George Street, Toronto

George Street was once one of Toronto's most fashionable streets in Toronto, and a few of the fashionable residences remain.

George Street is a street in Toronto, Canada.^[1] Its southern blocks are within the grid of the townsite of the original town of York, Upper Canada.^[2] George Street was once one of the most exclusive and expensive addresses in the city.^[1][3] Today, the north end of the street, next to Seaton House men's shelter, is an example of urban blight.

According to Sadiya Ansari, reporting in the Toronto Star the worst blocks of George Street have decayed so badly locals refer to the area as "little Detroit".^[4] She quoted Councilor Kristyn Wong-Tam, “There is no other street comparable to George Street. I have yet to meet anyone who is not alarmed to see the conditions.” She wrote that the northern section of the street should be "prime real estate", due to heritage properties and being close to Ryerson University. Ansari wrote that the City's purchase of derelict heritage properties could mark a turning point for the street.^[4]

References

1. Allick, Chantaie (October 20, 2011). "History deserted and left to rot: One of the cities oldest houses, on George St., has been left to rot over the past decades". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on February 22, 2015. The street has “undergone tremendous transformation for the worst” in recent years, she said, frequented by prostitutes, homeless people and drug dealers and users — a disincentive to maintain properties or attract tenants.
2. Adam, G.M. "Toronto, old and new". Рипол Классик. p. 18. ISBN 9785871324660. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
3. Karstens-Smith, Gemma (October 14, 2013). "Abandoned George Street homes to become part of Seaton House: Neighbours wary of redevelopment plans for Toronto's largest homeless shelter". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on October 15, 2013. Retrieved February 22, 2015. The area was also sought-after by wealthy residents who wanted to live in the finest houses of the day.
4. Ansari, Sadiya (February 20, 2015). "Toronto’s bid to clean up north George St. starts with derelict homes: Council aims to grab properties in bid to turn around troubled area". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on February 21, 2015. Retrieved February 22, 2015. The city is pushing forward to acquire three derelict homes in a block some residents call “little Detroit,” notorious for wandering addicts and the crack dealers who prey on them.