Little Portugal

Bounded on the west by Lansdowne Avenue, on the north by College Street, on the east by Ossington Avenue and on the south by the Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National Railway CNR/CPR mainline railway tracks. The area west of Dufferin Street was a part of the former Town of Brockton. There is a fine stock of mid-century homes.

It’s no surprise that Little Portugal (also known as Portugal Village) is home to Toronto’s large Portuguese community in the “Old” City of Toronto who made this enclave their home in the 50’s and 60’s. For the past few years, this group has experienced a demographic shift. Older families and Boomers are moving away to the suburbs and the area is being repopulated with urban professionals who seek urban living with flair and amenities at their doorstep. Other ethnic groups have also begun to populate the area, notably from Brazil, China and Vietnam, contributing to the multi-cultural fabric of the community. The area is mainly residential with several remaining local Portuguese businesses along Dundas Street West and College Street. While this is still the best place to grab a custard tart and watch World Cup soccer, several hot new restaurants and design shops, lured by cheap rents, have infiltrated the neighbourhood. Locals love the long stretches of side-walks dotted with boutiques and night-life hotspots.

A major hub of activity in the area today is McCormick Park, home to McCormick Recreation Centre and Arena on Brock Avenue. This area has long been a focal point for youth living in the area. Area schools include a mix of junior, middle and high schools.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, this is a very walkable neighbourhood with an eclectic mix of Victorian and Edwardian row, semi- and detached brick and brick front homes and a thriving social scene. Little Portugal is the perfect place to live if you crave convenience and a colourful street-scape.

Skills

Posted on

March 30, 2020