Ketchum Public School is located at Bay Street and Davenport Road near Yorkville Village. The school was established around 1831 and the present building dates from 1914. The school is named after Jesse Ketchum, a philanthropist who donated the land to the School Board to build the school and to the city for the park. The school serves a diverse population of approximately 400 students, whose cultural backgrounds represent many countries from around the world. There are more than 40 different languages spoken in the homes of our students. At Jesse Ketchum our students build self-esteem and confidence, learn to work together in mutual respect and trust, and value diversity.” As originally published by Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School
CATHOLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL

ÉÉC du Sacré-Coeur-Toronto
Address: 25 Linden St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1V5, Canada
“L’école élémentaire catholique du Sacré-Cœur a 125 ans d’histoire! C’est avec enthousiasme que travaille une équipe dynamique. L’école accueille plus de 150 élèves de la maternelle à la 6e année. La langue française et la catholicité sont des priorités chez nous. Aux niveaux académique et personnel, nous rassemblons nos efforts en vue de permettre aux élèves d’atteindre leur plein potentiel.” As originally published by ÉÉC du Sacré-Coeur-Toronto
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
Address: 444 Sherbourne St, Toronto, ON M4X 1K2, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5221 | Fax: 416-393-5806
“The learning community of Our Lady of Lourdes thoughtfully maintains a safe and caring environment wherein all students develop their learning potential. Literacy and numeracy skills are a central focus as are faith development, the arts, social justice and athletics. Together, all of these aid in developing the character attributes that are the hallmark of caring and creative citizens.” As originally published by Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School

ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
Address: 330 Lansdowne Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 3Y1, Canada
“L’école secondaire Saint-Frère-André est une école accueillant les élèves de la 7e à la 12e année. Notre but premier en tant qu’établissement d’éducation est avant tout l’apprentissage et le développement de votre enfant dans un milieu francophone catholique stimulant. En vue d’offrir un enseignement de qualité et un choix intéressant d’options à nos élèves, nous offrons toute une panoplie d’activités parascolaires, ainsi que des programmes d’enseignement. «Offrir à l’élève une éducation de qualité dans un milieu de vie catholique et francophone où le respect de la personne, le sens d’appartenance à la collectivité franco-ontarienne, la promotion de l’excellence et enfin l’équité sont des valeurs visibles et essentielles à son épanouissement ». C’est non seulement la mission du conseil scolaire mais aussi celle des enseignants.” As originally published by ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
Canada’s National Ballet School

Canada’s National Ballet School
Address: 400 Jarvis St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G6, Canada
“NBS’ dance training pedagogy is unique to NBS and integrates elements from the best in progressive and acclaimed classical ballet training methods, contemporary dance and the latest advances in the science of movement. In addition to ballet, students at NBS take classes in contemporary repertoire and technique, improvisation, classical Indian dance, drama and expression, historical/character dance and anatomy as well as ballet classes focusing on variations, repertoire, pas de due, and more. NBS’s full-time academic program runs from grade 6 through grade 12. Class sizes are small, allowing for enriched learning within the classroom. Students follow the curriculum prescribed by the Ontario Ministry of Education and, on successful completion of the program, graduate with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Although most graduates naturally go on to dance, we ensure that our students are prepared for university and careers beyond dance.” As originally published by Canada’s National Ballet School

Abelard School
Address: 557 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 2E2 | Telephone: 416.944.0661 | Fax: 416.944.8902 | Email: info@abelardschool.org
“At the Abelard School, we believe the ideal educational environment is one in which teachers and students work together toward a common goal: to make the world better by our contribution to it. School should be a place where students discover their strengths and learn how to put them to good use. It should teach them how to master skills and meet academic challenges. It should expose students to the knowledge, inventions, art and culture of the past to enrich their appreciation of the world and inspire them to expand the boundaries of their own creativity. It should illuminate the accomplishments and the mistakes of history so that students will be able to make educated choices in their own lives. School should help students to develop a system of morals and values, both through study and through active participation in community service. It should foster a sense of pride and independence.” As originally published by Abelard School
Keystone International Secondary School

Keystone International Secondary School
Address: 23 Toronto St, Toronto, ON M5C 2R1, Canada | Telephone: +1 (416) 422 4123
“Keystone International Schools was established in 2012. Keystone follows the Ontario curriculum with a project-based, experiential approach to learning. Keystone serves both international and local high school students in grades 9 through 12 in the heart of Toronto, where students are prepared for post-secondary success. Universities expect students to think about what they learn: understand, analyze, formulate, investigate and propose solutions to non-routine problems. They are expected to be resourceful and connect their learning to real-life issues. They need to organize themselves and manage their time to meet deadlines. At Keystone Toronto, students follow the Ontario curriculum, while learning key self-management skills. Apart from the core subjects, students pick their electives based on their interest and potential career choices. Selection of electives is a process that involves the students, parents, teachers and guidance counselor.“ As originally published by Keystone International Secondary School

Newton International College
Address: 17 Toronto St, Toronto, ON M5C 2E3, Canada | Telephone: 1-888-985-1467 (Toll Free) 416-613-9618 | Fax: 647-699-9289 | Email: info@nictoronto.ca
“As a full-service independent high school in Canada, Newton International College is conveniently located in downtown Toronto with easy access to all public transportation system, historic heritages, landmarks, lakeside etc. By enjoying the quiet learning environment as well as providing advanced online and offline learning apps, students can indulge themselves in classic movies and books in the library and auditorium; they can also snack on delicious food in the second-floor cafeteria; during the summer time, they can even get an overview of downtown Toronto from the campus’s patio. NIC has Ryerson University and Toronto Commercial Center – Yonge-Dundas as its neighborhood. Therefore, ranging from academic atmosphere, exclusive shops to ethnic markets, NIC has the most advantages in catering to the student’s learning and living experience. Students who are interested in the art gallery cannot be more satisfied after the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) tour while those sports fans can also indulge with the world level competitions such as NBA, MLB, NHL and CFL. They can visit Toronto’s famous CN Tower and explore all the city’s multicultural activities. We take pride in the fact that over that past few years we have successfully helped many NIC graduates gain admittance with scholarships to prestigious universities and allowing them to achieve a fantastic Canadian educational experience.” As originally published by Newton International College

St. Michael’s Choir School
Address: 67 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1X5, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5518 | Fax: 416-393-5880
“St. Michael’s Choir School is a unique collaboration between the Archdiocese of Toronto and the Toronto Catholic District School Board. With an enrollment of 280 boys, the school offers a complete curriculum of academic studies for Grades 3 to 12, including French immersion, language, social sciences, mathematics, and science. In addition, through a unique enrichment program, students can broaden their studies beyond the traditional curriculum and classroom setting. Liturgical music is at the center of the Choir School — one of only six choir schools in the world affiliated with the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music. Each student participates in one of the school’s four choirs.” As originally published by St. Michael’s Choir School

St. Paul Catholic School
Address: 80 Sackville St, Toronto, ON M5A 3E5, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5204 | Fax: (416) 393-9542 | Email: 416-397-6586
“Our mission is to ensure that all our students are valued equally and their unique strengths and needs are recognized and met.” As originally published by St. Paul Catholic School

St. Michael Catholic School
Address: 50 George St S, Toronto, ON M5A, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5387 | Fax: 416-397-6057
“All of our students are treasured gifts from God. In order for our children to be successful, we believe we must have the highest expectations of our students and acknowledge and provide for all possible learning styles. We aim to work together to ensure that our school provides every individual with a safe, positive, welcoming learning environment. We believe that the development of good interpersonal relationships and a positive classroom atmosphere conducive to learning will promote good behavior. The key to the success of the students of St. Michael’s is the emphasis on learning goals, co-created success criteria, and practical and timely descriptive feedback. These clear supports provided by all the teachers to all the children help to provide a basis for evaluating student achievement and program effectiveness.” As originally published by St. Michael Catholic School