Downtown Toronto

There's something matchless about the city core that makes it

a prime location to live. Downtown Toronto, loosely defined

as the area from Lake Ontario to Bloor Street and Spadina

Avenue to Sherbourne Street, is an urbanite's dream. Having access

to any modern convenience, virtually on your doorstep, is a luxury

that only bustling city centres can offer.

Toronto is distinctive in that its downtown isn't just a

business and commercial centre, but is also home to

numerous residents. Many are lured by being in close

proximity to work and having a base from which they can

access the rest of the city, so it's not surprising that the

majority of its inhabitants are working age (25-64) with

more non-family than family households.

The mixed-use planning concept incorporates a high

concentration of restaurants, bars, clubs, concert and

sporting venues, arts facilities, libraries, schools, and

shops, all of which are accessible by foot, bike, or public

transit. The juxtaposition of historic and new avant-garde

buildings-the Ontario College of Art & Design

(OCAD) or the new Crystal addition to the Royal Ontario Museum, for example-is compelling and

debate-worthy. Toronto is also recognized as being the

third-largest theatre centre in the English-speaking

world, has more than 50 dance companies, six opera

companies, and five professional sports teams, and, of

course, still upholds its reputation as Hollywood North.

Downtown is fittingly abuzz with activities, festivals,

and parades in all seasons. Many of the sights that attract

out-of-town visitors are a stone's throw away, such as the

Harbourfront Centre, Chinatown (Chinese is the most

spoken language after English in this area), Queen Street

West, and the world-famous CN Tower. If you need a

time out from all the bustle, an afternoon getaway to

peaceful Toronto Islands is a swift ferry ride away.

The options for traversing downtown are plentiful. The

TTC operates select 24-hour streetcar and bus routes in

addition to its regular subway service. Cycling is a

practical alternative, especially in the warm weather, and

you can plan your route with free cycling maps, join the

Bicycle User Group, and even request bike posts and rings

for your neighbourhood. Or if you support pedestrian

power over pedal power, the PATH system offers 27

kilometres of underground walkway-the largest

underground retail venue in the world-that connects

shopping, entertainment, services, and transit.

With an abundance of new condo developments that

span the entire downtown core, each with their own

offerings of amenities, it's easy to get swept up in the

bustle of activities. Consult the list of resources below to

make the most of living in the city.

Community Resources

City of Toronto

www.toronto.ca

Toronto Health

Connection

www.toronto.ca/health/thc_index.htm or 416-338-7600

Toronto Public Library

www.tpl.toronto.on.ca

Toronto District

School Board

www.tdsb.on.ca or 416-397-3000

Toronto Catholic District

School Board

www.tcdsb.org or 416-222-8282

Arts Events and Listings

www.torontoartsonline.org

Toronto Cultural Listings

www.livewithculture.ca

Toronto Transit

Commission

www.ttc.ca or 416-393-INFO (4636)

Cycling Information

www.toronto.ca/cycling

Parks and Recreation

www.toronto.ca/parks or 416-392-1111

Garbage

and Recycling

www.toronto.ca/faq/garbage_recycling.htm or 416-338-2010

Toronto Police Hotline

416-808-2222