Parkdale's history began in the late 1800's when it was an elite residential suburb, that rivaled Rosedale as Toronto's most desirable address. Parkdale's popularity led to its incorporation as a village in 1878. Then in 1889, after many heated public debates, Parkdale's citizens voted in favour of amalgamation with the City of Toronto.

Parkdale, became Toronto's playground by the lake in 1922, when the Sunnyside Amusement Park and Bathing Pavilion opened for business on Parkdale's beaches. Sunnyside was the place to be and be seen for a generation of Torontonians.

In 1956, Sunnyside was shut down by the city in order to make room for the Gardiner Expressway and a revamped Lake Shore Boulevard. Unfortunately, these new expressways cut Parkdale off from the lake and its glorious past. Parkdale then went into a period of decline that it is still recovering from today.

Homes

South Parkdale's grandiose mansions were built between 1875 and 1895. Some of these houses have been converted into bacherlorettes or rooming houses however the current by laws advocate restoring these houses to single family use.

The houses in the north end of Parkdale, above Queen Street, are more modest than their South Parkdale counterparts, but are no less charming. These houses were built between 1900 and 1910.

Recreation

Parkdale is conveniently located within walking distance of High Park and the recreational paths and parks along Toronto's waterfront.

Parkdale has four community centres that serve the residents of this neighbourhood. They include Holy Family Community Centre on Close Avenue, Masryk-Cowan Community Recreation Centre on Cowan Avenue, McCormick Recreation Centre on Sheridan Avenue, and the Parkdale Community Centre on West Lodge Avenue.

The Parkdale Public Library on Queen Street and the High Park Public Library on Roncesvalles, both provide programming for Parkdale residents.

Schools

Fern Avenue Jr. & Sr., 128 Fern Ave., (416) 393-9130

Gordon Avenue Jr., 225 Garden Ave., (416) 393-9165

Howard Jr., 30 Marmaduke Street., (416) 393-9255

Parkdale Jr. & Sr., 46 West Lodge Ave., (416) 393-1280

Queen Victoria Jr., 100 Close Ave., (416) 393-9200

Bloor Collegiate Institute, 1141 Bloor St. W., (416) 393-1420

Holy Family, 141 Close Avenue, (416) 393-5212

St. Veronica, 30 Bank St., (416) 393-5280

Shopping

The main commercial shopping area in Parkdale has historically been on Queen Street. This vibrant shopping district seems to be in a state of perpetual activity; it includes an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants.

The Roncesvalles Village shopping district, north of Queen Street, is the cultural centre of Toronto's Polish community. There are many outstanding food markets, delis, and restaurants along this route

Transportation

Streetcar service on Queen Street, King Street, Dundas Street, Roncessvales Avenue, and Macdonell Avenue, connect passengers to the downtown, or to subway stations on the Bloor-Danforth subway line.

Motorists are just minutes from downtown. There is direct access to both the Gardiner Expressway and Lake Shore Boulevard, at the south end of Parkdale