Elm Grove Garden
The Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area (PVBIA) encompasses the area along Toronto's celebrated Queen Street West from Dufferin Street to Roncesvalles Avenue. Because of its close proximity to the waterfront, Parkdale was once a resort spot for Torontonians - with beautiful summer homes nestled among lush trees and plants. As Toronto blossomed into Canada's greatest city, Parkdale grew alongside it - transforming from a quaint beach-side community to the vibrant and bustling urban area we know and love today. This development has had immeasurable benefits for Parkdale; although sadly the transformation cost us many of our beautiful trees. The PVBIA, working in conjunction with local businesses, community members and proudly supported by TD Green Streets, aims to reverse this damage by planting trees and greenery within our neighbourhood, such as in this urban garden plot, located on the south west corner of Elm Grove Avenue and Queen Street West.
Dr. William Charles Gwynne, one of Parkdale's early settlers, built his family home (which he called Elm Grove) on this land in 1833. Upon Gwynne's death in 1875, his land was subdivided and placed on the open market. Several new streets were laid out at this time, including Greig Street, which is now called Elm Grove. The addition of these new streets transformed Parkdale from a quiet rural settlement into a small incorporated village. In 1878 to 1883, Parkdale's population doubled in size, and it was designated a town.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.