Corso Italia-Davenport, A Fun Italian Neighborhood in Toronto!
History:
Corso Italia is a neighborhood situated on St. Clair Avenue West, between Westmount Avenue (just east of Dufferin Street) and Lansdowne Avenue. It is contained within the larger city-recognized neighborhood of Corso Italia-Davenport. The community is the eastern half of what was earlier known as Earlscourt. Earlscourt was originally settled by British immigrants in 1906 and was annexed by the City of Toronto in 1910. During the late 1950s a large wave of Italian immigrants, in addition to Italians from College Street, moved to Earlscourt and the surrounding area. Corso Italia has been a Business Improvement Area (BIA) in Toronto since 1984.
Overview:
Corso Italia-Davenport has a character that caters to a fairly diverse group of people. There are many things to do in this part of the city for those looking for a dynamic vibe. Even though few entertainment venues can be found nearby, there are a large number of people around most of the time, and places to go out at night are well-spread throughout the neighborhood. St Clair Avenue is among the most active streets in this area. Most areas in Corso Italia-Davenport are quiet, as noise from streets and other parts of the city is rarely an issue, although that is not the case around the railway line. The greenery in this neighborhood is quite prominent as there are numerous tree-lined streets. Reaching public green spaces in the neighborhood, like Earlscourt Park, is very easy since getting to the closest one is easy from a large number of properties for sale and there are a few parks close by for residents to discover.
The neighborhood includes numerous cafés, clothing shops, shoe stores, restaurants, food markets, as well as several gelaterias and bakeries. The community is considered Toronto’s second Italian neighborhood after Little Italy on College Street. There is also a significant Latin American and Portuguese community in the area.
Homes:
Corso Italia-Davenport is close to downtown, boasts tons of personality, and traffic issues notwithstanding represents an opportunity to buy or rent in a great location at a reasonable price. There are lots of detached homes and bungalows, some of which have been rebuilt or otherwise modernized, and for those not quite in the market yet, a good supply of duplex and traditional rental apartments.
Roughly 40% of dwellings are small apartment buildings, making it easy to find apartments in Corso Italia-Davenport, and the remaining houses are mainly duplexes, single detached homes, and townhouses. This part of the city is primarily composed of two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes. Around two-thirds of the population of this neighborhood own their home whereas the rest are renters. This part of the city experienced its most significant construction boom pre-1960, so most of the available housing is from this time period.
Lifestyle:
With notable Italian, Portuguese, and Latin American contingents, Corso-Italia Davenport is a fun, lively, and active neighborhood with landmarks, businesses, and attractions that reflect this cultural make-up. Heritage and national pride are evident throughout, especially during the World Cup and European soccer championships.
If you ever wondered how well Italy and Portugal get along, one visit to Corso-Italia Davenport will provide clarity. Your first impression might be Italian, but you’re just as likely to hear Portuguese being spoken, partly due to the Latin American contingent in the area. Still, you’ll note the influence of Italian immigrants, who are celebrated by The Monument to Italian-Canadian Immigrants. “Family, Work, Community.” Pretty much says it all.
Parks, Recreation & Culture
Considered Toronto’s second Italian neighborhood after Little Italy on College Street, Corso Italia-Davenport is a fun, lively, and active neighborhood with landmarks, businesses, and attractions, Corso Italia-Davenport also offers facilities for swimming, fitness, tennis, and an outdoor rink at the Joseph J. Piccininni Community Centre.
The Joseph J. Piccininni Community Centre is one of the largest such facilities in Toronto. Features programs for preschoolers to seniors, a large outdoor pool, tennis courts, and an ice rink.
Soccer & Railway Murals
1687 St. Clair Avenue West
The first mural pays tribute to the history of soccer and reflects the neighbourhood’s ‘football fever’, the importance of sportsmanship and team sport, and Torontonians’ ability to accept different cultures. The second mural pays tribute to Ontario’s railway history. Both murals were painted by Marcelo Pinero, Aelwynn Swanson, and Pia Ferrari from the Davenport Arts Community.
Earlscourt Park
1200 Lansdowne Avenue
Turning 100 years old this October, the largest greenspace in the neighbourhood features multipurpose sports fields, a children’s playground, a splash pad, and many walking trails. A historical plaque and World War One memorial describing the neighbourhood’s residents’ great contribution to the war effort is also located at the park entrance at Lansdowne Avenue and St. Clair Avenue W.
Stephanie Anacleto Art Box
Davenport Road and Lansdowne Avenue
The blue Portuguese design is a symbol of heritage. It is easily recognized as a motif of Portuguese identity.
Stairway House
1414 Davenport Road
*Note: Private property. Please observe the house from the street only. As you pass by this house on Davenport Road, you’ll notice it has over 40 steps! Built in 1912 by Robert James Dodds, this house includes many architectural features that were inspired by Dodds’ time in Mexico building houses such as its tile roof, awning-like curved eaves and front umbrage porch.
Earlscourt Branch
1625 Dufferin Street
Earlscourt Branch is a heritage designated Toronto Public Library branch dating to the early 1920s. Designed by architect Charles J. Gibson, the building stands out for its Georgian-style architecture, notably in its symmetry and the large columns that adorn the entrance.
Jay Wall Art Box
935 St. Clair Avenue West
This design serves as an homage to Jane Jacobs, the celebrated author, urban theorist, and activist who called Toronto home for many decades. It celebrates Jane’s legacy in advocating for the preservation of Toronto’s neighbourhoods, streets, and buildings. The design features one of Jane’s most poetic quotes: “What will remain of us is cities and songs”.
The Little House (1910)
128 Day Ave
*Note: Private property. Please observe the house from the street only. This is Toronto’s smallest home! It’s only 300 square feet and 7.25 feet wide. It was also featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2008.
Showcase on the Hudson Murals
1717 Dufferin Street
In collaboration with Hudson College and StreetARToronto, the graffiti arts collective Wallnoize brought together eleven artists to collaborate on the Hudson College wall facing Dufferin Street. Each artist used their artistry to demonstrate the power of creativity to the children and residents in the area. This mural spans almost an entire block along Dufferin Street.
St. Clair Streetcar
St. Clair Avenue West between Caledonia Road and Oakwood Avenue
The historic 512 route was one of the first five laneways in Toronto to become equipped with a streetcar and helped to develop the city’s midtown.
Shops and Restaurants
Do you love independent clothiers, fresh markets, and, of course, quaint restaurants and cafes? You’ll find all of that and more here, with a good mix of Italian and Latin American restaurants and other businesses that have called the neighborhood home for decades. The neighborhood’s must-visits include Rio 40, Frank’s Pizza House, and Novecento.
Great food and good times. Culinary immersion in authentic Italian restaurants, indulging at meat and cheese shops, and browsing vintage boutiques.
Frank’s Pizza House has been celebrated by numerous customer voting outlets not just for the best pizza in Toronto, but also for best delivery and best panzerotti/calzone! Can’t get any “best-er” than that!
Novecento, With a beautiful and inviting wood-laden entrance, Novecento Caffe brings an authentic taste of Italy to Toronto. Gelato, desserts, Paninis, and, of course, delicious coffees – with an ambiance that delivers an authentic Italian cafe experience.
Rio 40 brings a little taste of Brazil to the Corso-Italia Devenport neighbourhood, but also delivers some Portuguese and Italian dishes.? Known especially for its pizzas and desserts.
Tre Mari Bakery, From pastries to deli meats and everything in between, Tre Mari Bakery is a family business that has been catering to Corso-Italia Davenport for more than 50 years.
Transportation
Corso Italia-Davenport is an excellent part of Toronto for eco-friendly transportation options. Corso Italia-Davenport will attract physically active people as it is very conducive to walking; running daily errands is straightforward on foot, and a variety of businesses are reasonably close by. This neighborhood is also amenable to bicycling as there are a fair number of bike lanes. Corso Italia-Davenport features an excellent public transit infrastructure. For instance, homeowners benefit from a few bus lines, and the nearest bus stop is typically just around the corner.
Schools:
Corso Italia-Davenport has 10 Public schools, 9 Catholic schools, and 2 Private schools in this neighborhood, your kids can get a great education.
Public Schools:
Address: 991 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6E 1A3, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-1780 | Fax: (416) 393-8169 | Email: Oakwood@tdsb.on.ca
“Oakwood has been a place of excellence for 107 years. We are proud of our tradition and our commitment to students, parents and staff. Oakwood offers Extended French, and a Specialist High Skills Major in both Arts and Culture and in Sports. We are a “Triple A” school — we provide outstanding curricular and co-curricular programs in Academics, Athletics and the Arts, and our music, drama, visual arts, dance and athletic programs are highly regarded.” As originally published by Oakwood Collegiate Institute
F. H. Miller Junior Public School
Address: 300 Caledonia Rd, Toronto, ON M6E, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-2336 | Fax: (416) 394-4146 | Email: FHMiller@tdsb.on.ca
“F.H. Miller Junior Public School is located on the northwest corner of Caledonia Road and Rogers Road. The school was build in 1926 and was named for the first York School Board Chairman, Fred H. Miller. There have been several additions to the original building over the years and a new state-of-the art gymnasium and adventure playground were added in 2003. Our school is wheelchair accessible to the lower level. Through a Playground Greening Project we acquired a gazebo, many trees and shrubs and an updated Kindergarten play area, including a large sandbox and a cycling path. Hughes Daycare, located in the former Hughes Public School, 177 Caledonia Road, services our school community. We are supported by a very active School Council.” As originally published by F. H. Miller Junior Public School
Address: 330 Lansdowne Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 3Y1, Canada | Telephone: 416 532-6592
“L’école secondaire Toronto Ouest continue de bâtir un milieu d’apprentissage franchement exemplaire. Ce milieu diversifié, inclusif et sécuritaire offre à ses élèves des programmes d’excellence en sciences, mathématiques, langues, études sociales et arts. De nombreux clubs et activités socioculturelles et sportives viennent agrémenter le quotidien de nos élèves, leur permettant de joindre l’utile à l’agréable. Fondés sur des valeurs d’excellence, d’engagement et de dépassement de soi, l’enseignement et l’encadrement offerts à nos élèves leur permettent « de voir un avenir à la hauteur de leur vision où les choix de carrières sont guidés par leurs passions et qui offre la possibilité et les ressources nécessaires à leur réalisation.” As originally published by ÉS Toronto Ouest
Address: 65 Grace St, Toronto, ON M6J 2S4, Canada | Telephone: 416 397-2097
“Nous sommes heureux d’accueillir environ 360 élèves de la maternelle à la 6e année dans un milieu sécuritaire où il fait bon apprendre. À l’école élémentaire Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau, nous préconisons le développement global de l’enfant en mettant l’accent sur la pensée critique, la curiosité intellectuelle et l’imagination. Nous désirons outiller les enfants pour qu’ils prennent leur place dans un monde en évolution afin de devenir des citoyens engagés.” As originally published by É Élém Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau
Address: 55 Pelham Ave, Toronto, ON M6N 1A5, Canada | Telephone: 416 651-4630
“La communauté de Charles-Sauriol est accompagnée par un personnel enseignant dynamique et dévoué ainsi que des parents très impliqués et prêts à soutenir le développement des enfants. Une étroite collaboration entre le milieu scolaire, la famille et la communauté est essentielle à la réussite de tous les élèves. Le personnel de l’école a à cœur le bien-être de tous les élèves. La différentiation pédagogique, les projets touchant divers intérêts, l’enfance en difficulté, le programme d’Actualisation linguistique du français (ALF) et le programme d’aide pour les nouveaux arrivants (PANA) sont le pivot de l’enseignement à l’école Charles-Sauriol.” As originally published by É Élém Charles-Sauriol
Carleton Village Junior and Senior Sports and Wellness Academy
Address: 315 Osler St, Toronto, ON M6N 2Z4, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-1600 | Fax: (416) 393-1603 | Email: CarletonVillage@tdsb.on.ca
“Carleton Village Junior and Senior Sports and Wellness Academy serve approximately 275 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. Carleton Village houses a Daycare, a Parenting Centre, the Etobicoke Children’s Centre, and a swimming pool. Several co-curricular and after school enrichment programs are also provided for students. Carleton Village has numerous partnerships including Toronto Foundation for Student Success, The Learning Partnership, Arts for Children and Youth, Scientists in School programs, Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club, and the Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre.” As originally published by Carleton Village Junior and Senior Sports and Wellness Academy
Winona Drive Senior Public School
Address: 101 Winona Dr, Toronto, ON M6G 3S8, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-1680 | Fax: (416) 393-1672 | Email: Winona@tdsb.on.ca
“Winona Drive Public School is located south of St. Clair Avenue West between Bathurst and Dufferin streets. The building was constructed in 1959 as a fourth addition to McMurrich Junior Public School. Although McMurrich and Winona are physically joined, they are separate in terms of administration, teaching staff, and grades/programs offered. Winona Drive Senior Public School strives to provide excellence in education for the young adolescent. Through partnership with the home, our staff provide opportunities for our students to learn and grow intellectually, socially and emotionally. Students have clearly outlined responsibilities which accompany their rights. We have expectations of them, and for them, both in the classroom and beyond.“ As originally published by Winona Drive Senior Public School
Address: 231 Glenholme Ave, York, ON M6E 3C7, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-3080 | Fax: (416) 394-4159 | Email: Rawlinson@tdsb.on.ca
“Ecole Communautaire / Rawlinson Community School officially opened in 1921. We serve an ethnocultural diverse population, representing over 40 different languages with an enrolment of 670 students. We are a triple-track school, offering: an English program for students from JK to Grade 8; an Early French Immersion program for students from SK to Grade 8; and an Extended French program for students from Grades 4 to 8. We are a deeply committed team of educators who believe that all students can achieve and flourish. We are proud of the work we do together with our parents, our staff, and our community.” As originally published by Rawlinson Community School
Regal Road Junior Public School
Address: 95 Regal Rd, Toronto, ON M6H 2J6, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-1390 | Fax: (416) 393-1392 | Email: Regal@tdsb.on.ca
“The mission of Regal Road Public School is to strive for equity and excellence for all students in partnership with the community. Regal Road Public School is situated on the northeast corner of Davenport Road and Dufferin Street. It is a dynamic dual-track school with an enrolment of approximately 550 students. Our students represent diverse ethnocultural and family backgrounds. While two-thirds of the students speak English at home, over 45 language groups are represented.” As originally published by Regal Road Junior Public School
McMurrich Junior Public School
Address: 115 Winona Dr, Toronto, ON M6G 3S8, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-1770 | Fax: (416) 393-1765 | Email: McMurrich@tdsb.on.ca
“In 1912, a new school proudly bearing the name of the first chair of the Toronto School Board opened its doors at 115 Winona Drive. Today, over 100 years later McMurrich Junior School is a robust thriving community of educators, support staff, parents, and highly motivated children. It is a community where students are helped to discover their dreams and aspirations in life. We offer a comprehensive school program for students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6.” As originally published by McMurrich Junior Public School
Catholic and Private School:
Address: 1205 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6E 1B5, Canada | Telephone: 416.855.5572 | Email: info@uchenna.ca
“A student’s academic life at Uchenna Academy is comprised of daily lecture delivery in a small classroom environment. Each classroom is capped at 8 students, ensuring ample time for individualized teacher support. Uchenna Academy full-time students are provided with a personal notebook (laptop) for the duration of the school year. This allows each student continual, non-disrupted ability to access all course materials available online, homework completion & submission, and teacher or student communication & feedback.” As originally published by Uchenna Academy
Address: 21 Ascot Avenue, Toronto, ON M6E | Telephone: (416) 631-0082
“Hudson College is a private, non-denominational, co-educational day school offering a balanced curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten through to University/College entrance. Situated on a 4.5-acre campus in central Toronto, Hudson is dedicated to developing the whole child – academically, socially, and emotionally – in a safe and nurturing environment. Fully accredited and inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education, we offer a full range of credits leading to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, which in turn prepares students for entry into universities in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and other countries around the world. Hudson College focuses on every student’s personal needs in education and learning. This is evident in the College’s TOTAL PERSONAL SUPPORT™ system. At Hudson, every student is educated, not as part of a group of students, but as an individual person in a supportive, nurturing environment.” As originally published by Hudson College
Address: 151 Rosemount Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 2N1, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5511 | Fax: 416-393-5879
“Loretto College is a single-gender school for girls. Founded by the sisters of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (better known as the Loretto Sisters) in 1915, the school continues to focus on developing the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical aspects of the individual student.” As originally published by Loretto College School
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
Address: 270 Laughton Ave, Toronto, ON M6N 2X8, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5374 | Fax: 416-393-5842
“Saint Paul VI Catholic School is a community formed by Catholic beliefs and traditions. Our Mission is to educate all our students to their full potential. Catholic education is an activity in building relationships with Christ and with each other. A key message that we would like to share with families is that Pope Paul VI Catholic School welcomes all children with diverse learning needs. Our staff is dedicated to nurturing each child’s spiritual, academic, physical, social, and emotional growth in a caring Catholic environment, in partnership with families.” As originally published by Saint Paul VI Catholic School
Address: 124 Northcliffe Blvd, York, ON M6E 3K4, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5214 | Fax: 416-393-5026
“In a school community formed by Catholic beliefs and traditions, the mission of St. Clare, in harmony with the mission of the Toronto Catholic District School Board, is to educate students to their full potential. This is achieved by providing a safe and welcoming learning environment that is an example of a Christian community, by the integration of Gospel Values into the total learning experience, and by providing continual feedback on student progress. We seek to provide a Catholic education that will enable our students to become responsible, self-discipline, life-long learners, and members of a caring local and global community.” As originally published by St. Clare Catholic School
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
St. Mary of the Angels Catholic School
Address: 1477 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6H 4C7, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5228 | Fax: 416-393-5812
“In a school community formed by Catholic beliefs and traditions, the mission of St. Mary of the Angels, in harmony with the mission of the Toronto Catholic District School Board, is to educate students to their full potential. This is achieved by providing a safe and welcoming learning environment that is an example of a Christian community, by the integration of Gospel Values into the total learning experience, and by providing continual feedback on student progress. We seek to provide a Catholic education that will enable our students to become responsible, self-discipline, life-long learners and members of a caring local and global community.” As originally published by St. Mary of the Angels Catholic School
Address: 125 La Rose Ave, Etobicoke, ON M9P 1A6, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5384 | Fax:
416-393-5087
“Our school’s mission is to offer our students a rich spiritual, academic, and cultural formation in the light of the Gospel values, challenging them to achieve excellence in a stimulating, culturally rich, community-based, and welcoming environment. Together with the Catholic School Advisory Council, the School strives to provide our students with the most current educational and technological resources available to us through the Ministry of Education and the School Board to enhance their learning opportunities.” As originally published by St. Demetrius Catholic School
Address: 31 Ascot Ave, Toronto, ON M6E 1E6, Canada
“Stella Maris Catholic School is dedicated to nurturing all students academically, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. It is located in an urban Toronto community, with a population of approximately 420 students in a K – 8 program. The school hosts an area program for students who have multiple exceptionalities and is also an extended day school where students receive instruction in the Portuguese or the Italian international languages.” As originally published by Stella Maris Catholic School
St. Nicholas of Bari Catholic School
Address: 363 Rogers Rd, York, ON M6E 1R6, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5355 | Fax: 416-393-5080
“St. Nicholas of Bari Catholic School provides a Catholic education for the students living in the vicinity of Rogers Road and Caledonia. Located within the former city of York, extending north to Eglinton, and south to St. Clair, the narrow school boundaries draw children from close to 500 families. During its early years, the school community was composed primarily of Italian families who had recently immigrated to Canada. Over the years the school community has changed significantly. The present population of students is now a diverse blend of cultural backgrounds. While Portuguese continues to predominate, many families of Spanish heritage from Central and South America have recently joined the school community. Despite its fluctuating population, however, what has remained constant is the unique educational needs of the students to develop the language skills necessary to integrate successfully into Canadian society while developing pride and confidence in their home culture.” As originally published by St. Nicholas of Bari Catholic School
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