Mainstreets

Mainstreets are the historic spines of towns and villages and one of the most outstanding features of Eastern Ontario.  In most cases they are single, linear streets along which the community’s social and economic activities are centred.  This is where most of the original town halls, churches, retail stores and personal service businesses are or were located.  The continuous and compact buildings and the architectural styles that characterize these mainstreets distinguish them from their surroundings. Recent development in towns and villages has attempted to emulate mainstreets in an effort to avoid the generic patterns of post-war suburbs. 

Mainstreets, located in the English villages, are characterized by purpose-built, two to three storey, red brick or stone commercial buildings.  In the French villages, they are characterized by wood frame commercial buildings and converted residential buildings with multiple additions.

Click the links below to find out more about Eastern Ontario's Mainstreets:

• Main Street, Almonte

• Main Street, Merrickville

• Main Street, Vankleek Hill

• Princess Street, Kingston

Map Eastern Ontario's Mainstreets

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