LOGIN / SIGNUP to see moreYonge and Eglinton has been a hot spot in local development for well over a decade and continues to be one of the fastest growing urban areas in the city. The north corners of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue are marked with dusty grey rubble, a sign of development. Two pillars are certain to rise from the ashes and join the glass jungle that surrounds them. Other lots are marked “For Sale,” prime real estate for future development just waiting for a buyer. Yonge and Eglinton has been a hot spot in local development for well over a decade and continues to reach higher levels of intensification — old maximums for density  seem to have become new minimums — and it continues to be one of the fastest growing urban areas in the city. And this trend has begun to seep along Yonge Street in both directions with no real end in sight for the redevelopment of Midtown with many older buildings being bought and sold. The old YMCA building at St. Clements Avenue and Yonge was sold recently for close to $9 million, and several clusters of stores on the east side of Yonge were also recently purchased.

The Torgan group bought 2409-2425 Yonge St. for $14,650,000. The retail real estate gold rush has extended as far as the block containing Sporting Life, with the store fronts at 2577-2581 Yonge St. up for sale as demonstrated by a huge red banner across all three bearing the words “For Sale.” Any rinky-dink two-storey building along Yonge, in any condition, is selling for millions of dollars as developers clamour to get in on the Midtown condo boom. According to the City of Toronto’s development and planning applications website, there are currently 25 development applications in Ward 16 — seven of those run north along Yonge Street near Lawrence Avenue — and another 86 applications in the two surrounding Wards, 22 and 25, with more than 10 of those applications within the Yonge and Eglinton corridor. New applications submitted in the last couple months in the Yonge and Eglinton area include the massive 68-storey tower with 672 residential units at 1 Eglinton Ave. E. and a 47-storey tower with 455 residential units at 55 Eglinton Ave. E.

There is a development coming at the Art Shoppe site south of Eglinton and more condos north of Eglinton at Postal Station K and the surrounding area. The Art Shoppe Condos is unique in that the developer, Freed Developments, worked with community residents to come up with a plan that was acceptable to everyone, avoiding the difficult and often polarizing Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) process.Rainbow Tulle Wedding Dress Say Yes Dress In the end, residents, the city councillor and the developer all came together, resulting in two new parks being created on land by the developer as a buffer and transition to the established adjacent neighbourhood and reduced heights and density of the Art Shoppe development.Spotted Pitbull Puppies For Sale But just like the towers, concern continues to rise over when it is too much or too high. Homes For Sale Echo Bay Ontario

And just because you can, should you? Although the new multi-floor retail podiums (defacto malls) being built as the bases of these large condo projects will create new shopping and dining for the surrounding neighbourhood, the lack of a cohesive and consistent plan by the City of Toronto to deal with all the development continues to concern local residents. The city does not yet appear to have figured it out, despite a number of studies. “There are enormous development pressures in this area,” Ward 22 councillor Josh Matlow said. The coming Eglinton Crosstown LRT line brings with it additional development potential right across Eglinton. Moving north to the quieter and more residential Yonge and Lawrence Avenue area doesn’t lessen concerns. “Residents are worried and don’t want Yonge and Lawrence to become the next Yonge and Eglinton,” Ward 16 councillor Christin Carmichael Greb said. “Where we are today, development is going to happen, because more and more people are wanting to live in this area, and we are expecting a moderate growth,” she added, noting that, for the time being, her ward largely consists of buildings no more than two storeys high.

At the end of the day, how much power will Carmichael Greb, Matlow or any other councillor have over development applications? That power is limited, given the current jurisdiction of the OMB that continues to vote largely in favour of developers. “I see development proposals that are so clearly disrespectful to all the realities around it: no consideration for the public realm or the balance between commercial and residences, the shadows or separation between buildings adjacent to them,” Matlow said, of the OMB. “It is incredibly difficult for residents to have confidence in the development process when the final decision is often made by an unelected, undemocratic body, from people who are often not even in Toronto.” Ann King, Midtown resident and member of the City of Toronto Midtown Planning Advisory Group, has seen first-hand some of the effects of development, beginning with the Neon residential building that went up right next to her home at the corner of Duplex Avenue and Orchard View Boulevard.

“Just too much density in a small space, right up to the property line and just a mess. The only good thing to come out of it was a wake-up call to the community,” she said. The Midtown planning group is working with the three Midtown wards to try and be proactive in their defence and co-operation with developers. “I don’t think it’s a matter of controlling so much as it is a matter of orchestrating the outcome,” said Terry Mills, a professional planner who has studied the Midtown experience and believes that an additional 30,000 residents will move into the area over the next 20 years.One of the most bustling intersections in midtown Toronto, the Yonge & Eglinton neighbourhood has been identified by the Province of Ontario as one of five Urban Growth Centres in Toronto. And there’s no wonder why. With its great access to public transit, a thriving business core, and shopping galore, you can see why this neighbourhood remains one of the destinations to visit within the city and a great place to live.

The population of the neighbourhood is a wonderful blend of young families, established urbanites, and 20-something professionals who help lend the area its “Young and Eligible” nickname. Nestled between the 401 highway and Bloor Street, Yonge and Eglinton is bordered by Lytton Boulevard to the north, Avenue Road to the west, Chaplin Crescent and Merton Street to the south, and Redpath Avenue to the east. The neighbourhood centres on the intersection of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue. This intersection has been important to Toronto for over a hundred years. Early in the 19th century, this area was one of the largest cattle grazing regions in Upper Canada. Eventually, the region became part of the old Town of North Toronto, which was incorporated in 1890. At that time, much of the area remained farmland, with public access to Toronto’s downtown by the Yonge Street streetcar line replacing the radial rail service to the neighbourhood. The City of Toronto annexed the locale in 1912.

The area emerged as a streetcar suburb, with more families settling into the neighbourhood and the breadwinners taking the streetcar to the city for work. By the early 1940s, the area was completely developed. Come 1954, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) extended the Yonge line to Eglinton Avenue. A trolleybus provided access farther north, but the subway extension replaced it in 1973. The place is called “Young and Eligible” for a reason. Young singles, couples, and families call the area home. Because of the handy access to the Yonge-University-Spadina TTC subway line, the downtown core is easy to get to, affording many residents the opportunity to get to work quickly and effectively. There’s plenty to see and do, with many shops, pubs, and restaurants to please. Some of the small business charm has eroded, with a number of “big box” retailers moving into the area, along with tall residential towers that detract from the home-oriented development of the past.

This will probably continue into the future as more transit infrastructure is created to support the community. The reputation of the Yonge-Eglinton area as a hub for young families and urban professionals is warranted, given some of the housing figures. Yes, 23 per cent of residents live in homes, while 60 per cent live in apartment buildings that are five stories or taller. This is a mixed-use neighbourhood with some detached homes that are younger than their older downtown counterparts. House prices vary across the neighbourhood, with some as low as the mid-$300,000s, with other homes selling for seven figures. Taller condominium units dot the neighbourhood, with more on the way. You’re able to find a good mix of one-, two-, or three-bedroom units here, with reasonable condominium rates. Rental prices will vary based on your need and imagination, with single-bedroom units running between $900 and $1,500 and the average two-to-three–bedroom unit costing, on average, $2,800 per month.

There are some lovely three-to-four–storey apartments to be had that have a retro and Art Deco feel to them between Yonge Street and Mount Pleasant Road. The area boasts 65,000 residents, with that number growing. The average age of those living in the area is right around 40 years, with 75 per cent of the population between the ages of 25 and 64. Although there are 1.8 people per household, 51 per cent of all households have one person living in them (remember, Young and Eligible). Even so, the neighbourhood is popular with families who are raising school-age children. Everything you could possibly want in order to raise a family is here for you. The size of most homes will more than accommodate a number of children. The area also sports many parks or recreational areas and a superb selection of public, separate, and private schools. Even with the increased development, there are still great parks to enjoy. Viewers and supporters of provincial public television will be happy to know that TVOntario is nearby should they wish to volunteer their services.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario also makes its home in the neighbourhood, if you want to lend a hand or donate in person. As we've mentioned, you can visit the site of the Battle of Montgomery’s Tavern at the current location for Postal Station K. Tennis and lawn bowling enthusiasts will want to sign up at the North Toronto Tennis Club and the North Toronto Lawn Bowling and Croquet Club, respectively. The Central Eglinton Community Centre (160 Eglinton Avenue E) provides drop-in programs and family resources for infants or toddlers and camps for children. There is also a full suite of courses and programs for adults and seniors. These include courses in writing and creative arts, languages, dance and fitness, computer use, and much more. You can call and enrol at (416) 392-0511. Also available is the city-run North Toronto Memorial Community Centre (200 Eglinton Avenue W). This is a multi-use complex with both indoor and outdoor pools, a weight room and fitness centre, a gymnasium, and meeting spaces available for booking.

The centre also offers programming for all ages, including programs in visual arts or drama and dance classes in ballet, jazz, and hip-hop. There are also programs for general fitness and sports like skating, swimming, basketball, soccer, floor hockey, martial arts, and racquet sports. Call (416) 392-6591 for more details. There are also several places of worship at Yonge and Eglinton. The main library for the neighbourhood is the Northern District library, at 40 Orchard View Boulevard, (416) 393-7610. There are several schools that service the neighbourhood, making it a perfect area to raise a family. The area is alive with arts and entertainment, with many local restaurants and pubs bringing in live entertainment. For more established venues, enjoy live stand-up comedy Wednesday through Sunday at Absolute Comedy (2335 Yonge Street). The venue puts on live professional comedy with touring headliners coming through regularly. Call (416) 486-7700 for reservations, as they are a must!

There are also two movie theatres on Yonge Street that entertain the neighbourhood. Enjoy films at either Famous Players Canada Square Cinemas at 2190 Yonge Street, (416) 646-2913, or the SilverCity Yonge-Eglinton Cinemas at 2300 Yonge Street, (416) 544-1236. There are several small independently owned shops that dot the neighbourhood, as well as many shopping options in the RioCan Yonge Eglinton Centre mall. From clothing, sporting goods, books, and jewellery to children’s toys, electronics, and gifts, there are plenty of stores to serve you. Of note, check out BMV Books at 2289 Yonge Street, (416) 482-6002, for a wide range of books, movies, and music. Brighten up your kitchen and bathroom with a wide range of products and gadgets from Kitchen Stuff Plus at 2287 Yonge Street, (416) 544-0515 and Solutions at 2329 Yonge Street, (647)-430-8749. For the music lover, Vortex Records at 2309 Yonge Street, (416) 483-7437, is one of the best independently owned music stores in the city with a wide array of new and used records, CDs, and DVDs.

Whether it’s a precious gift for a loved one or jewellery for you, a visit to Van Rijk Jewellers at 90 Eglinton Avenue East, (416) 440-0123, will always send the right message. From a cozy pub to fine dining, Yonge and Eglinton has much to offer. You’ll find that you’re spoiled for choice with some of the city’s great eateries available for your meals out. Here’s a small sample. The main subway station for the neighbourhood is the Eglinton Subway Station, which operates as a hub for the many buses that travel in and around the area. The 32 bus route travels along Eglinton Avenue, with the 103 bus taking passengers north and south along Mount Pleasant Road. Drivers will find themselves minutes away from the 401 highway to the north and the Don Valley Parkway to the east. The closest hospitals to the area are MCI Medical Clinics at 160 Eglinton Avenue E, (416) 440-4040, with main service provided farther out by Sunnybrook Hospital at 2075 Bayview Ave, (416) 480-6100.