Things Around Can Only Get Better – Liberty Village
February 12, 2020
The pre-construction residential condo project developed by Lifetime Developments, called Liberty Market Tower(Register Page), has received so much attentions since it was firstly initiated. It is not a surprise if you look closely – a renowned developer build a new contemporary tower is no longer a big news. But its location – Liberty Village inside the Downtown Toronto, could be the real boost to the project.
Maybe 89/100 Walk Score and 100/100 Transit Score expain partially its value and popularity but the reason that attracting more and more young people to live here must be something even more profound.
Traditional Industrial Area
19th Century Prosperity
The history can be traced back 70 years ago. In 1850s, both the Toronto, Grey and Bruce Railway and the Great Western Railway laid tracks across the community. And since then, due to its proximity to railway, the Liberty Village was on a fast track of growing as an important industrial area.
In 1884, John Inglis and Company opened a factory to manufacture heavy machinary, boilers, and later, electrical appliances. His hugh success had lead so much more investors and manufacturers starting a business here. The Liberty Village thrived from late 19th century to mid 20th century. Some leading companies at that time include Brunswick-Balke-Collender (manufacturer of billard tables and bowling alleys), Irwin Toy, Canada Metal, Simmon Bedding, Hinde and Dauch Paper, and Sunbeam Incandescent Lamp (later Canadian General Electric).
Fighting During World Wars
During both world wars, the factories in Libery Village put themselves to use. Many of them produced armaments, bombs and weapons to support the wars. However, much of the soil pollution in the area dates from those periods.
After surviving from the wars, in late 1970s and early 1980s, manufacturing operations inside the community started to decline due to the shift from rail to road shipping. Decreased industrial activity and lower property values caused many Liberty Village buildings to ‘fall into neglect‘.
20th Century – Glory Once Again
As coming to 20th century, the technology, finance and online business start to take over, and therefore an opportunity to redeem has come.
Liberty Village’s BIA, Business Improvement Area, was founded in 2001 and represents over 600 member businesses which employed over 10,000 people in total. Most of them worked in technology, markeing, fashion and service industry. High-pollution factories had gone for good. Since 2004, the Liberty Village economy has experienced rapid growth from 2004 to the present in terms of new condos/lofts, office space, new shops and restaurants.
Right now more and more international institutions and companies have their attention on the Downtown Toronto, and set branchs or headquarters here, and many local companies have also grown fast in such competitive environment. Many companies and institutions in Downtown Toronto include Google, Amazon, Deloitte, Scotiabank, Polar Assrt Management Partners, Dream Unlimited, University of Toronto, PayBright, PwC, Stantec and so much more. With so much giants in different industries, all the Liberty Village community has to do is putting a cherry on top – provide their serives to both companies and young people for opprtunities.
The Liberty Market is rising again, and this time it is more diverse, livable and sustainable. The prosperity of a city is no longer dependent on railways and factories. Now it dependents on technology and innovations. In other words, groups of talented young people are the real assets. And Liberty Village is winning them.
Top Living Standard
Living in Liberty Village can be as fun and convienient as you can imagine. It is close to the Lake Ontario waterfront, Toronto’s Fashion District, Entertainment District and Central Downtown. Meaning you are basically living in the highlights of all Toronto’s views and local amenities. BMO Field, Trinity Bellwoods Park, TIFF Bell Lightbox, Graffiti Gallery, CF Toronto Eaton Center, CN Tower, Nathan Phillips Sqaure, Scotiabank Area, Rogers Center, and much more. You can explore every wonder of this beautiful city through the dense network of transportation lines in just minutes.
King St Fun Nights
Instead of evaluating the location on Google Map, there are so much tips to have fun in Liberty Village, you will know only if you really experience them. Going out on King St is definitely one them.
The King St arround you has the best restaurants and bars to keep you and your friends from getting bored at night. Labora, Buca, Belfast Love Public House, Kit Kat Italian Bar, Gusto 101, and more. Many recommended restaurants and bars online are all located around King St, and every Friday Night the street can get really wild. But the location of Libery Village can also keep you from noises and drunk people if you want to just have a peaceful night. Isn’t it wonderful?
Future Libery Village SmartTrack Station
The City, Metrolinx and TTC have been working together to develop SmartTrack/GO Expansion integration options since January 2015. The SmartTrack will be an enhancement of the transportation by significantly increasing rail service across the GO network by providing electrified, 15 mins or better service on five GO corridors in core areas. And in the near future, a Liberty Village Station will be built on the SmartTrack route, which will make the transportation even faster.
Future Ontario Line
The Ontario Line is a proposed rapid transit line in Toronto on April 10, 2019, connecting from northern terminus at Eglinton Ave and Don Mills Rd at Science Center Station with Line 5 Eglinton, to the southern terminus at existing Exhibition GO Station on the Lakeshore West Line.
The Ontario Line will set a station at Liberty Village and eventually optimize your transportations.
Thriving Will Continue
Right strategy at the right time will lead the Liberty Village to thrive for decades, now it is merely a beginning. With internet and technology industries taking over the world, and strong supports from financial businesses in Downtown Toronto, the Liberty Village will provide such environment and vibe to each and every embitious and talented young people. And they will settle here. The Liberty Village can only become more popular and important not by heavy industries, or just new technology, but by connecting its future to the futures of Canada’s brilliant next generation.