Riverside runs alongside the Don River – an icon in Toronto’s landscape and history. The name ‘Riverside’ dates back to the 1880s. As you wander Queen Street East in the heart of Riverside, note the curving blue brick ‘river’ in the sidewalks and the public art referencing that connection throughout. The residential landscape within the Riverside neighbourhood is comprised of primarily Victorian and Edwardian style homes constructed in the 1800s. These homes were previously used as boarding rooms for the working-class. Industries declined in the second half of the 20th century and during the 1980s and early 1990s the area experienced significant economic difficulties.

Over the last 30 years, Riverside has undergone significant revitalization and gentrification. Many of the buildings and residences have preserved the historic architecture of the building and modernized the interiors to reflect the diversity and pay homage to the fusion of old and new in the neighbourhood.

Read the ‘Uncovering Riverside’ blog series for more about the history of Riverside:

#1 Uncovering the History of Riverside: An Introduction – The story starts with how, when and why Riverside got its name

#2 Uncovering the Sport and Game of Riverside – Learn about the early days of sport and game in Riverside

#3 Uncovering the Holiday Season in Riverside Past & Present – Learn about early holiday traditions, personalities, and life in Riverside

#4 Uncovering Riverside: A Curler’s Valentine – Read about Riverside’s long-time love affair with curling and links to personalities of the past

#5 Uncovering Easter in Historic Riverside – Read about Easter in Riverside past and more baseball links

The series is a partnership with local historian Barry Slater of the Royal Canadian Curling Club.

Check out the Riverside Architecture Self-Guided Walk

Postal Station G - Ralph Thornton Centre - Riverside Toronto

Postal Station G – Ralph Thornton Centre – Riverside Toronto