East Corner (Neighbourhood)

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The Toronto neighbourhood of East Corner is so named because it represents the eastern corner of pre-World War II urban development in Toronto. North of OConnor and east of Main,the urban form takes on a more suburban character.

Characteristic East Corner housing stock consists of compact 2-storey dutch colonial revival structures, which were built by the York Housing Commission for veterans of the World War I. Whileoccasionally perforated by post-war parking lots, Woodbine - the main pedestrian thoroughfare, is for the most part lined by 2-storey mixed-use commercial buildings (similar to those near Bloor and Landsdowne) and slightly set-back 2-storey houses converted to accommodate commercial activity.

Through much of the 20th century, East Corner (like other parts of the old Borough of East York)was populated primarily by "working class" immigrants from the United Kingdom. In the 21st century, however, its demographics are changing rapidly. Together with the west-end neighborhoods of the Junction and Corso Italia, the East Corner represents Toronto's last vestige of affordable housing with an "urbane" and walkable layout. Its closely spaced houses are increasingly occupied by young professionals. Woodbine plumbing shops and travel agencies are gradually giving way to boutiques and studios for architects and designers.