Once a muddy trail, now a bustling artery. We are standing on Bathurst Street. This main north-south road tells tales of Toronto’s evolution.
Bathurst Street stretches from Queens Quay to the Holland Marsh. That’s over 57 kilometers. It links the waterfront to York Region. The street’s story is etched in every building and bend.
The street got its name from Henry Bathurst. He was the 3rd Earl Bathurst. This British statesman organized migration to Canada. This was after the War of 1812. He also granted the charter to the University of Toronto. Ironically, he never visited Canada himself.
Originally, Bathurst Street only ran from Government Wharf to Queen Street. North of there, it was Crookshank’s Lane. This was a semi-private lane. It was named after George Crookshank. In 1870, Crookshank’s Lane became part of Bathurst Street.
South of the Gardiner Expressway, factories once dominated Bathurst Street. The 1970s brought change. Residential developments replaced industry. North of Queen Street, you’ll find Alexandria Park on the east. Trinity-Bellwoods sits to the west.
Further north, near Bloor Street, Bathurst Street marks The Annex neighbourhood’s edge.
Bathurst Station sits at Bloor Street. Here, Line 2 crosses underneath. The 511 Bathurst streetcar runs from Bloor to Exhibition Place. North of Bathurst Station, buses take over.
For decades, Bathurst Street has been central to Toronto’s Jewish community. In the early 20th century, many Jews lived south of Bloor Street. After World War II, they moved north.
Synagogues and community centers dot Bathurst. North of Sheppard Avenue West, the Russian community thrives. Russian Jewish immigrants settled here. This happened from the 1970s onward. The area earned the nickname “Little Moscow”.
The southern end of Bathurst Street has its own stories. The foot of Bathurst looked different in the 1950s. The land there was new. It was created in the 1920s by filling in the lake.
During World War II, the Royal Norwegian Air Force trained near Bathurst. Their camp was at the foot of the street. Today, Little Norway Park marks the spot.
Maple Leaf Stadium once stood near Bathurst. It was home to a minor league baseball team. The stadium was demolished.
The Crosse and Blackwell Building still stands. It is an Art Deco gem. The Loblaws Warehouse was cutting-edge in the 1920s.
Tip Top Tailors built its headquarters on Bathurst. The building is now the Tip Top Lofts.
Coronation Park has a rich history. Trees were planted to honor King George VI. The Grateful Dead even played a free show there in 1970.
Bathurst Street continues to evolve. Development projects aim to improve the street. Traffic flow is a key concern. The goal is to make Bathurst more pedestrian-friendly.
From muddy trail to community hub, Bathurst Street reflects Toronto’s past and present. As we continue our tour, remember the layers of history beneath our feet.