A Visual History of Yonge-Dundas Square

Yonge-Dundas Square is a public space in the heart of the city where free events, concerts and festivals are held. But if you’ve ever wondered how Yonge-Dundas Square came to be or what was there before, keep reading!

Early On

What was Yonge-Dundas Square like before it was Yonge-Dundas Square? Way back in 1796, Yonge Street was completed with the goal of connecting the upper and lower great lakes for military and commercial purposes. Early in the 19th century, the section of Dundas Street that connects with Yonge Street was constructed and the Yonge and Dundas intersection was formed.

In 1923, the Toronto Transit Commission laid new tracks on Dundas Street east of Yonge Street, creating a triangular section of land which would later become Yonge-Dundas Square. Check out how this piece of land was formed in the photo below from May 30, 1923.

Dundas & Bond looking west. (Photo: City of Toronto Archives)

If you look at this next photo that’s facing south on Yonge Street, you might recognize that white building on the left. That building is now the Shoppers Drug Mart just south of Yonge-Dundas Square, which was formerly the Hard Rock Café.

Yonge Street looking south. (Photo: City of Toronto Archives)

Mid to Late 18th Century

Yonge and Dundas has always been a lively place, but it was especially so in the mid to late 1900s. Below are a few snapshots of the area during the time, courtesy of the City of Toronto Archives. Notice that the intersection was already home to some pretty big billboards!

Yonge & Dundas intersection looking north.

Yonge & Dundas intersection looking northeast. The Coles bookstore is standing where Yonge-Dundas Square is today.

Yonge Street Regeneration Project

In 1995 Yonge and Dundas was still a very different place. Conversations were focusing on how to improve the area, and within a year (in 1996) the Yonge Street Regeneration Program would start – focusing on ways to improve Yonge Street from Queen up to College.

The intent of the program was to:

Improve the physical appearance of the area;
Create a strong sense of place; and
Attract a new retail and entertainment space, including a large megaplex cinema.

So, the idea of a new public space at the southeast corner of Yonge and Dundas Streets was formed. In 1998, the City of Toronto launched a competition to design Yonge-Dundas Square and the Toronto firm Brown + Storey Architects was selected to design the new public space. See their architectural rendering of the Square above.

Today

Since the Square opened in 2003, it has been the site of some of Toronto’s favourite events, festivals and concerts. Whether it be multicultural celebrations, food festivals or a free concert from Queen Bey (Beyoncé) herself, Yonge-Dundas Square has seen it all. The Square is a place where friends meet, enjoy the dancing fountains and check out what the neighbourhood has to offer.