In a neighbourhood that’s walkable to just about everything, the Annex is home to an abundance of shops, landmark buildings and Toronto’s most prestigious university. It’s a historic area dating back to 1887, and home to prominent Torontonians, and streets lined with grand Victorian homes and mansions.
The student-friendly neighbourhood between Dupont and Bloor, just east of Bathurst, is always evolving with an eclectic mix of residents, new condo projects and the exciting redevelopment of Honest Ed’s and the Mirvish Village corner. A coffee shop on every block, more all-you-eat sushi than your heart’s desire, and homemade ice cream at Greg’s——life in the Annex tastes really, really good. Here are three things you probably didn’t know about this incredibly vibrant neighbourhood.
The Ed and Anne Mirvish Parkette
Quietly located in front of Bathurst station, the Ed and Anne Mirvish Parkette honours the prominent couple who introduced Honest Ed’s to Toronto over 65 years ago. With the recent sale of Mirvish Village, the major intersection at the southwest corner of Bathurst and Bloor is about to be redeveloped with a new design for family-sized rental apartments, a public market, retail shops and a green space. Next time you’re at Bathurst station, take a peek at the plaque just outside the doors, honouring one of Toronto’s most influential couples.
Bloor could have been named Bloore Street
If not for a clerical error, Toronto’s major street might have been called “Bloore Street.” Named after Joseph Bloore, a brewer who founded Yorkville in 1830, somehow had the “e” dropped from his last name. The name has been disputed over the years, and if you
want to check out his stone for verification, Bloore was buried at the Necropolis Cemetery (pictured above), one of the city’s oldest grave sites, at Bayview and Rosedale Valley Road.
A very (ye olde) building
Located at the corner of Brunswick and Bloor sits a landmark building in the neighbourhood. The Brunswick House or “the Brunny,” the legendary pub and music venue, was founded in 1876. Over the years, the historical building with its Edwardian facade has undergone an interior renovation, still keeping the original character of the time period. Brunswick St. is named after royalty——honouring Caroline Brunswick, the wife of King George IV. Next time you grab a pint, check out the history of the street and one of Toronto’s oldest pubs.
Ed Mirvish photo via Toronto Plaques by Wayne Adam
Cemetery photo via Wikipedia by Simon P
Brunswick House photo via BrunswickHouse.com
