Caption: A classic scene in "The Junction": TTC PCC streetcars 4393 heading westbound and 4352 heading eastbound meet on Dundas Street West at the intersection of Keele Street, operating on the Dundas streetcar route that ran north past Dundas West subway station, up its namesake street and west to Runnymede Loop near the CPR West Toronto/Lambton yards. Signage and marquees of the local shops include Bourbon & Burgess Barristers, Tots n' Teens Shoes, Abel's Flowers, Stuart Mercer Real Estate & Insurance, and various local delis, barber shops, restaurants, and loan & financing offices.
This portion of the Dundas streetcar was discontinued the following year when the route was cut back to terminate at the aforementioned Dundas West subway station, in conjunction with the opening of the west and east Bloor-Danforth subway extensions on May 11th 1968. The new 40 Junction trolleybus route replaced the streetcars here effective that day (the last day of regular streetcar operation to Runnymede Loop was May 10th, with the last car finishing its run in the early hours of May 11th).
While the rails and streetcars have been gone for decades many of the old buildings shown remain, albeit with different storefronts and tenants. Some are listed on the city's Heritage Register and have undergone restorations to their facades as gentrification continues in The Junction neighbourhood.
Robert D. McMann photo, Dan Dell'Unto collection.
*Personal note: the slide collector remembers trips in the 90's with his own father (who worked for CNCP Telecommunications/Unitel nearby) to the Four Seasons Natural Foods, once located at 2837 Dundas St. W. (where the Mercer Real Estate office is located in the photo) for root beer and muffins, so this location holds some personal significance.
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Thanks for the memories! Rode those cars and knew the neighbourhood well as I went to high school not far away from there.
I used to love the way signs hung out over the sidewalk. I don’t think that is allowed anymore. Safety concerns?
Overhanging signs were declared an “eyesore”!
Just past the eastbound car was Booth’s Hobby Shop, (mostly model RR) where I as a kid I could add Dinky toys to my O27 gauge tinplate layout (Lionel steam and Marx diesels).
Also, nearby Booth’s was Bi-Way (discount clothing etc) which is making a comeback!