West Don Lands - "Canary District"

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West Don Lands – “Canary District”

      History:

      West Don Lands was once a thriving commercial and industrial hub. This period of prosperity was followed by many decades of neglect. West Don Lands fortunes would change for the better in 2005 when Waterfront Toronto’s’ bold revitalization plans for this neighbourhood were approved by Toronto city council. That same year West Don Lands received the Toronto Urban Design Award of Excellence in the Vision and Master Plan category. That vision was fulfilled in 2015 when West Don Lands made history as the host site of the Athletes Village for the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. The athletes village has since been repurposed into condominiums and student housing for George Brown College. A commemorative collage of trees with accompanying plaques lines the Canary District sidewalk. This installation known as 41 Trees pays homage to the 41 countries that participated in the Pan Am games, providing a lasting legacy and reminder of the games that helped to shape this 21st century neighbourhood. Editors Note: The Canary District is named after the former Canary restaurant – currently being brought back to life as part of a mixed use development at the corner of Front and Cherry Streets that marks the entrance to this neighbourhood.

      Overview:

      West Don Lands is a master-planned neighbourhood that has been developed under the watchful eye of Waterfront Toronto ensuring adherence to strict guidelines for design and sustainability. The result is a truly 21st Century neighbourhood for residents of all ages who want to live, work and play in a highly charged downtown Toronto neighbourhood. Also known as the “Canary District” West Don Lands is awash in culture with public art installations being a focal point of this neighbourhood. Food shops and coffee shops abound so you do not have to leave the neighbourhood to enjoy a latte, sushi rill or yummy baked goods. Cooper Koo Family YMCA, and the 18-acre Corktown Common park are cherished neighbourhood hubs. A stones throw to the east is the popular Distillery District shops and restaurants. With public transit at your doorstep this neighbourhood ranks highly when it comes to convenience and access to public transit.

      Lifestyle:

      You can walk or bike in just a few minutes to the St.Lawrence Market, Distillery District, and Harbourfront. Canary District is like a small village with a lively pedestrian promenade along Front Street that is lined with shops and restaurants.

      Homes:

      West Don Lands condominium buildings are mid-rise with contemporary facades and exteriors ranging from glass, steel and brick. These buildings are designed to fit in with the surrounding architecture and landscape. The housing mix includes condominium units as well as townhomes.

      Recreation:

      West Don Lands is part of Waterfront Toronto’s massive Blue Edge revitalization project where the City meets the water. This neighbourhood features parks and trails that connect residents to the water. The largest of these parks in Corktown Common located within the Canary District. This 18-acre park is set in a natural landscape and includes a spacious playground with water features, picnic areas, a dog run, trails, and a multi-functional pavilion with a stage that will be the focal point for community events. The award-winning Sugar Beach Park and Underpass Park are located on the doorstep of this neighbourhood. In keeping with the connectivity theme of this neighbourhood, West Don Lands is part of an 1800-km trail network that includes The Martin Goodman a multi-use path that traverses the entire length of the Toronto waterfront. West Don Lands also connects to the Lower Don Recreational Trail which runs along the Don River and provides access north to the popular Evergreen Brickworks. The Cooper Koo YMCA is a state-of-the-art recreational facility that serves as a community hub with meeting rooms and community spaces. This 82,000 square foot facility features a large gymnasium, swimming pool, and fitness studios. The state-of-the-art space will offer an array of programs to the community including Health & Fitness, Day Camps, Community Programs, and a 30,000 square foot green roof.

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          West Don Lands – “Canary District” Stats

          Walkability:

          Medium

          Bikeability:

          Medium

          Public Transit:

          Low

          Affordability:

          Medium

          Recreation:

          High

           

          Legend: Low, Medium, High

          Commute Times

          Time to Closest Shopping Mall:
          20 Minutes
          Time To TTC Station:
          15 Minutes
          Time to GO Bus or Train Station:
          10 Minutes
          Time To Hospital:
          15 Minutes
          Time to Toronto Pearson International Airport
          45 Minutes
          Time to Closest Highway:
          5 Minutes

          * All commuting times provided are approximate times only. Commute times may increase or decrease depending on where you live within the neighbourhood and the time of day i.e rush hour versus off hour commutes. Time estimates to public transit are based on walking distance or bus line connection whichever is quicker. All other commute times on the chart above are based on drive times.

          School Guide

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          Toronto School Resources

          Editor’s Note. BEFORE MOVING INTO, BUYING OR RENTING A HOME, PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL YOU ARE CONSIDERING BY PHONE to ensure your home is within the designated boundaries and that your child is age appropriate. WE CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MISINFORMATION REGARDING SCHOOL ENROLLMENT SO DO NOT ASSUME that your child can automatically attend a specific school or specialized program until you have official confirmation from that school. Please visit the school board web sites for more information.