Neighbourhood
Dufferin grove is known for the wonderful Dufferin Grove Park which is a destination point for people all over the city. The area is a family friendly neighbourhod with good home sizes and lots of great amenities, schools and easy public transit. Residents enjoy the tree lined streets and many beautiful gardens. The neighbourhoods has become a ‘hip’ place to live with many restaurants, specialty shops and boutique stores along Bloor and College.
The Dufferin Grove neighbourhood is bordered by Bloor Street West (North), Ossington Ave (East), College Street (South), and Dufferin Street (West).
History
The Dufferin Grove district was founded by the Denison Family in 1792 when they emigrated from England to Canada. When the city expanded in 1834, the family decided to clear the forest covering their property, and cultivate the land. The crops they produced on this land brought the family financial wealth for many years. In the 1880’s housing developments were on the rise and their crops were soon replaced by rows of houses.
Real Estate
The neighbourhood is mainly a mix of two or three-storey detached or semi-detached homes built between 1890-1930. The homes tend to be larger than many similar type houses in downtown Toronto which makes the area very attractive to buy in. The style of the homes range from Edwardian, Victorian as well as English Cottage style architecture.
Living in Dufferin Grove
Life in Dufferin Grove is family focused with everything nearby and a relaxed ambiance. Dufferin Mall has retail stores, department stores, a grocery store, specialty stores, and service stores. There is also a family area for kids, and a youth learning center which hosts readings, arts and storytelling programs. For more shopping options, Bloor Street, College and Dundas also have lots of stores and restaurants. The Dufferin Grove Park is a popular destination as it has a community bake oven, a campfire, a music circle, a vegetable and flower garden, arts classes, a live theatre and a naturalization project, along with many festivals each year. There is also a basketball court, a wading pool, a field, an ice rink and tennis courts. Another popular spot is the YMCA on College Street, which has a gym and a pool, along with the Bloor/Gladstone Public Library, which also offers programs for all ages.
Schools
Dewson Street Junior Public School (English & French) | JK-6
Ossington/Old Orchard Junior Public School | JK-6
ALPHA II Alternative School | Grades 7-12
St Mary’s Catholic Secondary School | Grades 7-12
