Hotel Isabella was built in the 1890s in Toronto. During it’s first heyday it was a fancy hotel that people went to for weddings and anniversaries. In the 1970s and 80s it was known as a jazz bar. In the 1980s and 90s Gregg’s band, International Boundaries, played the basement bar of Hotel Isabella, Under The Izzy. There was also a main floor venue called Cameo Lounge. Besides Gregg, the Hotel Isabella played host to acts such as Big Sugar, Burton Cummings, Molly Johnson, Jeff Healey and Dan Aykroyd.
It would have been amazing if someone would have made a video like this around the year 1950 or even 1940 People would be watching these videos a hundred years later enjoying every minute of it
George St. has long needed a makeover, but it seems a shame that so many of its older structures are scheduled for demolition. This includes many of the buildings immediately north of the Filmore Hotel, and in particular, that 'Georgian Revival' with the single dormer, which looks quite old(possibly circa 1840s), and I'm betting may have once been part of a much larger terrace. The town of York(today's Toronto) used to be chock-full of this style of architecture, but sadly, only a small number remain today(e.g.: 'Mackenzie House'). For some reason, I always associate 'Georgian Revival' with all things 'Dickensian', and in fact, when Charles Dickens visited the city in 1842, it was this style of building he predominantly would have seen. If all of these buildings were saved and restored, they would add a great deal of character, charm and visual interest, not to mention historical context, to the 'revitalized' street!
I enjoyed this walk, and seeing how Toronto continues to change since I moved away. I'll offer that being captured on a public video near a shelter is a valid concern for some--potentially a safety or employment concern, &c. That's perhaps worth taking into consideration while you go through similar areas.
In 2012 I worked at an Espresso bar a friend of mine opened on Mutual St, just north of Dundas. During that first summer, an older fellow stopped in and mentioned he lived on George St, and it wasn't what it used to be. He didn't go into detail, but it piqued my interest. At the time I lived in the east end and walked to work, so next time I went in I decided to take stroll down George St to see what he was talking about. I started at Gerard and walked south. As soon as I turned onto the street, there was a fellow doing circles on a bike in the middle of the street. He immediately offered me crack and meth which I politely declined. About the forth house down on the left had no roof, the edges of the base of the roof was charred and smoking, like there had been a fire there that day, and mostly put it out, but it was still going. Right after that was the 1st proposition. Coming up on Seaton House I witnessed about 20 or 30 people completely passed out or unconscious, strewn all over the grass along the front of the building. I then looked across the street to see a fellow being orally pleasured by 2 ladies right out on the sidewalk. Proposition 2 happened right after that, followed by another offer for narcotic imbibment. Passing more boarded up and dilapidated homes, a whole cast of characters fervently passed by me, keenly focused on each ones similar or different destination. When I reached Fillmore's, I kind of couldn't believe what I had just witness in one block. I've never before or since observed such a concentrated amount of street life. It really felt like I had just walked through a scene from a movie. Maybe I'll have to head down there again sometime when I'm walking in the area.
@@StereoAnthony indeed, George Street is like an open air market at night, with a good chance of being robbed. A friend was murdered before the pandemic shortly after moving to the very North end of George St
I can see why that area is dubbed "little Detroit". Certainly sketchy for sure. Thanks for sharing. From what I've heard, the nearby Regent Park used to be sketchy before the revitalization, but now it's pretty safe. I suppose many of the displaced people just moved to the fringe of the revitalized area.
@13:33, The George Street Diner used to be The Richmond Street Diner. When I was at GBC in the mid 90s (Actually thirty years ago this summer) we went there for their "4 Buck Breakfast" before classes.... That area's been in need of a serious reno for decades but people ignore it because it's on the way to somewhere else...
My buddy and I used to walk for hours all over downtown Toronto area...it was fun...but exhausting as well. I wish I had the time and freedom to do it again.
I have not been in TO in a long time but that looks like the no mans land we called Moss Park. Mostly transients after dark. The famous Filmores is at the corner of Dundas if I am not wrong.
My buddies and I shared a place on George street for a few years in the mid-80’s, while we worked at the Copa night club in Yorkville. We were right next to the Seaton House men’s hostel. It was interesting.
I lived with my girlfriend in a huge basement apartment in a Victorian townhouse on Gerard, just around the corner from George St. in 1998-99. Our entrance was down a lane off of George St. (you can see it at 27:23). We were both poor university students, so the $650 rent worked. That was one of the craziest places to live. The first time my mother visited she parked on George. After she locked the doors she realized that she had left her purse on a seat. She said, "Oh well. It should be fine there. It's locked". A sketchy meth-head was walking by when she said that. And he said, "I wouldn't, Lady. It'll be gone in a New York Minute." Our back stoop was a regular place for Johns and hookers. At night, my girlfriend would hale a cab for the last two blocks home, if I wasn't with her. So many crazy stories. There wasn't a single part of Toronto I feared after that year. Strangely, I miss that time. Toronto was interesting and fun in the 80's and 90's. I look at it as a concrete shit-hole now.
For a minute I thought a few of those guys on George St. were going to start chasing after you and then the lady at the Fillmore's...lol Great peek into another area that is part of Toronto with some rich history that included Mr. Allen from days gone by...😁
it was one shock after another...been 55 years since I have visited my old neighbourhood: raised Jordan street and Melinda area (the building is buried 'under ' the 'new' Canadian Bank of Commerce. St. Michael's was my school WOW sure has changed but yet not. cheers
FYI. I don't think it was called the Filmours at the time. I went in to watch a band that had a few of my buds in. I got a beer, I poured into the glass and set the bottle on the table on my $5 bill for my next one. The bartender came over and told me to lose the $5. I asked why, he said I have seen people shived in here for less.
I wandered down this street years ago as a tourist. Bro, compared to where I'm from this place is like paradise...😊 PS: Hopefully they don't demolish too many of the older buildings.
Greetings Johnny from NYC. I would love for you to tour One King West Hotel. I stayed there for one night while attending a funeral for my friend's mom in 2014. It was priced at US $107.00 because it was so cold, occupancy was very low. I was given a really nice studio with dishwasher, washer, dryer, and fully stocked kitchen. It had an unbelievable amount of storage spaces. I'd be curious as to discover the planning of the rebuild.
For its reputation, its really surprising how concentrated the problem area of George St. is. That revitalization project can't come soon enough. That, and the new Moss Park station, should go a long way for the area.
It hasn't been a problem for me; I also _don't_ want this 'revitalization' (gentrification) to drive up my rent and me out on the street, or anybody else here, either; the so called 'problems' haven't been that big, and I've never had my place broken into, or even been shot at. It's *_not_* that 'sketchy'.
Thank you for another good entertaining walking video again, Johnny. I never knew that Toronto has a Little Detroit. Why someone has to yell at you like that. Not that I recognized anyone on the other side of the street. Yes, please do some videos on the hotels in the city. Would love to see it. See you in the next one. Yoink!
@@JohnnyStrides, yeah, it its one; I'd posted the unit number, but somebody told me to take it down. I wish that you could let me know when you're around here again, so that I could meet you and say hello (I've met Lizzo C. once and Henry [Toronto Tech & Transit] twice around here.)
Hey Johnny, I sent you 20 bucks a few months ago because I really like you're content. I was disappointed you didn't acknowledge that in any way. I assume it just flew under the radar and you didn't notice. I really enjoy your content and hope you keep making it.
Hey, was this from John (on Paypal?). I went through my records and it looks like I sent a thank you on the Paypal platform itself (perhaps it didn't go through?). I surely appreciate it!
Good morning/afternoon/evening, Beautiful Johnny Strides! Thanks much for taking us along on this wonderful & leisurely walk through the St. Lawrence area. The historic building of Filmore's should be re-purposed to keep its historic stature, I think. With that, thanks again but be careful when walking through "sketchy" areas, you never know what may hitch a ride on you! Cheers & stay safe out there in them there Toronto streets! 🥰🥰🦅🦅🦅🦅
I can tell you never even bothered to watch but were quick to make a braindead comment 🤣 At least bother to watch the video of you're going to comment as maybe, just maybe I explained it champ ;)
George St definitely has "character" and not necessarily in a good way - thanks to Seaton House. You couldn't pay me to walk along George St after dark...but during the day, not so bad - just walk straight ahead , mind your business and cross over to the other side of the street if you see any Seaton House residents on one side you side cross me crossy cross you fucking coaoih adioadsjiodkjo daikkhads
As a Detroit resident, I really hate that you used your forum to put my city down. Apparently, you haven't been to Detroit lately. I'm very disappointed.
I went to Detroit recently and it was AMAZING. I felt SO much more safe at 2am in Detroit than Toronto where I live. Actually as soon as I crossed the border it became so beautiful and clean and all the people were so nice. Canada looked very sad next to it. I’ve been to a few other places since then in the USA and Detroit was by far my favourite city and best experience. It’s not what some people may think of from like 20 years ago. Its literally the exact opposite. It’s a fantastic & beautiful architecture city. I’m definitely going back! ❤❤❤
I’ve lived in Toronto my entire life 60 yrs and it was a beautiful place until a few years ago when immigration let to many people in ,😡not sure what’s sketchy?
Hotel Isabella was built in the 1890s in Toronto. During it’s first heyday it was a fancy hotel that people went to for weddings and anniversaries. In the 1970s and 80s it was known as a jazz bar. In the 1980s and 90s Gregg’s band, International Boundaries, played the basement bar of Hotel Isabella, Under The Izzy. There was also a main floor venue called Cameo Lounge. Besides Gregg, the Hotel Isabella played host to acts such as Big Sugar, Burton Cummings, Molly Johnson, Jeff Healey and Dan Aykroyd.
It would have been amazing if someone would have made a video like this around the year 1950 or even 1940
People would be watching these videos a hundred years later enjoying every minute of it
Try the city of Toronto archives near Casa Loma.
Hello there another beautiful sharing adventure walk away tour and bless weekend everyone !! ..
Thanks for this I have never been down George St; it's beautiful. Enjoyed the research you did in terms of history
George St. has long needed a makeover, but it seems a shame that so many of its older structures are scheduled for demolition. This includes many of the buildings immediately north of the Filmore Hotel, and in particular, that 'Georgian Revival' with the single dormer, which looks quite old(possibly circa 1840s), and I'm betting may have once been part of a much larger terrace. The town of York(today's Toronto) used to be chock-full of this style of architecture, but sadly, only a small number remain today(e.g.: 'Mackenzie House'). For some reason, I always associate 'Georgian Revival' with all things 'Dickensian', and in fact, when Charles Dickens visited the city in 1842, it was this style of building he predominantly would have seen. If all of these buildings were saved and restored, they would add a great deal of character, charm and visual interest, not to mention historical context, to the 'revitalized' street!
I enjoyed this walk, and seeing how Toronto continues to change since I moved away.
I'll offer that being captured on a public video near a shelter is a valid concern for some--potentially a safety or employment concern, &c. That's perhaps worth taking into consideration while you go through similar areas.
Thanks for another great video!
In 2012 I worked at an Espresso bar a friend of mine opened on Mutual St, just north of Dundas.
During that first summer, an older fellow stopped in and mentioned he lived on George St, and it wasn't what it used to be.
He didn't go into detail, but it piqued my interest.
At the time I lived in the east end and walked to work, so next time I went in I decided to take stroll down George St to see what he was talking about.
I started at Gerard and walked south.
As soon as I turned onto the street, there was a fellow doing circles on a bike in the middle of the street. He immediately offered me crack and meth which I politely declined.
About the forth house down on the left had no roof, the edges of the base of the roof was charred and smoking, like there had been a fire there that day, and mostly put it out, but it was still going.
Right after that was the 1st proposition.
Coming up on Seaton House I witnessed about 20 or 30 people completely passed out or unconscious, strewn all over the grass along the front of the building.
I then looked across the street to see a fellow being orally pleasured by 2 ladies right out on the sidewalk.
Proposition 2 happened right after that, followed by another offer for narcotic imbibment.
Passing more boarded up and dilapidated homes, a whole cast of characters fervently passed by me, keenly focused on each ones similar or different destination.
When I reached Fillmore's, I kind of couldn't believe what I had just witness in one block. I've never before or since observed such a concentrated amount of street life. It really felt like I had just walked through a scene from a movie.
Maybe I'll have to head down there again sometime when I'm walking in the area.
Вот это да 😳, страсти какие вы рассказали, это реально страшно.. Ужас..
@@StereoAnthony indeed, George Street is like an open air market at night, with a good chance of being robbed. A friend was murdered before the pandemic shortly after moving to the very North end of George St
Wow that park was incredibly sad actually. Politicians need to house these people and get them rehabilitated to reintegrate back into society
I can see why that area is dubbed "little Detroit". Certainly sketchy for sure. Thanks for sharing.
From what I've heard, the nearby Regent Park used to be sketchy before the revitalization, but now it's pretty safe. I suppose many of the displaced people just moved to the fringe of the revitalized area.
@13:33, The George Street Diner used to be The Richmond Street Diner. When I was at GBC in the mid 90s (Actually thirty years ago this summer) we went there for their "4 Buck Breakfast" before classes....
That area's been in need of a serious reno for decades but people ignore it because it's on the way to somewhere else...
My buddy and I used to walk for hours all over downtown Toronto area...it was fun...but exhausting as well. I wish I had the time and freedom to do it again.
Glad you made it through that neighbourhood ok. Jeez 😬
I have not been in TO in a long time but that looks like the no mans land we called Moss Park. Mostly transients after dark. The famous Filmores is at the corner of Dundas if I am not wrong.
My buddies and I shared a place on George street for a few years in the mid-80’s, while we worked at the Copa night club in Yorkville. We were right next to the Seaton House men’s hostel. It was interesting.
I lived with my girlfriend in a huge basement apartment in a Victorian townhouse on Gerard, just around the corner from George St. in 1998-99. Our entrance was down a lane off of George St. (you can see it at 27:23). We were both poor university students, so the $650 rent worked. That was one of the craziest places to live. The first time my mother visited she parked on George. After she locked the doors she realized that she had left her purse on a seat. She said, "Oh well. It should be fine there. It's locked". A sketchy meth-head was walking by when she said that. And he said, "I wouldn't, Lady. It'll be gone in a New York Minute." Our back stoop was a regular place for Johns and hookers. At night, my girlfriend would hale a cab for the last two blocks home, if I wasn't with her. So many crazy stories. There wasn't a single part of Toronto I feared after that year. Strangely, I miss that time. Toronto was interesting and fun in the 80's and 90's. I look at it as a concrete shit-hole now.
Had a feeling you may have problems filming out front of Seaton House lol
Nice walk as always I loved it cheers mate from Estelle 😊
For a minute I thought a few of those guys on George St. were going to start chasing after you and then the lady at the Fillmore's...lol Great peek into another area that is part of Toronto with some rich history that included Mr. Allen from days gone by...😁
it was one shock after another...been 55 years since I have visited my old neighbourhood: raised Jordan street and Melinda area (the building is buried 'under ' the 'new' Canadian Bank of Commerce. St. Michael's was my school WOW sure has changed but yet not. cheers
FYI. I don't think it was called the Filmours at the time. I went in to watch a band that had a few of my buds in. I got a beer, I poured into the glass and set the bottle on the table on my $5 bill for my next one. The bartender came over and told me to lose the $5. I asked why, he said I have seen people shived in here for less.
I wandered down this street years ago as a tourist. Bro, compared to where I'm from this place is like paradise...😊 PS: Hopefully they don't demolish too many of the older buildings.
Greetings Johnny from NYC. I would love for you to tour One King West Hotel. I stayed there for one night while attending a funeral for my friend's mom in 2014. It was priced at US $107.00 because it was so cold, occupancy was very low. I was given a really nice studio with dishwasher, washer, dryer, and fully stocked kitchen. It had an unbelievable amount of storage spaces. I'd be curious as to discover the planning of the rebuild.
For its reputation, its really surprising how concentrated the problem area of George St. is. That revitalization project can't come soon enough. That, and the new Moss Park station, should go a long way for the area.
It hasn't been a problem for me; I also _don't_ want this 'revitalization' (gentrification) to drive up my rent and me out on the street, or anybody else here, either; the so called 'problems' haven't been that big, and I've never had my place broken into, or even been shot at. It's *_not_* that 'sketchy'.
Johnny boy, next take a stroll thru regent park, rexdale and jane & finch 😄
Not at night! They’re not so bad at daytime
Done that many a time.
Thank you for another good entertaining walking video again, Johnny. I never knew that Toronto has a Little Detroit. Why someone has to yell at you like that. Not that I recognized anyone on the other side of the street.
Yes, please do some videos on the hotels in the city. Would love to see it.
See you in the next one. Yoink!
This reminds me of the homes in the Esplanade.
good morning everyone
Morning
Gretings Detroit citizen Hope ur city prosper and Toronto become as detroit 😅
Johnny, you need to give us your favourite neighbourhoods in Toronto.
I hope someone is saving yours and others videos in a locked safe for 100 years that would be cool
Good morning
Does your reference include coloring of the residents
Thanks.
George St. forever!
Which osmo pocket you filmed with 2 or 3 please?!
Your brave Johnny
*You're
is graffiti new to To?
That area by Filmores, wow. lol
I lived at 311 George St. in the early to late 60s and went to Duke of York School
It would be interesting to see a Hotel walk video.
There's a lot of Detroit-styled pizza in Toronto, but no part of Toronto is as dangerous as most of Detroit lol.
Detroit wishes it looked that good! Thanks for the walk Johnny!!
You were here? I live at 25 Henry Lane Terrace: *_if_* I'd known, I would've come out and seen you! When can you come back here again?
Neville, I recommend editing this to remove unit number..
Yeah, I think it's an apartment at least?
@@JohnnyStrides, yeah, it its one; I'd posted the unit number, but somebody told me to take it down. I wish that you could let me know when you're around here again, so that I could meet you and say hello (I've met Lizzo C. once and Henry [Toronto Tech & Transit] twice around here.)
Hey Johnny, I sent you 20 bucks a few months ago because I really like you're content. I was disappointed you didn't acknowledge that in any way. I assume it just flew under the radar and you didn't notice. I really enjoy your content and hope you keep making it.
Hi there im a moderator for this channel im very sure it was a honest mistake on johnnys behalf 😊 glad you are enjoying the channel have a great day!
Hey, was this from John (on Paypal?). I went through my records and it looks like I sent a thank you on the Paypal platform itself (perhaps it didn't go through?). I surely appreciate it!
Never give away money you want to be thanked for.
Nice video. Some interesting history in this one. Wouldn't mind if you checked out some other hotels.
👍🏿
Good morning/afternoon/evening, Beautiful Johnny Strides! Thanks much for taking us along on this wonderful & leisurely walk through the St. Lawrence area. The historic building of Filmore's should be re-purposed to keep its historic stature, I think. With that, thanks again but be careful when walking through "sketchy" areas, you never know what may hitch a ride on you! Cheers & stay safe out there in them there Toronto streets! 🥰🥰🦅🦅🦅🦅
There is no way you have ever been in Detroit by making this comparison. Brutal way to get people to watch by lying to them.
I can tell you never even bothered to watch but were quick to make a braindead comment 🤣 At least bother to watch the video of you're going to comment as maybe, just maybe I explained it champ ;)
@@JohnnyStrides I did watch actually.
@@ChristopherShoustFilms Then you'd know the reason behind 'Luttle Detroit" and would realize how absurd your comment is.
@@JohnnyStrides good day to you sir
George St definitely has "character" and not necessarily in a good way - thanks to Seaton House. You couldn't pay me to walk along George St after dark...but during the day, not so bad - just walk straight ahead , mind your business and cross over to the other side of the street if you see any Seaton House residents on one side you side cross me crossy cross you fucking coaoih adioadsjiodkjo daikkhads
I would not walk in this neighborhood again.
No where in Toronto is like Detroit not even a little
Great Job Johnny
u got some balls walking through that strip
As a Detroit resident, I really hate that you used your forum to put my city down. Apparently, you haven't been to Detroit lately. I'm very disappointed.
If you watched the video you'd understand the context in which that name was used.
Не обижайтесь, Джонни совсем не хотел обидеть вашего чувства. Видео немного о другом.
@@detphemale 😂
I went to Detroit recently and it was AMAZING. I felt SO much more safe at 2am in Detroit than Toronto where I live. Actually as soon as I crossed the border it became so beautiful and clean and all the people were so nice. Canada looked very sad next to it. I’ve been to a few other places since then in the USA and Detroit was by far my favourite city and best experience. It’s not what some people may think of from like 20 years ago. Its literally the exact opposite. It’s a fantastic & beautiful architecture city. I’m definitely going back! ❤❤❤
Where/how did he “put down” Detroit?
I’ve lived in Toronto my entire life 60 yrs and it was a beautiful place until a few years ago when immigration let to many people in ,😡not sure what’s sketchy?
Trudeau's Canada.
Good morning