Church Wellesley Village Sign

Location: Intersection of Maitland and Church Streets
Date Photo Taken: 26 October 2012
Image #1 in the Neighbourhoods Series

Long before Toronto became the grand metropolis it is today the area was populated by small villages. These were eventually swallowed up as the city grew but branded street signs now help to identify where these villages once stood. These signs also provide Business Improvement Areas and other neighbourhood groups the opportunity to identify their particular area. Many signs employ colour or graphics to impart a bit of the flavour of the community but as these existing signs age they will be replaced by the city’s new standardized signs. The new signs are made of extruded aluminum and covered in a highly reflective blue surface. The top panel still allows for a neighbourhood designation but a customized look will no longer be an option. The small numbers at the bottom of the sign indicate the street address closest to the intersection. 

For a map of Toronto’s neighbourhoods, check out the one created by the Toronto Star.

Church Wellesley Village is Toronto’s largest LGBT community and the BIA hosts a number of street festivals and events throughout the year. The area is centered on Church Street, roughly between Gloucester St. and Wood St.