[Docere]

In some cities, "end" is basically interchangable with "side" (i.e. Toronto) while in others like Vancouver (West End) is a neighborhood (Strathcona was often referred to as the "East End").

The word "end" implies further out or near the limits but often when more narrowly defined it's closer in. In Toronto the "East End" used to mean Cabbagetown and thereabouts. Presumably the West End in earlier times may have been around Little Italy and Trinity Bellwoods today.