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| Lansdowne’s overlooked subway entrance, west side. |
Opened in 1966, Lansdowne suffers from an overblown reputation for crime and general sketchiness. The nearby Coffee Time was notorious for many years as a crack dealer hangout, and anecdotes abound regarding the rougher denizens of our fair city who could be found lingering in the station’s periphery.
But let me tell you, I’ve been through Lansdowne and Bloordale Village many times, day and night, on my way and coming back from lengthy sessions at Boulderz Junction—and if you don’t bother anyone, they won’t bother you. Stuff happens. Stay frosty.
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| Abandoned briefs. What’s the story? One we probably don’t want to know. |
The station’s name honours the 5th Marquess of Lansdowne, Henry Charles Keith Petty-Fitzmaurice, who served as Governor General of Canada from 1883 to 1888. Imagine a world where Parkdale’s 1883 village council chose the name Petty-Fitzmaurice Avenue instead...
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| The roomy concourse at Lansdowne: fit for a Governor General? |
All things considered, keep your eyes open at Lansdowne, stay aware of your surroundings, and you’ll be just fine. Trust me—and enjoy that cheap tasty roti.
* Update: Rest in peace, Mashud Siddique. Vena’s is no more, alas. And neither is Bacchus. And the Coffee Time? Since replaced... by a weed shop! The irony. Toronto, always changing. What comes next for stolid Lansdowne? [Answer: Elevators]
Photo Gallery
Tour the station, and view captioned historical images from its past:(hint: turn on the captions)
Transfer:
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| Lansdowne station transfer |
More about Lansdowne
TTC Station info | Map | Wikipedia: LansdowneMy next stop: Union
Previous station: Ossington
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