What was Toronto like in the 80s and 90s? (rent, condos)

[Mini-apple-less]

I only know it from how it is in the 2010s, though I'd imagine it was more or less the same in the 2000s. Was it a lot "sleepier" in the late 20th century compared to now?

[blackhawks]

Was much much better. Sleepier, yes, and not scam central.

Toronto of the 1990s

[Annuvin]

Sleepier? Hardly.

In the late 80's/early 90's Toronto had it's share of head shops and peep shows on Yonge Street that have long disappeared along with Sam the Record Man. I remember that the Queen West area was much more vibrant and diverse, much like Manhattan's East Village. However, it seems that rising property values have drove rents up so high that it has become extremely corporate and bland. In 1993, it seemed you couldn't throw a rock on Queen without hitting a goth or industrial bar. Now, even the notorious Sanctuary: Vampire Sex Club/Catacombs has become a Starbucks, for the love of god.

[katzpaw]

Early 1980's:
- many parking lots awaiting development (ie in front of the CN Tower)
- fewer restaurants
- very few coffee shops. The only Tim Hortons I can think of was at Keele/Bloor, and Second Cup was a coffee related store (mugs, machines, gift items, bulk coffee) in enclosed malls
- stores closed on Sundays - except independent book stores and some drug stores that had to rope off certain aisles
- Queen West, Yorkville, The Beaches et al had more independent stores - now ruined and gentrified by chains and condos. Queen west of Spadina was low rent stores
- more industrial sites - now redeveloped for condos, townhomes, and big box retail
- beautiful old PCC streetcars, RHPS at the Roxy, Cineplex ruining/reno-ing big old movie houses
- more dance clubs/bars in old industrial buildings - now pushed out by higher rents/redevelopment
- booze cans, more drinking and driving, the original RIDE checks were in Etobicoke (Reduce Impaired Driving in Etobicoke)
- gays harassed by jeering crowds of male teens in front of the St Charles Tavern

[NorthYorkEd]

Let us take a musical interlude and see how some parts of Toronto looked in the 80's:





And now the 90's:



(ok, doesn't show much of TO, but still a kick-ass version of this song )

[zortation]

Much less gentrified...more punky and gritty and fun. Lots of cool little bars with live music on Queen West, now lots of H&M and The GAP and the rest.

[afici0nad0]

watch Degrassi Junior High (1987–1991).

this was what it was like in Toronto, for me, during the 80's and 90's.

[BMI]

Originally Posted by Annuvin

Sleepier? Hardly.

In the late 80's/early 90's Toronto had it's share of head shops and peep shows on Yonge Street that have long disappeared along with Sam the Record Man. I remember that the Queen West area was much more vibrant and diverse, much like Manhattan's East Village. However, it seems that rising property values have drove rents up so high that it has become extremely corporate and bland. In 1993, it seemed you couldn't throw a rock on Queen without hitting a goth or industrial bar. Now, even the notorious Sanctuary: Vampire Sex Club/Catacombs has become a Starbucks, for the love of god.

Yes, Pussycat Cinemas.

Also Toronto police cars were yellow (which I always thought was weird).

[North 42]

Originally Posted by zortation

Much less gentrified...more punky and gritty and fun. Lots of cool little bars with live music on Queen West, now lots of H&M and The GAP and the rest.

Yes, I lived in Toronto in '83 and '84 and was into the punk scene then, so much fun and so many great memories! Voodoo Club all the way!!! I loved Toronto then, and I love it now!

[moneill]

Lived in Toronto 1980 until 1988......it was fun.

Didn't live in Toronto but spent most of my teens from 1975 until I moved there in 1980 in Toronto......we had some fun!!!!! Lots of clubs, live music, great food....good times