Written by Duncan Fremlin, Broker , RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd. dfremlin@remax.net www.morethanahome.ca
As a downtown Toronto Realtor, I spend a lot of time driving the streets of the city, much of it in the high density areas between the Don Valley in the east and High Park in the west. As I’ve written on these pages before, the traffic and the pace that everyone is operating at is both invigorating and overwhelming. Each time I’m out on appointments, one of these two emotions prevail, depending on how my day is going. Regardless of that, as I’m on my way from one neighbourhood to the next, there are certain familiar streets that I anticipate with delight. They’re not the main arteries. Within the maze of thoroughfares and construction sites, I can rely on these special streets as being respites from the stress of jockeying for space on the road. I often go a long way out of my way to use them. That’s how important they are to my peace of mind.
For example, as I’m returning from an appointment in the beach, it’s often a slow drive across Dundas Street to return to my office at Sherbourne and Wellesley. It often would take 15 minutes to continue past River Street, turn right at Sherbourne and make my way north.
But, I can now choose an alternate route, one that cuts through the old Regent Park. It’s not exactly a shortcut but I know it will brighten my spirits. The new stretch of Sumach Street runs north from Dundas and immediately, as I make the turn, I’m pretty much the only car on the road. Then, a few speed bumps later, I’m past Gerrard and serenity kicks in. I get to look to my left and admire beautiful historic homes (many that I’ve sold), and then to my right, one of Toronto’s great parks overlooking a farm of all things.
There are other routes across the city that I use for the same reason. But these Cabbagetown streets, in this secluded area between the Don Valley and Parliament Street, and north of Gerrard to the cemetery, are easily my favourite.

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