Heritage Planning (City of Toronto) conducted a Cultural Heritage Resource Assessment (CHRA) as an integral component of the Danforth Avenue Planning Study. Begun in Spring 2020 and completed in January 2022, the CHRA studied an area including all properties fronting onto Danforth Avenue between Coxwell Avenue and the Don River in downtown Toronto. The CHRA implemented and further developed a survey methodology created through the Toronto Heritage Survey. 

Research and engagement informed the development of a Historic Context Statement, which in turn informed an assessment of over 600 properties using Reg. 9/06 criteria. The CHRA implemented Official Plan policies regarding the identification of properties with cultural heritage value. The CHRA also implemented Section 4.2.7 of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe by informing and fostering a sense of place that became integral to Site and Area Specific Policies and Urban Design Guidelines.

The collection of historic main street buildings along Danforth Avenue, the vast majority of which were constructed between 1910 and 1929, define an often continuous streetwall of low-rise buildings, articulated by a rhythm of narrow storefronts with recessed entrances, and punctuated by landmark banks, places of worship, and theatres. All of these building types were consistently identified throughout consultations as important to the history of Danforth Avenue, and important to its contemporary identity and sense of place. Within these building types all 225 properties are considered significant heritage resources.