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.
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.
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.
