A Upper Middle Family Oriented Neighborhood in Toronto.
History:
In the late 1700s and early 1800s, the land of Edenbridge – Humber Valley Village was used for farming. By 1805 many lots were purchased for future development, though the vast majority of homes in the neighborhood were not completed until the 1960s when Etobicoke underwent rapid urbanization. Many were built with designs including Georgian, English, Tudor, and ranch style bungalows. The Ford family, consisting of Rob Ford, the former mayor of Toronto, Doug Ford, the current premier of Ontario, and Doug Ford Sr, former MPP in Mike Harris’ government, all hail from Edenbridge – Humber Valley Village.
The Humber Valley Village neighborhood was developed as part of Home Smith and Company’s “Humber Valley Surveys”. The Humber Valley Surveys included 3,000 acres of prime real estate stretching along the Humber River from the Queensway north to Eglinton Avenue. This large land assembly included the building of the Humber Valley Village neighborhood as well as the Kingsway, Baby Point, Old Mill, and Princess Anne Gardens-Manor neighborhoods. The St. George’s Golf Club off Islington Avenue was also developed by Home Smith and Company. The president of Home Smith and Company was Robert Home Smith, a graduate of law from the University of Toronto. Robert Home Smith was a multi-talented individual who served as Chairman of the Toronto Harbour Commission, helped to pioneer the development of Northern Ontario Mines, and was president of many North American railway companies. The first homes in Humber Valley Village were built in the 1930s near James Gardens, along the Humber Valley. Unfortunately, Robert Home Smith died in 1935, long before the Humber Valley Village neighborhood was completed in the 1960s.
Overview:
Humber Valley Village is an upper middle-income family oriented neighborhood. Its distinctive rolling topography, curvilinear streets and abundance of mature trees are a byproduct of the Humber River Valley Ravine which forms the eastern boundary of this neighborhood. The two dominant geographical landmarks in Humber Valley Village are the St. George’s Golf and Country Club which stretches across Islington Avenue, and James Gardens – a picturesque strolling garden located along the banks of the Humber River Valley.
Homes:
Humber Valley Village contains a wide range of housing styles which can be attributed to the fact that this neighborhood was built in stages from the 1930’s up to the 1960’s. Thus one can find handsome English brick and stone Manor houses on streets like Edenbridge and North Drive and then just a few streets away come upon a pocket of modest split-level and ranch style bungalows. In fact, exploring the architecture of the Humber Valley housing stock provides a glimpse at most of the house designs made popular in Toronto from the 1930’s onward. These styles include Georgian, Colonial, Tudor, English Cottage, Cape Cod, ranch bungalows, split-level, contemporary and modernist designs. Humber Valley Village also contains a large number of rental apartment buildings on The Kingsway and on Anglesey Boulevard west of The Kingsway.
Lifestyle:
Humbertown Shopping Centre located at Royal York Road and The Kingsway is the quintessential neighborhood shopping destination. It is anchored by a large supermarket and includes 50 stores and businesses. Many of these are owner-operated specialty stores. There are many high-end boutique shops as this is an affluent neighborhood. Included in the mix are men and ladies fashion stores, children’s stores, shoe stores, a variety of food shops and specialty stores, and a number of professional services. This shopping center is a mixed indoor and open-air facility with an emphasis on the overall shopping experience which is enhanced by the pleasant landscape features and the generous amount of free parking.
Recreation & Culture
Many Edenbridge-Humber Valley residents drive into Central Toronto for work. Those who head downtown have a relatively quick Bloor Street commute that’s usually just shy of twenty minutes. Getting to Highway 401 is also a breeze, making this neighbourhood convenient for families who like to go camping—or just get away from it all now and then.
Transit users can access the Bloor-Danforth and Yonge-University subway lines via local bus routes. On the whole, Edenbridge-Humber Valley is well served by city transportation.
When it comes to local recreational activities, Edenbridge-Humber Valley really shines. One of the area’s crown jewels is St. George’s Golf and Country Club. Here, you’ll find masterfully-designed courses, a historic clubhouse, and incredible gourmet food. This Etobicoke club has truly earned its reputation as one of the best in Canada!
If you’re an outdoors enthusiast, visiting James Gardens is a must. It doesn’t get more scenic than this beautiful attraction, which is situated on the banks of the Humber River. Enjoy a tranquil stroll through the spectacular floral gardens, or along the wooded trail that meanders alongside the water. Easily accessible from Edenbridge-Humber Valley, this is the perfect place to instill an appreciation of nature in your family.
Be sure to explore the gorgeous green spaces in the area (Lambton Woods Park is a local favorite), as well as the multi-purpose Martin Goodman Trail. Lastly, don’t forget to take the kids out to the Humber Valley Rink in the winter!
Parks
The defining element of this community would be the parks system. Not only are there five golf courses within one kilometer of every side of the borders, but huge networks of green space surround the Humber River. This connects to the Martin Goodman Trail, which follows Lake Ontario.
Lambton Woods Park is located south of the city-owned Scarlet Woods Golf Course along the western banks of the Humber.[6] James Gardens is a botanical garden located north of Lambton Woods Park and is managed by Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division. Built around Fred James’ home, the botanical garden was acquired by Metro Toronto in 1955.
Other smaller parks include:
- Edenbrook Park
- Cobble Hills Parkette
- Valecrest Park
- Hartfield Court Parkette
- Humber Valley Park
- Wimbleton Road North Parkette
- Chestnut Hills Park
- Humbertown Park
- Eden Valley Park
- Allanhurst Park
- Scarlett Heights Park
Services
The number one destination for shoppers in Edenbridge-Humber Valley is the Humbertown Shopping Centre. This neighbourhood retail hub is home to over 50 stores, including a Loblaws, a Shoppers Drug Mart, an LCBO, and several major banks. Visitors will also find a number of smaller shops and boutiques, along with a full selection of personal services—from a hair salon to an orthodontist.
While nothing beats the convenience of having everything you need in one place, those looking to switch things up can take a five-minute drive to the Kingsway Mills Shopping Centre. Located nearby on Dundas Street, this is a great second option (especially if you’re looking for toys, pet products, or home renovation supplies).
Transportation
Many Edenbridge-Humber Valley residents drive into Central Toronto for work. Those who head downtown have a relatively quick Bloor Street commute that’s usually just shy of twenty minutes. Getting to Highway 401 is also a breeze, making this neighbourhood convenient for families who like to go camping—or just get away from it all now and then.
Transit users can access the Bloor-Danforth and Yonge-University subway lines via local bus routes. On the whole, Edenbridge-Humber Valley is well served by city transportation.
Bus service on Royal York Road and on Islington Avenue connects passengers to stations on the Bloor-Danforth subway line. The Eglinton bus connects passengers to Eglinton station on the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line.
Motorists are twenty minutes from downtown Toronto via Bloor Street, five minutes from the Highway 401 on-ramp off Islington Avenue, and ten minutes from Pearson International Airport.
Schools:
Edenbridge-Humber Valley has 12 Public schools, 7 Catholic schools, and 3 Private in this neighborhood, your kids can get a great education.
PUBLIC SCHOOL
St. George’s Junior School
Address: 70 Princess Anne Crescent, Etobicoke, ON M9A 2P7, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7990 | Fax: (416) 394-6302 | Email: StGeorges@tdsb.on.ca
“St. George’s Junior School is located in the Princess Anne Manor community on the south side of Princess Margaret Boulevard. The school first opened in 1956 and expanded in 1960 to include additional classroom space. It now serves approximately 220 students from Full-Day Kindergarten to Grade 5, including an Intensive Support Program (Primary Autism).” As originally published by St. George’s Junior School
ÉS Toronto Ouest
Address: 330 Lansdowne Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 3Y1, Canada | Telephone: 416 532-6592
“L’école secondaire Toronto Ouest continue de bâtir un milieu d’apprentissage franchement exemplaire. Ce milieu diversifié, inclusif et sécuritaire offre à ses élèves des programmes d’excellence en sciences, mathématiques, langues, études sociales et arts. De nombreux clubs et activités socioculturelles et sportives viennent agrémenter le quotidien de nos élèves, leur permettant de joindre l’utile à l’agréable. Fondés sur des valeurs d’excellence, d’engagement et de dépassement de soi, l’enseignement et l’encadrement offerts à nos élèves leur permettent « de voir un avenir à la hauteur de leur vision où les choix de carrières sont guidés par leurs passions et qui offre la possibilité et les ressources nécessaires à leur réalisation.” As originally published by ÉS Toronto Ouest
Etobicoke Collegiate Institute
Address: 86 Montgomery Rd, Toronto, ON M9A, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7840 | Fax: (416) 394-7899 | Email: Etobicoke.CI@tdsb.on.ca
“Etobicoke Collegiate Institute (ECI) was founded in 1928 on the principles of high academic standards. As a full-service secondary school, we strive to reach the needs of individual students to prepare them for post-secondary success. If you are motivated to excel in both your academic and personal achievements then our school community is for you! Renowned for our strong leadership programs, incoming students may choose to be part of our Leadership Development stream. As a moderately sized school of 1000 students, we are able to offer our students a wide array of courses, opportunities and activities both inside and outside the classroom.” As originally published by Etobicoke Collegiate Institute
É Élém Félix-Leclerc
Address: 50 Celestine Dr, Etobicoke, ON M9R 3N3, Canada | Telephone: 416 397-2075
“C’est un grand honneur pour le personnel de l’école de recevoir 288 élèves, représentant la diversité francophone. Nous sommes fiers de leur offrir un environnement chaleureux où il fait bon apprendre. Chaque élève avec ses propres besoins et intérêts, trouvera les moyens de toujours apprendre et d’assouvir sa curiosité et son questionnement. La technologie est là pour l’appuyer dans son cheminement. L’amélioration du rendement de l’élève et le maintien de son bien-être sont les axes forts du plan d’amélioration de l’école Félix Leclerc.”As originally published by É Élém Félix-Leclerc
É Élém Charles-Sauriol
Address: 55 Pelham Ave, Toronto, ON M6N 1A5, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-9120 | Fax: (416) 393-9123 | Email:
“La communauté de Charles-Sauriol est accompagnée par un personnel enseignant dynamique et dévoué ainsi que des parents très impliqués et prêts à soutenir le développement des enfants. Une étroite collaboration entre le milieu scolaire, la famille et la communauté est essentielle à la réussite de tous les élèves. Le personnel de l’école a à cœur le bien-être de tous les élèves. La différentiation pédagogique, les projets touchant divers intérêts, l’enfance en difficulté, le programme d’Actualisation linguistique du français (ALF) et le programme d’aide pour les nouveaux arrivants (PANA) sont le pivot de l’enseignement à l’école Charles-Sauriol.” As originally published by É Élém Charles-Sauriol
Lambton-Kingsway Junior Middle School
Address: 525 Prince Edward Dr N, Etobicoke, ON M8X 2M6, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7890 | Fax: (416) 394-6136 | Email: Lambton_Kingsway@tdsb.on.ca
“Lambton-Kingsway has enjoyed a long-standing tradition of community involvement and educational excellence. The newly constructed building (1993) is the fourth school to be located in this community since the village of Lambton was founded. Dating back to 1845, Lambton Mills Public School was Etobicoke’s first two-room school. By 1875 a one-room, red-brick school was built at the corner of Lambton Road (now Prince Edward Drive) and Government Road. Increasing enrolment resulted in the construction of a four-room school adjacent to the old school in 1916. The new Lambton-Kingsway Junior Middle School opened its doors to 551 enthusiastic learners on January 4, 1993.” As originally published by Lambton-Kingsway Junior Middle School
John G. Althouse Middle School
Address: 130 Lloyd Manor Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9B 5K1, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7580 | Fax: (416) 394-7984 | Email: JohnGAlthouse@tdsb.on.ca
“John G. Althouse (JGA) is a middle school (gr 6-8) in the Martingrove/Eglinton area. At JGA we are committed to creating a secure environment where all students can thrive intellectually, physically, artistically and emotionally. We honor cultural, social and academic diversity and ensure that our students can confidently take an active role in their school. Our halls are full of athletes, musicians, mathematicians, scientists, cooks, woodworkers, artists, writers, readers, thinkers and collaborators. We encourage students to support each other and to reach out to our community. We have a dual-track Special Education-Gifted program, Guidance, ESL and Library.” As originally published by John G. Althouse Middle School
Westmount Junior School
Address: 95 Chapman Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9P 1E9, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7720 | Fax: (416) 394-6321 | Email: Westmount@tdsb.on.ca
“Westmount Junior School celebrated its 50th year of existence in 2010, with a large community funfair. It has 370 students and 22 teachers, including Special Education, Reading Recovery, Music, and Media Literacy. We now have 4 Full-Day Kindergartens. Teacher grade teams plan together and use common tools to assist in shared assessment and planning. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) develop Teaching and Learning Critical Pathways. Students are challenged to focus on higher-order thinking skills and big ideas in literature as well as far-reaching mathematical concepts.” As originally published by Westmount Junior School
Address: 1738 Islington Ave, Etobicoke, ON M9A 3N2, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7980 | Fax: (416) 394-6987 | Email: Richview@tdsb.on.ca
“Richview Collegiate Institute, a caring, and safe English and French Immersion school with strong community ties, rigorously prepares its diverse student population to be well-rounded future leaders and lifelong learners through extensive academic and co-curricular programs. RCI has been an integral part of the Etobicoke community since 1958. It has earned its reputation as a strong academic institution through the combined efforts of students, parents, and teachers. Its programs have been designed to better prepare students for the rigors of a post-secondary education and Richview students continually find success in their post-secondary pathways.” As originally published by Richview Collegiate Institute
Humber Valley Village Junior Middle School
Address: 65 Hartfield Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9A 3E1, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7860 | Fax: (416) 394-6291 | Email: HumberValleyVillage@tdsb.on.ca
“Humber Valley Village Junior Middle School (HVV), established in 1951, lies within the valley of the Humber River, named in the early 1790s after the Humber River in north-east England. The school is the heart of the Humber Valley community. Most of the building is one storey, with 19 classrooms, a computer lab, a well-resourced library/PC Lab, 2 mobile wireless labs, a music room, a science room, visual arts room, and two gymnasiums. The Friendship Garden, located at the front of the school, highlights our environmental focus. A before-and-after school program serves students from JK to Grade 8.” As originally published by Humber Valley Village Junior Middle School
Islington Junior Middle School
Address: 44 Cordova Ave, Etobicoke, ON M9A 2H5, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7870 | Fax: (416) 394-7908 | Email: Islington@tdsb.on.ca
“Islington Junior Middle School is a unique school which was established in 1832 and is the second oldest elementary school in Toronto. We are proud of our international character and the diversity of our students. Over 40 languages are spoken at Islington JMS. We strive to ensure that each learner has opportunities to develop as a positive, open-minded contributor to society in a welcoming environment with high expectations and academic excellence. We also provide opportunities for student leadership and service and work hard to promote equity, equality, and understanding. At Islington, we also combine our strong academic focus with an extensive extra-curricular program in music, drama, dance, and sports.” As originally published by Islington Junior Middle School
Hilltop Middle School
Address: 35 Trehorne Dr, Etobicoke, ON M9P 1N8, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7730 | Fax: (416) 394-6288 | Email: Hilltop@tdsb.on.ca
“Hilltop Middle School, founded in 1958, is located in a residential neighborhood in the Royal York and Westway area. It is a dual-track school, offering both English and French Immersion instruction. Approximately 500 students, rich in cultural and socio-economic diversity, attend Hilltop. The French Immersion program draws students from the entire West End of Toronto. Student academic success is our goal. We provide opportunities for students to achieve their maximum capacity and together with parents, we work to foster each child’s success.” As originally published by Hilltop Middle School
CATHOLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy
Address: 100 Allanhurst Drive, Etobicoke, ON M9A | Telephone: 416 247-6137 | Email: ldva@ldva.on.ca
“Leonardo Da Vinci Academy is an elementary private school that aims to instill a love of learning and challenge students to develop their whole potential in a manner inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci. In keeping with Plato’s concept of an ‘Academy’, the school embraces the Montessori methodology to nurture the growth of lifelong learners and independent thinkers and to promote “Thinking Like Leonardo”. Leonardo Da Vinci Academy is a leading private school in Toronto that offers exceptional schooling for children from Preschool to Grade 8 – the formative years. The school has a well-rounded program of studies including Italian, French, Art, and Music. The Academy features Casa and Lower Elementary Montessori programs and an authentic Italian immersion ‘Scuola Materna’ preschool.” As originally published by Leonardo Da Vinci Academy
Address: 76 Anglesey Boulevard, Toronto, ON M9A | Telephone: (416) 231 – 6945 | Fax: (416) 231 – 7332 | Email: dmartyn@mindwerx4kids.ca
“Unlike other schools, mindwerx4kids provides an enriched age-appropriate program with an individualized learning approach. Assessments occur on a regular basis to better understand the student’s learning style, talents and current skills, as well as formulate a program plan geared to optimize interest and involvement. Generally this includes an annual psychoeducational assessment and academic evaluations throughout the year. We try to make these fun for the kids. Interviews and written reports are routinely provided. Classes are small, with a maximum of eight students per teacher at all levels. Students also have access to computers and interactive white board technology. Our Day School is fortunate to have on-site use of both a gymnasium and auditorium, so that physical education and drama are an ongoing part of the school day.“ As originally published by Mindwerx4kids Learning Centre
Kingsway College School
Address: 4600 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke, ON M9A | Telephone: (416) 234-5073 | Email: admissions@kcs.on.ca
“At Kingsway College School, students from PK to grade 8 learn the habits that matter most for success in life. Our difference is in the design: academic, artistic, athletic, and citizenship skills are taught in innovative ways for 21st-century learning. Habits such as persistence, resiliency, making a difference, and leadership capabilities make up the foundation of a KCS education. By deciding to raise your child as a lifelong learner, you’re already part of the KCS community.” As originally published by Kingsway College School
Father Serra Catholic School
Address: 111 Sun Row Dr, Etobicoke, ON M9P 3J3, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5391 | Fax: 416-397-6095
“Father Serra provides a safe and welcoming learning environment. Father Serra School community endorses a dress code consisting of a navy blue and white school uniform and a complimentary red tie. Every student at Father Serra wears the school uniform daily. Our safe arrival program is in place with constant home-school communication when a student is absent or late. A before and after school program was initiated by the Catholic School Advisory Council to offer child care for working parents. Our instructional program is always adapting to meet the needs of the students.” As originally published by Father Serra Catholic School
All Saints Catholic School
Address: 1435 Royal York Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9P 3A7, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5290 | Fax: 416-397-6139
“All Saints Catholic Elementary School is committed to Catholic education as outlined in the Mission Statement of the Toronto Catholic District School Board. With Catholic faith as our common bond, we focus on our students who come to us with a variety of strengths and needs. Our prayer life, liturgical celebrations, the sacraments, and our faith and values system form the foundation of our programs.” As originally published by All Saints Catholic School
ÉÉC Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
Address: 59 Clement Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9R 1Y5, Canada | Telephone: 416-396-2845 | Fax: 416-241-4325
“Notre école accueille les élèves de la maternelle (4 ans) à la 6e année. Elle offre une éducation de qualité dans un environnement catholique de langue française. Notre communauté est très unie et impliquée, le personnel enseignant est dynamique et engagé. Nous sommes fiers de notre belle école et de notre partenariat avec la garderie « Le petit chaperon rouge ». Dès la 7e année, les élèves peuvent poursuivre leurs études en français à l’École secondaire catholique Saint-Frère-André.” As originally published by ÉÉC Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
Address: 330 Lansdowne Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 3Y1, Canada
“L’école secondaire Saint-Frère-André est une école accueillant les élèves de la 7e à la 12e année. Notre but premier en tant qu’établissement d’éducation est avant tout l’apprentissage et le développement de votre enfant dans un milieu francophone catholique stimulant. En vue d’offrir un enseignement de qualité et un choix intéressant d’options à nos élèves, nous offrons toute une panoplie d’activités parascolaires, ainsi que des programmes d’enseignement. «Offrir à l’élève une éducation de qualité dans un milieu de vie catholique et francophone où le respect de la personne, le sens d’appartenance à la collectivité franco-ontarienne, la promotion de l’excellence et enfin l’équité sont des valeurs visibles et essentielles à son épanouissement ». C’est non seulement la mission du conseil scolaire mais aussi celle des enseignants.” As originally published by ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
Josyf Cardinal Slipyj Catholic School
Address: 35 W Deane Park Dr, Etobicoke, ON M9B 2R5, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5413 | Fax: 416-397-6044
“Through a balanced curriculum based on sound academics, the arts and co-curricular activities Josyf Cardinal Slipyj Catholic School operates under the direction of the Toronto Catholic District School Board. In a Catholic environment enriched by our Eastern Rite traditions, a wide variety of programs and opportunities meet the diversified needs of our student population.” As originally published by Josyf Cardinal Slipyj Catholic School
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School
Address: 32 Montgomery Rd, Etobicoke, ON M8X 1Z4, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5246 | Fax:
416-393-5031
“At Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, we spend an abundance of time thinking about the ways children learn and grow, and this understanding shapes everything we do — in the classroom, on our playing fields and in the community. It’s a constant challenge to focus the energy and enthusiasm of all our students, but it’s critical, because we have pronounced expectations for them. We want them to develop in mind, body and spirit, so that they become discerning Catholic graduates. Our goal is to educate the whole child and an emphasis is placed not only on academics but on character education as well. OLS is an educational institution that has embraced 21st-century fluencies and it is our collective hope that we become leaders with this transformational methodology.” As originally published by Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School
Address: 125 La Rose Ave, Etobicoke, ON M9P 1A6, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5384 | Fax: 416-393-5087
“Our school’s mission is to offer our students a rich spiritual, academic, and cultural formation in the light of the Gospel values, challenging them to achieve excellence in a stimulating, culturally rich, community-based, and welcoming environment. Together with the Catholic School Advisory Council, the School strives to provide our students with the most current educational and technological resources available to us through the Ministry of Education and the School Board to enhance their learning opportunities.” As originally published by St. Demetrius Catholic School
