Roncesvalles Village
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Ronces.jpg
The community has long been split between the High Park and Parkdale neighbourhoods, as Roncesvalles Avenue, itself, is the boundary line that separates them. Unlike many 'villages' in Toronto, Roncesvalles Village was not historically an independent village like Swansea Village or Forest Hill Village. The name is an invention of the local business improvement association, which decided to forge a unique identity for the area in an effort to increase commerce for local shops and other enterprises.
Roncesvalles Village and Roncesvalles Avenue take their names from a battle which took place in the Roncesvalles gorge in Spain in 1813. At this gorge, Colonel Walter O'Hara -- an early 19th century Irish settler who played a significant role in the establishment of the neighbourhood -- led a regiment that fought against the retreating army of Napoleon.
The Sphynx cat is alleged to have originated from a litter born in a Roncesvalles Avenue alley in 1963.
See also
External link
- Roncesvalles Village BIA (http://www.roncesvallesvillage.ca/)