It’s called the Junction because it’s, well, a junction, originally of two First Nations trails and then of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s Ontario and Quebec lines with the Toronto, Grey and Bruce and Credit Valley lines.
Don’t confuse the Junction with the Junction Triangle, the neighbouring area east and north of the curving Dundas West. The Village of West Toronto Junction was founded in 1884 at the intersection of Dundas and Keele and merged with the nearby villages of Carlton and Davenport in 1889.
Italian, Polish, Macedonian, Croatian, Irish and Maltese immigrants moved to the area from 1900 and 1920. Now it’s one of the fastest growing communities of young families and hipsters, with galleries and condo developments and a burgeoning food scene.
Famously designated dry for decades, the Junction is now a hotbed of craft beer activity. Here’s more info on where to eat, drink and shop in this rapidly developing neighbourhood.
Junction snapshot
PARAMETERS (as defined by the city of Toronto):
From Runnymede in the west to the train tracks on the east, and from Annette and Humberside in the south to roughly Glen Scarlett in the north.
ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES:
- City councillor Sarah Doucette (first elected 2010)
- MPP Cheri DiNovo (NDP, first elected 2006)
- MPs Arif Virani, (Liberal, Parkdale-High Park) Ahmed Hussen (York South-Weston)
POPULATION (as of most recent 2011 census): 14,027
PRIVATE HOUSEHOLDS BY LIVING ARRANGEMENT:
- Couples without children 31.6%
- Couples with children 39%
- Lone-parent family households 15.4%
- Other family households 14%
LANGUAGES SPOKEN AT HOME:
- English 74%
- Multiple languages 5%
- Portuguese 3.5%
- Vietnamese 2.7%
- Spanish 2.0%
ECONOMIC PROFILE:
- Employment rate 69% (above city average of 58%)
- Median after-tax household income $53,804
- Average after-tax household income $64,158
- Percentage of residents who are low-income 13% (below city’s 19%)
Average house price
- Detached $968,000
- Semi-detached $847,000
- Condo townhouse $532,000
- Condo apartment $431,000
Average rents
- Bachelor $928
- 1-bedroom $1,246
- 2-bedroom $1,679
- 3-bedroom or larger $2,088
FUN HISTORICAL FACTS:
The Heinzman piano company, founded in 1866, opened its first factory in the Junction. The first Queen’s Plate horse race ran at the Junction’s Carleton racetrack.
Tanja-Tiziana
Where to eat
As the Junction becomes an increasingly popular home base for young professionals and families in Toronto, its culinary scene is growing in step, boasting plenty of restaurants and bars worth visiting.
If you’re jonesing for brunch on the weekend, head to Farmhouse Tavern (1627 Dupont, 416-561-9114). For something lighter, head to Full Stop (2948 Dundas West) and indulge in a latte and a peanut-butter-banana breakfast cookie.
Cut the Cheese (2901 Dundas West, 416-901-7166) does quick and cheesy lunches like grilled cheese sandwiches or mac and cheese, topped off with wacky house ketchup flavours like root beer or dill pickle. (Be sure to try the mac with butternut squash and roasted tomato.) Healthy eaters should pull up one of the mismatched chairs at The Beet (2945 Dundas West, 416-916-2368), a café and lunch spot that does juices, smoothies, hearty salads and spicy wraps with local, organic ingredients.
If your sweet tooth demands satisfaction, Bunner’s (3054 Dundas West, 647-352-2975) is a gluten-free bakery with something for everyone – their cinnamon buns are the stuff of legend. If you’re down with dairy, load up on truffles and quirky ice cream flavours (Quebec blue cheese, anyone?) at Delight Chocolate (3040 Dundas West, 416-760-9995).
Dinner destinations are where this neighbourhood really shines. A must-stop for seafood lovers is Honest Weight (2766 Dundas West, 416-604-9992), where you can pick up fresh, responsibly sourced catches from around the world to cook at home or get the kitchen to pan-fry yours to order.
Tanja-Tiziana
The Playa Cabana family of restaurants serves up laid-back Mexicana – and lots of tequila – at Cantina (2883 Dundas West, 647-352-7767). If beer’s more your thing, sample the brews at Indie Ale House (2876 Dundas West, 416-760-9691) and sink your teeth into some IPA mac and cheese or one heck of a burger.
Want to dim the lights for date night? Stop by The Passenger (2968 Dundas West, 416-762-0777), a cozy little spot with a menu of Prohibition-inspired cocktails and eats like charcuterie boards, Arctic char and harissa-spiced chicken (they also do brunch).
Classic Italian is represented at long-running neighbourhood standby Vesuvio (3010 Dundas West, 416-763-4191), while the Annette Food Market (240 Annette, 647-792-6963) does a more modernized take, including Italian small plates and Neapolitan-style pizza. For Northern Indian and Mughlai eats, head to Curry Twist (3034 Dundas West, 416-769-5460).
To cap off your evening, grab a pint at Hole in the Wall (2867 Dundas West, 647-350-3564), take in a show and play some pinball at 3030 (3030 Dundas West, 416-769-5736) or crush some board games or a few rounds of Sega Genesis at See-Scape (2840 Dundas West, 647-853-9892).
Where to shop
The Junction hasn’t yet surrendered to full-on gentrification. Yes, a few condos are going up, but the area still has its low-rise, architecturally diverse buildings and indie spirit. This is a neighbourhood that can keep you well dressed, well furnished and well read.
Cheol Joon Baek
Let’s start with well furnished. This is the place to go for cool custom furniture. There’s Cornerstone Home Interiors (2886 Dundas West, 416-767-8170) and Funkyture (2912 Dundas West, 647-779-2212) Forever Interiors (2903 Dundas West, 416-291-2001), which makes furniture from wood reclaimed from barns and churches Eclectic Revival (3075 Dundas West, 416-766-5500) for your vintage lighting needs and Mjölk (2959 Dundas West, 416-551-9853, ), your source for minimalist Scandinavian and Japanese chic. We considered the copper kettle but wondered if it was too good for us.
Tanja-Tiziana
Now you need something to wear for your housewarming. We fell in love with a pair of Outclass Attire shoes at men’s store Gerhard Supply (2949 Dundas West, 416-797-1290) and were told the designer does make smaller sizes. Sold! For retro dresses and summer-perfect playsuits and swimwear there’s the Black Daffodil (3097 Dundas West, 647-726-9400). Your Big Sister’s Closet (3126 Dundas West, 647-351-7587) carries plus-size clothing, and there’s nary a paisley or tacky rhinestone to be seen. Grab the off-the-shoulder ruffle dress. You’ll wear it all season. Top it off with a pair of vintage glasses from Opticianado (2919 Dundas West, 416-604-2020).
Atmosphere is a selling point in the Junction, and there’s tons of it at Pandemonium Records (2920 Dundas West, 416-769-5257), which has enough vinyl – and books – to create whatever mood you want. This is a store made for browsing, so plan on spending some time flipping through the used record collection and that little pile of Enid Blyton books on the floor.
The Junction is also the home of international success story IZ Adaptive Clothing (2955 Dundas West, 416-860-0783), which has designer attire for people using wheelchairs. This is where you can get pants that don’t bunch or sit too low, and coats and capes that don’t bunch up in the back.
And, yes, there’s a Dollarama (2890 Dundas West, 416-769-7516), which is its own retail experience.
More great Junction businesses
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ARTiculations
ARTiculations is an independently owned and operated community hub offering quality art supplies and services to artists and creative explorers of all ages. We are passionate about the power of creativity and its potential for personal transformation. Discover our thoughtful selection of quality artist tools and materials in our retail store and online shop. As makers ourselves, we choose to carry the finest products available from around the world and are committed to partnerships with companies whose goal is quality and craftsmanship for the professional artist. We also offer one-day workshops, demonstrations, lectures and intensives for kids and adults.
FB: ARTiculations, TW: @_ARTiculations_, IG: articulations_to
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Junction Guitars
At our Toronto guitar store, you can find many new and used guitars from brand names like Gretsch, Fender, Gibson, Yamaha and Sigma Guitars, as well as Vox and Marshall amplifiers. We cater to both amateur hobbyists and serious musicians. Visit us today to see our wide selection. If you already have an instrument you love but it isn’t working properly, you should also drop by. We perform a wide range of professional guitar repairs, whether it’s a small problem or a major overhaul. Our experts can handle the job.
FB: Junction Guitars, TW: @junctionguitars, IG: junctionguitars
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Take Note
Take Note is a modern pen and stationary shop where the art of writing comes to life. We offer a selection of writing instruments and accessories, notebooks, paper products and everyday gift items – from pen and ink to paper. Take Note is curated by a fine arts graduate-turned-retail professional and Junction local, Jolanta Petrycka. She has over 20 years of retail, design and merchandising experiencing, including more than 15 years in a stationery and writing instruments business.
FB: Take Note Store, IG: takenotestore
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The Gerald Isaac Studio
The Storefront Studio has been operating for 13 years in the Toronto Junction Arts District. Artistic Director Gerald Isaac is an alumnus of The National Theatre School and a highly experienced and respected performer, mentor and teacher. Gerald pays close attention to each student’s individual needs and is extremely adept at discovering their hidden strengths and tapping into their personal talents. The studio specializes in multiple aspects of performance and takes students from 12 years of age to mature adults.
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Snug as a Bug
If you haven’t had the joy of wearing a onesie (or one-piece suit) yet, read on. Ours are proudly made in Canada with remarkably soft polar fleece. We’ve been in the business for over a decade and have outfitted ski teams, Super Bowl fans, dance crews, summer camps, company gatherings – you name it. Most importantly, we outfit folks who like to celebrate their quirky side in the most comfortable way imaginable. Our brick-and-mortar store is open seven days a week and is the best place to try on your onesie. We also have countless other functional products and doo-dads for on-the-go moms. Come by anytime!
FB: Snug as a Bug, TW: @snug_as_a_bug
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Junction City Music Hall
2907 Dundas W, Toronto, OntarioProbably the most fun you’ve had in a basement since high school. Junction City Music Hall has all the correct ingredients for a great night out. Low pretension and high-caliber talent on stage – it’s where you’ll probably see your next favourite band for the first time. Featuring a great selection of cold craft beer, vintage arcade and pinball tables as well as good folks on both sides of the bar, Junction City Music Hall is the neighbourhood’s first choice for an awesome time.
FB: Junction City Music Hall, TW: @junctioncitymh, IG: junctioncitymusichall
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Pekota Design
Pekota is industrial elegance, a union of industrial aesthetic with the sophisticated elegance of a bygone era. We are a Toronto-based design firm specializing in the manufacturing of retail furniture, lighting and accessories. By making all of our products locally we are able to have greater quality control and quick production. Our greatest asset is our manufacturing process, which includes no welding and allows all of our goods to be flat-packed and shipping to be economical and environmentally friendly. All of our components can be replaced individually and our material is sustainable, strong, resilient and designed to last lifetimes.
FB: Metropolis Factory, TW: @pekotadesign, Pin: Pekota Design
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Oaks n’ Acorns Junction
The Oaks n’ Acorns activity studio is the perfect place for parents and children to socialize, play and connect with other families in a bright, clean and welcoming space. This social hub was created for parents by parents, with a focus on quality programming for young children that stimulates and encourages the growth of young minds in many interest areas, from music to art, dance, sport and interactive play. Members of the community can enjoy the café, participate in bake and craft workshops or special events and book the entire studio for private birthday parties. Parents can also excel preschool learning through the Lil’ Learners Preschool Program.
FB: Oaks n’ Acorns, TW: @oaks_n_acorns, IG: oaks_n_acorns
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Above Ground Art Supplies
2868 Dundas W, Toronto, Ontario M6P 1Y9Above Ground has long been the go-to resource for many artists and students in need of creative supplies since the first location opened in 1983, just down the street from OCADU. Since then, Above Ground has opened in the Beach and Junction neighbourhoods, making sure artists in the west end and the east end have access to the staggering selection of materials each store offers. The Junction location, which opened in 2012, may not have the size of the massive and well-known McCaul St. store, but every inch is filled with art supplies for every skill level and budget.
FB: Above Ground TO, TW: @AboveGroundTO, IG: AboveGround.Art
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Axis Gallery & Grill
3048 Dundas W, Toronto, Ontario M6P 1Z3Located in the heart of the new art district and historic Junction neighbourhood, Axis Gallery & Grill provides warm ambiance, friendly staff, great food and rockin’ live music. Having a get together and need a place to host it? No problem! Axis has you covered. We have a great downstairs lounge with leather couches, big screen TV, pool table and, of course, a bar! Don’t hesitate to call Axis for a reservation or event booking.
FB: Axis Gallery & Grill, TW: @axisgrill
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Junction Health Centre
Located in the heart of Junction community, Junction Health is a medical health practice with an emphasis on patient-centred care that encompasses a wide array of multidisciplinary services: chiropractic, naturopathy, massage therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, chiropody, orthotics, nutrition services and products, shockwave therapy, bracing and compression stockings and even skin therapy. The skilled team of multidisciplinary health care professionals at Junction Health helps patients to reach their maximal health benefits and optimal performance potential through innovative rehabilitation and integrated evidence-based medicine. We are involved and are here to serve our community.
FB: Junction Health Centre, TW: @junctionhealth
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Picture It Framed
For more than 30 years, renowned Junction business owner Pat Schnurr of acclaimed company Picture It Framed has dedicated herself to the craft of picture framing and conserving works of art on paper. Pat is a prize-winning framer and offers a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you showcase your valued works. A priceless piece of art, your child’s first painting or a precious momento – all work will be given the same professional care and result in a finished product that will be cherished for years and admired by all.
FB: Picture It Framed Toronto, TW: @pictureitframed
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See-Scape
See-Scape is a one-of-a-kind sci-fi café and bar/event space. We’re a hangout spot for people who love to play video games and board games, as well as a place for those who love art and science fiction. Play a game and check out the art while enjoying our selection of food and drinks. See-Scape features an awesome team of individuals who are very friendly and will try to make sure you have a great experience. We encourage people to teach workshops and classes or host events in our space. We want to create a great community hub.
FB: See-Scape Toronto, TW: @See_Scape
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The Art of Demolition
390 Keele, Toronto, OntarioWe are a Toronto-based company that began as M3C Demolition and quickly built up a collection of antiques during our demolition projects – items that transformed our business into The Art of Demolition. We sell antiques, vintage and retro items as well as salvaged, repurposed and reclaimed products. All of our custom furniture is one of a kind. We use thick cuts of salvaged wood taken from old houses, barns and apartments throughout Canada. The Art of Demolition also produces works of art out of leftovers from Canadian industrial demolition sites, from signs to ceiling panels to mailboxes. We recently expanded, so come check out our store.
FB: Art of Demolition, TW: @artofdemolition, IG: artofdemolition
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Helen + Hildegard
Beauty infused in everything: this is the H+H philosophy. From natural beauty care sourced from local and global green brands, to nature inspired jewelry and botanically themed gifts for body, mind & soul.
For the discerning tea lover, customized blends made by herbalists on staff at the organic tea dispensary support health and wellness from the inside out.
Guided workshops taught by specialists in their field take place in the H+H studio space on such topics as making your own skin care, traditional soap making, therapeutic herbs as well as kids classes making soaps & bath fizzies offer a unique DIY experience.
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Studio Cycle Group
2923 Dundas W, Toronto, Ontario M6P 1Z1Welcome to Studio Cycle Group, conveniently located in Toronto for all of your scooter and motorcycle needs! We are all riding enthusiasts and know what it takes to have a fun and safe riding experience. We offer new and used sales, a huge selection of riding gear and accessories, special order parts, detailing, storage, equipment rental and more. Our Class A licensed mechanics repair all makes and models and are dedicated to helping you get your bike back on the road quickly and economically.
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Junction Craft Brewery
Junction Craft Brewing was established in Toronto’s historic west end Junction neighbourhood in 2011. Their mission is to create balanced, flavourful versions of diverse beer styles, while sharing a passion for their enjoyment with a wide range of beer drinkers. Visit our brewery, taproom and retail store located at 101-90 Cawthra.
In early 2017, Junction Craft will open the doors of a brand new brewery and craft beer destination to be built at 150 Symes Road within the former Symes Road Incinerator. All aboard!
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Indie Ale House
The Indie Alehouse is a small, craft brewery in the heart of the west end of Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood. We focus on big flavourful ales, all made in-house to pair with our amazing food program. Small batch brewing means there is always something new and exciting on tap or available in our onsite Bottle Shop to take home with you.
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Haveli Home
At Haveli Home, we specialize in furniture, home accessories and textiles from the Indian subcontinent.
We are often asked what the name of the store refers to. The word Haveli is derived from pre-Islamic Persian, and describes an enclosed area. This is a very apt description for these dwellings that face inward to a central courtyard surrounded by walls with only the upper façade looking out to the world. To the trader and nobility of Rajasthan, northwestern India, the haveli was his home, his status, his headquarters and his fortification. This is a very simplified explanation of the haveli, as the diversity of structure and size varies from area to area.
FB: Haveli Home, P: Haveli Home
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Cornerstone Home Interiors
Love Being Home.
At Cornerstone our inventory is kept fresh with hundreds of hand-selected items arriving weekly. Always on-trend, yet so unique you won’t find it anywhere else! From live edge tables to French armoires, gorgeous textiles and hand crafted glassware, you won’t believe the selection!! Come in and see for yourself.
Our Toronto location is over 18,000 square feet and is stacked high with amazing inventory. In Cambridge, our flagship store is 50,000 square feet – the largest in the region!
All items can be purchased directly off the showroom floor so there is no wait time. Take it with you or have it delivered within a couple of days.
FB: Cornerstone Home, P: CSHome
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Williams
A husband and wife team, Bonnie and Clay source everything from stacks of mid-century and commercial chairs to taxidermy and antique science. Scavenging from rural Ontario and the eastern United States, they stock large quantities of vintage lighting, lamp parts and hardware, as well as industrial furniture salvaged from closed factories, schools and old barns. Williams is also a great source for vintage barware, fiestaware, art, old signs and obscure décor items, offering one of the widest selections in the city. Check out our website williamsdesign.ca to see the diverse range of items we offer.
IG: williamsdesignTO
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Curry Twist
3034 Dundas West, Toronto, OntarioCurry Twist believes in authenticity and serves amazing delectable dishes that provide the true taste of a rich tradition. To appreciate this varied cuisine, one must understand the philosophy that influences Indian food: Ayurveda is an ancient body of knowledge on health and life. The other notable influence on Indian cuisine is that of the Mughals that ruled Northern India for centuries. The differing culinary techniques were combined, contributing to vast knowledge and understanding of spices and traditional Indian ingredients.
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Latitude 44
With over 25 years of corporate and retail framing experience, Janet and Mary Ann own and operate an extensive custom framing workshop and gallery. They are proud to have served – and continue to serve – both corporate and residential clients. Latitude 44 Gallery Framing Decor is a multifaceted company dedicated to art in all its traditional disciplines, as well as cutting edge mediums. Our mission is to showcase, support and preserve the work of Canadian artists. As professional framing experts, we offer a select and extensive line of frames and framing materials in addition to an eclectic selection of décor.
FB: Latitude 44 Gallery Framing, TW: @latitude44art
