West Queen West Heritage Conservation District Study

The West Queen West Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study area encompasses 587 properties along 3.5km of Queen Street West between Bathurst Street and Roncesvalles Avenue. The area contains a diverse commercial artery that bisects the West Queen West and Parkdale neighbourhoods. Significant city and provincial institutions, historic landmarks and cultural landscapes are captured within the HCD study area, as are well-established community organizations. The District is representative of the western expansion of growth of the city in the 19th century. The historic foundation of Queen Street as the concession line between the government-owned Garrison Reserve on the south side and the privately owned Park Lots on the north side was a determining factor for its development throughout the 19th century that persisted in the 20th century and up to the present. The Study analyzed its history and evolution, inventoried all the properties, assessed and mapped its heritage character, and developed a statement of significance with heritage attributes.  The report recommended two HCDs: West Queen West between Bathurst and Dufferin Street, and Parkdale Mainstreet HCD. The project was accomplished in iterative stages over a period of twelve months, in a collaborative effort led by City staff through a Core and Project Team structure and a multi-disciplinary Consultant Team of heritage, planning, and archaeological professionals.