Forest Hill South: Most Prestigious Neighborhood
History:
Forest Hill was incorporated as a village in 1923 and was one of the last two villages to be annexed by the City of Toronto in 1967. Previously known as Spadina Heights, Forest Hill South is among the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods. When Forest Hill South was first created, back to the 1920’s and 30’s, the City created building codes and by-laws that required all homes in the neighborhood to be designed by an architect and to have a tree planted at the front of each property. This has left a beautiful legacy that has maintained and reinforced Forest Hill South’s exclusive and wealthy reputation.
Overview:
Forest Hill South is the section of Forest Hill located to the south of Eglinton Avenue West. Historically, when they were built in the the 1920s and 1930s, it was mandatory that every Forest Hill home be planned by an architect, and that a tree was planted at the façade of each property. Forest Hill is one of Toronto’s more pictorial regions and wealthiest neighborhoods. Its scenery offers a combination of numerous parkettes, gently sloping hills, and winding roads, providing the neighborhood with a special appeal. Forest Hill stretches from Eglinton West in the north to Lonsdale in the south, and Bathurst in the west to the Oriole Parkway, along Chaplin Crescent and up Avenue Road in the east. This quiet, affluent neighborhood in Toronto is kid-friendly, with prestigious schools and the charming shopping strip of Forest Hill Village.
.jpg)
Homes:
Majority of the homes found in Forest Hill South were built in the 1920s and 1930s. The Upper Village is largely comprised of Georgian and Tudor style homes, but you will also find English Country Manors and French Colonial homes in the neighborhood. If you like sculptured gardens and gated entrances, this is definitely the neighborhood to be in.
Conventional suburbs housing type
Characteristics of housing as well as streetscapes are dominant in providing the outsider a simple yet strong image of the Forest Hill neighborhood. In other words, neighborhoods in Toronto are sometimes characterized by their housing types and/or streetscape. For instance, the Leaside neighborhood is noted for its many trees or the Rosedale neighborhood being noted for distinct and large lot housing.
Throughout Forest Hill, the conventional suburbs housing style (without the aspect of homogeneous households), makes up majority of the area. In simplicity, Forest Hill housing has dominant traits of the conventional suburbs housing type. In further analysis, characteristics of low density, large lots (being car-oriented), as well as having segregated land uses are all evident in the neighbourhood.
A significant amount of the residential housing is based on the conventional suburbs type. However, its characteristics of singularity make it distinct from housing in other parts of Toronto. In other words, houses, schools, places of worship and other building types are all architecturally built with different styles. Each building is distinct from one another. For instance, the town houses located in the East York neighborhood or the semi detached housing in Davisville, are more or less homogeneous in design compared to the housing style of Forest Hill.
Lifestyle:
This Forest Hill South neighborhood guide could not be complete without understanding the refined lifestyle of the area. When it comes to grocery shopping, you can pop in to Loblaws or The Kitchen Table for a fine selection of gourmet foods. Yorkdale Shopping Centre is conveniently located close to for all your shopping needs, and also features a movie theatre. For those who prefer boutique shopping, there are many luxury independent retailers along Eglinton Avenue West.
Several elements that contribute to the unique character of the area are its sidewalks and local roads, as well as landscaping and natural environment. A majority of the area does not have sidewalks. Streets are often very wide within the residential interior of the neighbourhood. Additionally, the streets of the area are littered with many stop signs as well as a fair number of speed bumps.
Along with sidewalks and streets, landscaping and the natural surroundings are also a large part of the character of the neighborhood. First and foremost, landscaping is frequent at many homes. More often than not, properties have unusual trees and plants as well as intricate designed pieces of foliage that run along the front, sides as well as back of the houses. Further, simple yards are also well maintained at most homes. Overall, explicit landscaping and good maintenance of yards are indicators of economic status and with regards to Forest Hill. It reinforces the idea of a neighborhood with higher incomes.
St. Clair Avenue West is the major east-west road to the south of the village and it is lined with commercial and retail buildings. Spadina Road has a variety of uses ranging from coffee shops, fitness and independent retail stores along the road. Spadina Road is the only transit route running through the neighborhood, while St. Clair Avenue has a streetcar line connecting to the Yonge-University_Spadina subway. Notable landmarks and structures in Forest Hill include Eglinton Theatre, Grace Church on-the-Hill, and Timothy Eaton Memorial Church.
Parks, Recreation & Culture..
The Kay Gardiner Beltline Trail was originally the track for Toronto’s first commuter train. Today, it is a 14.5 km long nature and fitness trail. Amazing green spaces such as these are one of the many reasons Forest Hill South has maintained a beautiful and green identity.
Yonge and Eglinton has two movie theatres connected by an underground mall that offer many things in a short jaunt. Yorkdale Shopping Centre has all the major retail chains (and a movie theatre); conveniently located just to the north of the neighborhood.
Transportation:
It also has its own dedicated TTC station on the subway line. It’s clear that the formerly seen as ‘old guard’ neighborhood of Forest Hill is still in step with the times, not to mention just a few steps away from all you need. For big box shopping, local residents go to Fortinos at the Allen Road and Lawrence Avenue, the Metro at Bathurst and Lawrence, or the Loblaws at St. Clair and Bathurst. Clothing and home décor shops as well as pricey specialty boutiques can also be found along Eglinton Avenue West.
Schools:
Forest Hill South has 10 Public schools, 4 Catholic schools, and 3 Private in this neighborhood, your kids can get a great education.
Jarvis Collegiate Institute
Address: 495 Jarvis St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G8, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-0140 | Fax: (416) 393-0184 | Email:MonarchPark@tdsb.on.ca
“Founded in 1807, Jarvis C.I. is the first public high school in Toronto and has a long tradition of academic excellence and student involvement. Jarvis is committed to providing a rich and varied program encouraging higher order thinking as well as research and communication skills. Over 90% of our graduates attend university, including top schools like U of T, Waterloo, Dalhousie and Queens. Over 53% of graduates are Ontario Scholars and 60% receive scholarships / bursaries. Situated in the ‘heart of the city’ at Jarvis and Wellesley, our school has a rich mix of students from over 100 countries of origin, integrated into one unified, vibrant community in which diversity is our strength!” As originally published by Jarvis Collegiate Institute
Collège français secondaire
Address: 100 Carlton St, Toronto, ON M5B 1M3, Canada | Telephone: 416 393-0175
“Le Collège français sera un milieu de vie stimulant pour tes amis et toi. Toute une équipe est là, chaque jour, pour t’aider à découvrir de nouveaux horizons et à mieux comprendre le monde qui t’entoure.” As originally published by Collège français secondaire
É Élém Gabrielle-Roy
Address: 14 Pembroke St, Toronto, ON M5A 1Z8, Canada | Telephone: 416 393-1360
Q”L’école est composée d’une équipe dévouée, compétente et engagée dans la réussite et le bien-être des élèves. Le personnel de l’école travaille tout en comptant sur votre appui, votre soutien et votre engagement comme parents partenaires dans l’éducation de vos enfants. Ce sont des éléments essentiels pour la réussite de tous et de chacun. Pour y arriver, la communication ouverte, continue et positive, entre l’école et la maison, est encouragée et soutenue car c’est le moyen le plus efficace pour assurer le développement et les progrès de vos enfants.” As originally published by É Élém Gabrielle-Roy
Brown Junior Public School
Address: 454 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M4V 2J1, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-1560 | Fax: (416) 393-1554 | Email: Brown@tdsb.on.ca
“Brown School is situated on Avenue Road just south of St. Clair Avenue. The first school was built in 1910 and was replaced with a new building in 1972. Brown celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2010. For a century, Brown School has had a tradition of strong academic achievement and close relationships with our families and community. Our staff is a team of dedicated teachers and support staff who bring unique talents to our classrooms, along with many co-curricular activities. Each child is encouraged to strive for academic excellence while also adding balance to the day by pursuing an interest or talent from an extensive number of activities that are offered.” As originally published by Brown Junior Public School
Deer Park Junior and Senior Public School
Address: 23 Ferndale Ave, Toronto, ON M4T 2B4, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-1550 | Fax: (416) 393-1552 | Email: DeerPark@tdsb.on.ca
“Deer Park Jr. & Sr. Public School is located at Ferndale Avenue, just east of Yonge Street and north of St. Clair Ave. It is a historic three storey building, with classrooms dedicated to visual arts, design technology, science, music, drama and dance for Grades 7 & 8. The school hosts a gym and swimming pool enabling all students to benefit from an enriched physical education program that includes swimming. Additionally, our facility houses two daycare centres for toddlers, pre-schoolers and school-age children. Deer Park is a designated full “access” facility supporting and hosting programming for students with multiple physical exceptionalities (JK-Gr. 8).” As originally published by Deer Park Junior and Senior Public School
Forest Hill Junior and Senior Public School
Address: 78 Dunloe Rd, Toronto, ON M5P 2T6, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-9335 | Fax: (416) 393-9339 | Email: ForestHill.PS@tdsb.on.ca
“Forest Hill Jr. & Sr. Public School (JK-8) is a community school located in the Forest Hill neighbourhood which, prior to 1967, was part of the old Forest Hill Village. The school consists of two separate buildings, one of which was built in 1923, the other in 1938. Forest Hill has the unique features of period architecture, a 470-seat auditorium with a proper stage, and spacious grounds. The grounds include two separate baseball diamonds, soccer fields and a full running track.” As originally published by Forest Hill Junior and Senior Public School
Forest Hill Collegiate Institute
Address: 730 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M5N 1E9, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-1860 | Fax: (416) 393-8197 | Email: ForestHill.CI@tdsb.on.ca
“Forest Hill C.I. is very much a ‘first choice school.’ Our students choose Forest Hill for its strong academic reputation. We are a small school with a family atmosphere, offering outstanding facilities and supportive programs. Our teachers partner with you to ensure you achieve your potential. Our motto is ‘Not for Ourselves Alone.’ Our students are involved in fundraising activities throughout the year and have received many citations for their efforts. Our system provides opportunities for broader leadership skills development. We offer an extensive co-curricular program in theatre and music productions, athletics and a variety of clubs for personal and academic growth.” As originally published by Forest Hill Collegiate Institute
Oriole Park Junior Public School
Address: 80 Braemar Ave, Toronto, ON M5P 2L4, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-9215 | Fax: (416) 393-9213 | Email: OriolePark@tdsb.on.ca
“Oriole Park Public School is located at Eglinton Avenue and Avenue Road, nestled in a well-established community of mostly single unit homes. The school opened in 1928 under the name of College View Avenue School with portables on the present site and an enrolment of 28 students. The current school building was first occupied in 1930 and renamed Oriole Park Public School. A wing was added in 1939 and a gymnasium in 1974. The school has both a primary and junior play area, a basketball court, soccer field and two baseball diamonds. The library includes a computer lab and the classrooms have terminals accessible to all students. Oriole Park has a highly regarded academic program and offers a broad range of co-curricular activities.” As originally published by Oriole Park Junior Public School
Hodgson Middle School
Address: 282 Davisville Ave, Toronto, ON M4S 1H2, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-0390 | Fax: (416) 393-0393 | Email: Hodgson@tdsb.on.ca
“Hodgson Middle School is located in North Toronto on Davisville Avenue, just east of Mount Pleasant Road. Hodgson serves approximately 600 students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Students have homeroom as well as rotary subjects with a variety of teachers. Hodgson is proud to offer programming in English and Extended French, as well as programming designed to support learners of English as a Second Language and learners with a variety of learning profiles. Hodgson opened in September 1915 and has been proudly serving the North Toronto community ever since.” As originally published by Hodgson Middle School
North Toronto Collegiate Institute
Address: 17 Broadway Ave, Toronto, ON M4P 1T7, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-9180 | Fax: (416) 393-9195 | Email: NorthToronto@tdsb.on.ca
“North Toronto C.I. is located near Yonge and Eglinton where it has proudly served the community since 1912. Our school is held in high regard by its graduates and by the community. An important aspect of the school is North Toronto’s well-established reputation as a very strong academic institution. Over 90% of our graduates gain admission to some of the finest and most competitive university programs in the world. Our graduates continually tell us that the rigour and high expectations expected at North Toronto have prepared them well for the future. The school is small enough so that our staff truly knows our students, yet large enough to offer a wide variety of academic courses designed to prepare students for post-secondary education.” As originally published by North Toronto Collegiate Institute
CATHOLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL
Shoore Academics
Address: 801 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M5N 1E3, Canada
“Located in the central Forest Hill neighbourhood of Toronto, Shoore Academics provides a nurturing, quality educational environment that is customized to meet each student’s specific learning requirements. Whether it be an Individualized Education Program (IEP), learning disabilities, academic challenges or any other learning differences, we support our student’s needs. We offer flexible elementary and secondary curriculum-based academic and remedial programs that are adapted to support the distinct requirements of the student. This includes a variety of credit, pre-credit and non-credit programs.” As originally published by Shoore Academics
Bishop Strachan School
Address: 298 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, ON M4V | Telephone: (416) 483-4325
“Founded in 1867, BSS is a Canadian independent school for girls whose mission is to provide each student the opportunity to develop her unique voice, confidence and sense of purpose.” As originally published by Bishop Strachan School
Upper Canada College
Address: 200 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, ON M4V | Telephone: 416-488-1125 | Email: admission@ucc.on.ca
“Upper Canada College was founded in 1829 and is one of North America’s foremost boys’ schools, offering Senior Kindergarten through university entrance and boarding for 88 students from outside of Toronto. Graduates of UCC — an International Baccalaureate World School with one of the broadest programs in the country — are highly regarded by top universities and post-secondary institutions worldwide. Our global network of alumni includes leaders and innovators in politics, finance, arts, athletics, media and beyond.” As originally published by Upper Canada College
ÉÉC du Sacré-Coeur-Toronto
Address: 25 Linden St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1V5, Canada
“L’école élémentaire catholique du Sacré-Cœur a 125 ans d’histoire! C’est avec enthousiasme que travaille une équipe dynamique. L’école accueille plus de 150 élèves de la maternelle à la 6e année. La langue française et la catholicité sont des priorités chez nous. Aux niveaux académique et personnel, nous rassemblons nos efforts en vue de permettre aux élèves d’atteindre leur plein potentiel.” As originally published by ÉÉC du Sacré-Coeur-Toronto
Holy Rosary Catholic School
Address: 308 Tweedsmuir Ave, Toronto, ON M5P, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5225 | Fax: 416-397-6360
“Holy Rosary Catholic School is an inclusive learning community rooted in the love of Christ. We educate students to grow in grace and knowledge and to lead lives of faith, hope and charity, with respect for themselves and the world around them. At Holy Rosary Catholic School, we transform the world through witness, faith, innovation and action.” As originally published by Holy Rosary Catholic School
St. Michael’s College School
Address: 1515 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5P | Telephone: 416-653-3180 | Fax: 416-653-7704 | Email: info@smcsmail.com
“St. Michael’s College School was founded in 1852 by the Basilian Fathers, and stands as Ontario’s only independent Catholic school for young men. The school offers students in Grades 7-12 an enriched, Catholic, Liberal Arts education complemented by a number of diverse co-curricular programmed. As a community within the Catholic Church, St. Michael’s strives for excellence through a synthesis of culture and faith. The motto of the Basilian Fathers and St. Michael’s College School is “Teach me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge” (Psalm 118). This recognizes that being a good and disciplined individual, in charge of your own actions, is as important as the knowledge acquired through formal education. The motto is reflected in our mission to educate the whole person. Toward that end, St. Michael’s offers a Catholic, Liberal Arts education that exposes young men to as wide a range of knowledge as possible, encompassing the Humanities, the Arts, and the Sciences.” As originally published by St. Michael’s College School
