Downtown
Alexandra Park
History of Alexandra Park
Alexandra Park's history revolves around Sir Casimir Gzowski, a Polish engineer who immigrated to Toronto in 1841. Gzowski's distinguished career included the building of the Grand Trunk Railway from Toronto to Sarnia.
The Gzowski residence stood at the south-east corner of Bathurst and Dundas Streets. This former Toronto landmark was known simply as "The Hall". In 1904, the City of Toronto purchased "The Hall" and its environs for use as a public park. This park was named Alexandra Park after Queen Alexandra.
The Alexandra Park neighbourhood has been the first home for many new Canadians. In the 1920's and 30's large numbers of Polish and Ukrainian immigrants settled here. They were soon followed by immigrants from Germany, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Hungary.
In 1964 Toronto City council approved plans for the Alexandra Park Housing Cooperative. This led to the expropriation of sixteen acres of private property and the subsequent demolition of many Alexandra Park houses. Today the Alexandra Park Housing Cooperative forms a vital part of this inner city neighbourhood.
Upcoming Events
May 26, 2012 · Entertainment COMMON THREAD FUNDRAISING CONCERT! CHANGING THE WORLD… ONE SONG AT A TIME!!May 27, 2012 · Festivals Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington MarketMay 28, 2012 · Community Bike Month Group Commute and Pancake BreakfastJun 1, 2012 · Family Fort York Family FUNdaysJun 1, 2012 · Family Mackenzie House Family FUNdays 2012 - Downtown East