A strong sense of community, great shopping and restaurants, as well as location makes Bloor by the Park a Toronto gem. This neighbourhood located along Bloor Street West, just east of High Park has so much to offer both residents and visitors.

Toronto's Bloor by the Park is within walking distance of the well-known community, Bloor West Village; however, it has its own vibrant infrastructure, including a retail strip, community organizations, associations and services. All of this is located on Bloor between Keele and Roncesvalles. 

A Business Improvement Area was established in the Bloor by the Park community back in 1987. Before then, the neighbourhood had virtually no pedestrian traffic. 

The Bloor by the Park BIA Board of Directors sat down to think up a name for their organization and since they bordered High Park, the area became Bloor by the Park. Following that crucial meeting a lot was done to beautify the landscape and draw interest to the neighbourhood. 

Several entrepreneurs have set up shop here over the years, offering a wide variety of services. Today Bloor by the Park is known for its top-notch restaurants. Mexican, French, British and Oriental fare are represented here. 

Quaint and laid back are words that have often been used to describe the atmosphere in Bloor by the Park. It has maintained its charm over the years thanks to careful planning by the Business Improvement Area. One member of the BIA simply describes the neighbourhood as a place where you will find "fine food and a few treasures".

As the story goes...Bloor by the Park has one of the best Chinese Restaurants in the city of Toronto; China Island. King Slice is also said to be at the top when it comes to Pizza ranking in the city. At the time this article was published the following Bloor by the Park restaurants were open for business.

• Bang Bang Bar
• Mackenzie
• King Slice Pizzeria & Pasta
• Blume Bar
• Lunch Box
• Pizza Pizza
• China Island Chinese Restaurant
• Latinada Tapas Restaurant
• Osaka Sushi Japanese Restaurant
• Pizzaville
• P.J. Wong's Chinese Restaurant
• Thai 4 You
• Tim Horton's
• Star Café
• The Olive Branch
• Whelan's Gate
• Zarija Pastry & Café

Fresh groceries are never in short supply in Bloor by the Park. Residents rave about the products at the local markets.

• Lily Grocery
• Moscow Warsaw Kiev Meat and Delicatessen
• Vic Fruit Market

Since this has become a desirable neighbourhood the real estate office in town, Remax West Realty Inc., has become well-known, but there are many other real estate offices in the area, such as realtors in Bloor West Village. They also know the neighbourhood well and can assist those interested in making the move to Bloor by the Park.

One of the many advantages to living here or visiting the area is that you can walk the neighbourhood, enjoy the picturesque views and visit several unique shops at the same time. 

You won't find places like Goalie Heaven and Movie Art Décor in other Toronto neighbourhoods.  Here is a list of retailers in Bloor by the Park:

• Bells Furs
• Trans Canada Credit Jewellers
• Movie Art Décor
• The Shoe Gallery
• Frame it on Bloor
• Yarn Boutique
• Niorgos the Cobbler
• Goalie Heaven
• Toronto Hockey Store & Repair
• Pet Value
• Web Fusion Internet Lounge
• Olivia's Spa
• Nail Wax Toe

There appears to be a very strong sense of community in Toronto's Bloor by the Park. There are a number of organizations set up to support residents of all ages and backgrounds. 

Participation in the neighbourhood is encouraged and no one is ever left out. Below you will find a list of some of the local organizations that currently exist in the the Bloor by the Park area.

• Romeo House
• Lithuanian House
• Houselink Community Home
• Best Buddies Canada
• Afghan Women's Association
• AVVC Cultural Centre
• Toronto Central Community Care Access

At one end of the neighbourhood Bloor Street crosses Dundas and on the other end it crosses Keele. Both streets have a subway station at Bloor, making it easy for residents to travel, as well as for visitors to the area.

While Bloor by the Park is primarily known for its restaurants and retail shops, there is one museum in the community. Most refer to it as the "Ukrainian Art Museum". 

It is officially known as Taras Shevchenko Museum. Schevchenko was a famous Ukrainian poet and artist. The art collection is a gift from Ukrainian people to their kinfolk in Canada. www.infoukes.com/shevchenkomuseum/sitemap.htm

To learn more about Bloor by the Park shops, services and events simply visit the BIA's website at www.bloorbythepark.com.