Yonge Street
Yonge Street, and its continuation, Highway 11, serves as one of the main commercial areas for several cities and towns in the country. Spanning across Canada, Yonge Street starts at the foot of the city, at Queens Quay, and runs straight north then northwest. Several condos, such as Minto Midtown and Aura, are located on this busy artery.
Recognized as the longest street in the world, Yonge Street’s originally purpose was as a military route to the city for British troops posted in the Upper Great Lakes area. They were protecting the country against the American threat.
Lieutenant Governor Simcoe initiated construction, and named the street after Sir George Yonge, his friend. Ironically, Sir George Yonge never visited the town of York (the original name of Toronto).
The first stretch of Yonge Street, ending at Lake Simcoe, was completed in 1796 by a team led by Augustus James.
