![](https://bloordufferin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/kent-school-bloor-dufferin-995x560.jpg)
Photo Credit: Toronto Archives
14 / 06 / 17
Kent School. History in the making, all over again.
There is a beautiful, historic building in the community. But it’s more than a building, it’s a school. But it was more than a school, it was a community gathering place.
At the southwest corner of Bloor and Dufferin, lies the Kent School. The historic structure and school was founded in 1908 and named after Hebert E. Kent, a Toronto trustee at the time. Back then the school was a cornerstone of the community. A little known fact today, was that the Kent School was originally built to reduce pressure on a community that was growing far too quickly, to relieve over-crowding at neighbouring schools – Brock, Dewson and Dovercourt.
![](https://bloordufferin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/kent-school-archives-1200x939.jpg)
Today, the Kent School has been kept in use as a multi-cultural community-driven educational center. Tenants include the Toronto School of Art, The German International School of Toronto and William Academy.
![](https://bloordufferin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/kent-school-proposed-community-hub-995x562.jpg)
As the Bloor and Dufferin area continues to evolve, it’s essential to remember our history. As a historic and iconic building, the Kent School can continue to be a vibrant gathering place for the community by providing a welcoming space and inviting programming. Alongside a Community Hub Visioning Process, Capital Developments and Metropia are exploring ways to celebrate the Kent School’s unique heritage and support a variety of new uses.
To learn more about what we’re planning at Bloor and Dufferin, click here.