aToronto Real Estate Agents | Julie Kinnear

RONCESVALLES VILLAGE is home to some of Toronto's most vibrant shopping districts, and it is naturally appealing with its tree lined streets and affordable, well preserved Edwardian and Victorian homes on deep lots. The area is a mix of leafy residential streets and small, family-owned retail and food shops as well as a very popular strip of organic cafes, Thai restaurants, greengrocers and hip specialty shops. It is also within walking distance of Toronto's waterfront parks, the Western Beaches and Boardwalk.

Updated Report Dec 17/09 - report on all the businesses closing because of the lengthy construction - and lack of foot traffic and parking...

The Toronto Star Chronicled the Roncesvalles Makeover

- as the street is currently completely under construction replacing the 100year old sewers, and streetcar tracks.

It is destined for new sidewalks and streetcar stops that Councillor Perks hopes will turn Roncesvalles into a "model village," a paradise for pedestrians, cyclists and shop owners alike.

Along Roncesvalles the sidewalk will be extended onto the street at each streetcar stop, lining up with the entrances to the new streetcars to create a completely accessible system. Cyclists will be able to ride onto these "bumpouts," which will also make more room for patios and street merchandise.

Construction to be finished in 2010.

Roncesvalles Avenue — Streetscape Improvements

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment

Notice of Study Completion

The City of Toronto has completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study to examine potential streetscape improvements on Roncesvalles Avenue between Queen Street West and Dundas Street West.

The following design elements are recommended for Roncesvalles Avenue:

• Provide bump-outs with transit platforms to allow level boarding to new TTC vehicles.

• One travel lane in each direction approximately 4.3 metres in width.

• Parking lay-bys on each side of the street approximately 2.0 metres in width.

• Boulevard and sidewalk width increased in some areas to increase public space and reduce crossing distances.

The study was carried out following the requirements for Schedule B projects under the Municipal Class EA.

A Project File has been placed on public record for a 30-day review period starting Thursday, October 29, 2009 and ending Saturday, November 28, 2009.

It will be available for review at:

Urban Affairs Library Metro Hall 55 John Street south of King 416-397-7241

High Park Library 228 Roncesvalles Avenue 416-393-7671

City Hall Library Nathan Phillips Square 100 Queen St. West 416-393-7650

Roncesvalles Avenue

After WWII, the Roncesvalles area was transformed by the arrival of many European newcomers that included a large number of Poles. The Roncesvalles Village shopping district north of Queen St. is the cultural centre of Toronto's Polish community. (Although considered to be a prominently Polish community, the last 50 years has seen many ethnic groups settle in the area.) An afternoon stroll through this area will take you past eating establishments specializing in traditional cuisine: sausages, hand-made pierogies, sauerkraut, cabbage rolls and hearty soups like the delicious beet-based borscht, perfect for a cool day. There are many outstanding food markets, delis and restaurants along this route. Fun, community-based cultural events take place frequently, such as the Roncesvalles Village Polish Festival, a weekend event held every September.

For another vibrant commercial shopping area, Queen Street is ever-changing and full of interesting stores.  There are many antique shops to crawl/roam through, and a full-on competition for budding chefs to open a gourmet restaurant to take advantage of this trendy spot.

Roncesvalles Queen of Tarts

High Park, with its 399 acres of parkland including picnic areas, flower gardens, animal paddocks, an outdoor amphitheatre, sports facilities and a large pond, is within walking distance. Sorauren Park is the main outdoor community meeting place, with many gatherings for dog lovers as well as the famous post-Halloween jack o' lantern display. The recreational paths along the waterfront are easily accessible. Additonal nearby parks include Charles G. Williams Park at Sorauren & Wabash.

There are also four community centres serving the area:

• Keele Community Recreation Centre, 182 Glenlake
• Parkdale Community Recreation Centre, 75 Lansdowne
• Masaryk/Cowan Community Recreation Centre, 220 Cowan
• Swansea Community Recreation Centre, 15 Waller

as well as two public libraries; one at 1303 Queen St. West and one at 228 Roncesvalles. The 30 year old residents' association has plans to transform a former linseed factory on the edge of Sorauren Park into another rec centre.

Local public schools include:

• Fern Ave. Jr. & Sr. Public School
• Howard Jr. Public School
• Garden Ave. Jr. Public School
• Parkdale Collegiate Institute
• West Toronto Secondary School

French, alternative and separate schools also serve the neighbourhood.

Roncesvalles homes 3

Streetcar service on Roncesvalles, Queen, King, and Dundas connect you to the downtown subway stations or to stations on the Bloor-Danforth line. According to streetcar enthusiasts, Roncesvalles Ave. is a great place to ride a streetcar. “The stops are far enough apart to allow for some speed and the street is very lively and full of character. In 1995 the TTC celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Roncesvalles Division, the oldest in the history of the TTC. Roncesvalles Village is just minutes from downtown by car. There is direct access to both the Gardiner and Lake Shore Boulevard.

Roncesvalles Staropolska

Good Addresses

• Warmia Deli - 301 Roncesvalles Avenue
• Granowska's Specialties - 175 Roncesvalles Avenue
• Kennel Cafe - 295 Roncesvalles Avenue – natural & organic pet foods & treats
• Domani Restaurant and Wine Bar - 335 Roncesvalles Avenue
• Emmanuel Howard Park United Church - 214 Wright Avenue

Map of Roncesvalles Village Toronto - click to enlarge

Map of Roncesvalles Village Toronto