Sun, Oct 5 2008 - Parkdale Stroll - A Neighbourhood in Transition (View Original Event Details)
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We had a great turn out for this walk and even the ROM leaders commented on the strength of the numbers. The start point was ideal because it gave us an insider's view into the diverse makeup of the neighbourhood.
The library plays a key role in the community and we learned that it is heavily used by many different groups. This morning its basement acted as a Buddhist temple for a religious event.
Our ROM leader (Peter) split us taking the whole TOC ensemble for himself. He wanted to have a group that could 'keep up' with his quicker pace. The benefit to this being that we got to cover way more ground and learn a great deal about Parkdale's past, present, and future.
Few knew that Parkdale was once one of the richest, most prosperous parts of town. A local church congregation's front 2 pews were exclusively for millionaire families back in the early 1900s!
One of the highlights had to be when Peter stopped to tell us about the societal view of apartments in the past. We learned that to live in an apartment was near scandalous until building owners started to improve the facades, etc to draw families in as renters. Then, with perfect timing, a local superintendent addressed us through his screen window. We learned that his units are clean, affordable, and most importantly cockroach free.
Parkdale is definitely changing for the better. Crumbling rooming houses of the past are giving way to newly renovated housing that traces it history back to the glory years of the area. Prices are on the rise as people discover the joys of living in a spot close to everything with easy access to both transit and motorways.
Being the last ROM walk of the season made this event extra special. The weather co-operated and our members asked great questions along the way that helped to flesh out important details. Some even expressed interest in becoming ROM walk leaders so who knows? Maybe next year you'll all see me carrying the precious blue umbrella :)
Have some photos from this event that you'd like to share in our photo album? Please forward them to Erik Sonstenes at photos@torontooutdoorclub.com. Please note that we prefer to receive the photos in approximately 640x480 or 750x500 pixels - do NOT send original high-res photos. If you have a LOT of photos, please submit up to twenty of your favorites (only) for a day event, or up to forty of your favourites for a multi-day event. Thank you.