In the early nineteenth century, Queen Street East developed as a street of modest houses mixed with small frame and roughcast shops serving the surrounding residential properties along this area. Queen Street had become the main east-west artery by the late 1800's of Toronto. The portion of Queen Street East of the Don River developed an urban character earlier than other roads in this part of the city due to the fact that the Queen Street bridge over the Don River was one of the few crossings in place from the earliest days.
Its original residential character eventually evolved to the more recognizable commercial "main street" character of today (the area is designated as a Main Street). Between the Don River and Degrassi Street, many of the commercial blocks still exist. The heritage fabric of the street remains, although it has suffered some losses. The pace of redevelopment along the street is increasing, which could have the effect of diminishing the heritage character of the area redevelopment occurs in accordance with guidelines designed to maintain and enhance the heritage character.
At its September 26th 2006 meeting, City Council authorised a Heritage Conservation District Study for Queen Street East, from the Don River to DeGrassi Street. The study will document the history of the buildings in the Queen Street East area, their architectural and historical significance and growth and development of the neighbourhood that has occurred. This will define the heritage character of the proposed area. The study will be conducted by a heritage professional in consultation with area residents, business and property owners.
