The trendy area now known as The Junction used to be an independent city all its own. The Village of West Toronto Junction was founded in 1884, and over the course of a few decades, rapidly developed until it was amalgamated with the city of Toronto in 1909. Pubs and taverns gained popularity at this time, especially with the local factory workers. The locals got so rowdy at the bars that residents voted to ban the sale of alcohol in the neighbourhood, which was in place until 1998 when the right to serve alcohol was won back. This inspired the revitalization of The Junction, which now has a bustling nightlife.

The Junction is considered to be the area between Annette Street and St.Clair Avenue, and runs from Runnymede Road to the Canadian National Railway Corridor. This neighbourhood attracts residents from all lifestyles because of its low rent prices and up-and-coming status. North of Annette Street you’ll find winding tree-lined streets with Queen Anne and Arts and Crafts style houses and large lots. Closer to Dundas Street West are smaller Victorian houses, most of which are split into apartments.

The Junction BIA hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including the Junction Summer Solstice Festival, Contact Photography Festival, and Santa In The Junction.

For nature lovers, High Park is less than a mile away through easy public transit access. A small zoo, trails, picnic areas, off leash dog parks, and regular events offer something for everyone. There are four other parks within the area with playgrounds, wading pools and artificial ice rinks. The local YMCA offers programs for children and seniors, a library, and a variety of nearby public, post secondary and alternative learning schools.

The main shopping strip on Dundas Street West has seen a major revitalization over the past few decades with more independent shops, children’s stores, alternative health options, and trendy bars gaining popularity. The commercial buildings along Dundas are filled with charming architecture, which gives the neighbourhood that small town feeling. The area surrounding Dundas Street and St.John’s Road is known as Little Malta because of its variety of Maltese-Canadian shops to choose from.

Public transportation and major roads are both easily accessible for Junction residents. Bus services on Dupont and Dundas Streets connect to the Yonge-University-Spadina subway, while Keele, Lansdowne, and Symington Streets bring you to the Bloor-Danforth line. Need to get downtown by car? It only takes approximately 10 minutes by taking either Bloor or Dundas Street.