Church and Wellesley is one of the most colourful of all Toronto's neighbourhoods. The residents are lively, the shops are unique, and the atmosphere is full of support and love; it is also known for awesome parties and celebrations. 

Toronto's Church and Wellesley neighbourhood sits snugly in the centre of four borders; Yonge St on the west, Charles St on the north, Jarvis St on the east, and Gerrard St on the south. It is a tight knit community who have as long of a history as other neighbourhoods, but definitely more of a struggle.

History 

A section of this Toronto neighbourhood was once owned by Alexander Wood, a magistrate who was involved with a scandal in the early 1800's. 

The claims were that Alexander Wood fabricated a story of a girl getting raped in order to examine young men's genitals. No evidence was ever found to support such claims, but regardless the name Molly Wood was given to the magistrate and Molly Woods Bush was the name given to his property.

Toronto's Church Street went on to house many underground gay clubs and communities in the 1970s, which brought in a lot of violence from homophobes. Over the years there was ongoing struggles, raids, and unnecessary violence towards to ever-growing homosexual community of Church and Wellesley. 

After the 1980s, the gay and lesbian community of Church and Wellesley grew stronger politically and socially. Today, it is Toronto's main centre for the gay and lesbian community. And with it brings a vibrant culture and a sense of support. It is fondly known as the Village, or the Gay Village, and has many great businesses in the area.

With this support, brings in great celebrations to the Church and Wellesley area. There are a few annual events that take place in this Toronto neighbourhood. The first one being the largest festival in Canada. It is Pride Week; this is a fun filled week of exhibits, parades, food, and culture. Around the same time is the Dyke March. 

Another great event held in the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood, is the Church Street Fetish Fair. This is another annual event that promotes pride and fetish fun! The entire neighbourhood gets involved for all these events, including restaurants, bars, clubs, and other shops.

Toronto's Church and Wellesley might know how to work hard, but they also know how to play hard! Nightlife in Church and Wellesley is one of the best in Toronto. There are a huge number of clubs, bars, and pubs who cater to specific groups. 

Some places are more geared towards gay men while other are geared towards lesbian women. But more often then not, people of all walks of life are welcome. Church and Wellesley also has bumping patios within bars, lounges, and pubs. It might be worth looking up the desired destination before heading out for the night!

Cuisine in Toronto's Church and Wellesley area is places like cafes, sandwich shops, pub grub, and some Asian inspired restaurants. Most of the restaurants are for eating and socializing; you go out for food with friends or family.

Shopping in Toronto's Church and Wellesley area provides all the basic stores for the neighbourhood. Florists, pharmacies, some clothing stores, including tailors, and even a couple antique stores. The neighbourhood is really close to other Toronto neighbourhoods who provide a wider range of stores.

The businesses within the Church and Wellesley borders are protected by the Church and Wellesley Business Improvement Area. This is an organization made up of businesses owners from the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood. You can learn more about this BIA at www.churchwellesleyvillage.ca. Totally Toronto also has more on all the city's Business Improvement Areas!

Its main goal is to offer support to local businesses as well as maintain standards for the whole area. They are also who you contact to purchase, lease, or rent a space for your business in this neighbourhood!

The cost of living in Toronto's Church and Wellesley depends on the size and specific location. You will find more condominiums for sale then typical homes, and the prices can vary, some starting at $350,000. 

Apartments for rent are more common and can be as cheap as $753/month for a 2 bedroom. Of course, the price truly depicts the quality of living space, you can also find 2 bedroom apartments for as high as $3500/month. 

Some things to consider, especially since Church and Wellesley is near the centre of downtown Toronto, is where the nearest public transit (TTC) is located, grocery stores, and schools for all ages if applicable. 

Toronto's Church and Wellesley is truly a unique neighbourhood. The sense of culture seems to be the strongest in the city, perhaps because of the struggle this community has had to endure. 

Find your place in the Church and Wellesley area, for more information feel free to browse through Totally Toronto.