The Beaches: Creation of a Toronto Neighbourhood

“In this fascinating book, one of Toronto’s leading planning historians takes a deep dive into the processes of land development, property speculation, and city-building that produced Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood. This detailed study is revealing not just of how this iconic bit of Toronto was built, but also of the largely unregulated processes of land development that produced Toronto’s nineteenth and early twentieth century urban fabric. Add to this the tale of competing amusement parks, electrification of the street railways, and conflicts over public access to the waterfront and beaches, and we have an important new resource on Toronto history.” Andre Sorensen, Professor of Human Geography, University of Toronto

“Informative and a real pleasure to read. Including plenty of illustrations, Richard White shows us how the Beaches (not The Beach, he insists) was transformed from weekend resort to suburb to city neighbourhood. In so doing, he prompts us to think about what it is that makes us like, and care about, particular places.” Richard Harris, Professor Emeritus of Urban Geography, McMaster University

“A compelling account of the chaotic development of a beloved urban neighbourhood. The book ranges over topics such as land speculation, recreation, house-building styles, individual enterprise, and the evolution of a sense of community. A thoughtful book that makes delightful reading.” Roberto Perin, Professor Emeritus of History, York University