Parkdale is a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood located West of downtown Toronto. It is bounded by the Gardiner Expressway, Roncesvalles Avenue, Dufferin Street, Bloor Street West and the Canadian Pacific Railway line.
Queen Street West which runs across the neighbourhood serves as the main commercial street. It features 2 and 3-storey structures where the ground floors serve as shops and the upper floors as homes.
The area is home to many immigrants who normally find it attractive due to the availability of low-rent apartments and its proximity to the downtown core. There has also been an influx of artists and urbanites, which has increased the demand for homes and business premises in the neighbourhood.
Parkdale homes range from Victorian houses to high-rise apartment blocks. Recently, gentrification has started in some areas where new owners are renovating the old structures for either residential or commercial use. Modern structures, including condominiums and new commercial buildings, have been developed for housing, cafes, shops and art galleries. Some of the old houses that had been illegally turned into several rental rooms are being converted back to single-family dwellings as per the by-laws.
