My neighbourhood has a lot of stigma. It’s known for having the lowest average income and employment rates, is one of the most dense in Toronto, and is often described as ‘dangerous’ (even though it has relatively low crime rates compared to the rest of the city). I reject this definition of Thorncliffe. Given its geography and circumstances, this neighbourhood is actually doing extremely well and has the potential of being one of the most competitive. So, what’s the real story, and how is the city planning to improve Thorncliffe and ‘fix’ the current problems people see? And who’s to say that these are, in fact, problems?
Let me first try to redefine this neighbourhood. For an apartment-dense community, Thorncliffe is nearly engulfed by green space. It is at the heart of the X where the northern creeks meet and continue down as one Don River into the lake. Biking or running along the Don River park, it feels very Toronto-esque to look up at Thorncliffe’s looming high rises while you yourself are surrounded by nature. The area is also surprisingly walkable. I often see journalists describe the neighbourhood as a whatever-you-want-to-call-it desert, but we’ve got plenty to offer. The core of Thorncliffe houses a library, school and large RV Burgess Park.
To the north, you will find the East York Town Center which has everything you need. Grocery, pharmacy, clothing, medical clinics – all, at most, a 10 minute walk from the southmost Thorncliffe building. The mall’s parking lot even doubles as a carnival in the summer and venue for tailgate parties the rest of the year! Further north you’ll be in the office park. I surveyed the area one summer and discovered the unique mix of businesses that included a a planning company, factory bakery outlet, an advertisement agency, and dozens of small mom-and-pop startups. As for transit? You’ve got 2 bus lines that enter the Thorncliffe loop, and at least 3 others that travel along Overlea.
The area is closer to being a rainforest of activity than a desert of anything. The proof can be found in our 3 community gardens, the constant public markets, the kids playing at all times of the day, and so many classes and services that it is difficult to keep track. Thus, while I understand the concern when looking at numbers, I refuse its label of ‘bad neighbourhood’.
So I think I’ve established that it’s a pretty sweet neighbourhood. Now what?
Several developments are underway. There is a Costco currently being built at 0 Thorncliffe which I think I’m excited about. Traffic will likely be a nightmare and the area will become a parking-lot haven, but the availability of cheaper goods and potential (high quality, from what I’ve read) jobs will be a huge positive for locals. There will be so many people visiting the area that hopefully East York Town Centre will be revitalized with energy. Then again, the local businesses are part of what make this area vibrant, so driving them away can seriously hurt our neighbourhood entrepreneurs. Many are arguing that the small businesses won’t be affected, since residents will still be interested in buying smaller quantities of goods for cheap (rather than in bulk), but I bet chain stores will see the opportunity in increased traffic and push their way in.
The old Target in the mall is also currently being renovated and either the plans are quite hush-hush or no one has leased the space yet. I believe, however, that the renovation includes divvying up the large space into smaller stores. I’ve also read that the 2nd floor will be a large community hub for programming and various clinics, but only from unofficial documents. Lots of potential here for the city to inject funds for some much-needed indoor neighbourhood amenities. There is a plan for bike lanes (!!!) to be installed as part of Toronto’s 10-Year Cycling Network Plan. There are many aggressive drivers (taxis) in Thorncliffe that have me question the safety of such a plan, but as with most of Toronto, they will adjust. This is a huge step forward for the area! I’m looking forward to seeing the impact of bike lanes on active transportation in this car-dominated neighbourhood.
As for the buildings themselves, it’s hard to guess what will come next. Despite being purpose-built rentals and having more solid foundations than most of Toronto’s condos, many are aged and worn out. The buildings have a mosaic of property managers (Morguard, Park Property, Briarlane Rentals), so it is difficult to plan for unified change. I would assume this means competition to keep maintenance quality high, but only one out of the 30-some buildings is being invested in with exterior and interior retrofitting of windows, brick and hallway coverings. My guess is that the low-rises will eventually be torn down and replaced by condos to accommodate for the demand that comes with the LRT and Costco.
With all of this said, Thorncliffe’s future is promising… Depending on your perspective. These developments mean neighbourhood progress at the cost of potential gentrification. Rents are slowly rising and most buildings have significant wait lists. I think people are realizing that this is an up-and-coming neighbourhood, and their push in here will be the factor that drives out those who’ve created lives here and cannot afford to move. With that said, a focus on actual housing is critical. It’s wonderful that neighbourhood initiatives have raised civic engagement and revitalized certain areas. It’s not wonderful that many of people are still living with pests, several housemates to a one bedroom, and in apartments that are withering away.
I don’t have a solution. I wish I did. All I can do is attend public meetings and keep involved with new developments, hoping that the city invests appropriately.