Quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Located at the northernmost tip of the City of Toronto, Hillcrest Village encompasses two neighborhoods known as Humewood, located north of St. Clair Avenue West, and Hillcrest, located south of St. Clair Avenue West. It’s bordered by Davenport Road to the south, Oakwood Avenue to the west, Vaughan Road to the north, and Bathurst Street to the east.

Hillcrest Village is a traditional neighborhood in Toronto well known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and irregular terrain. The neighborhood comprises a wide variety of houses, including some from the end of the 1800s as well as early 1900s. Thanks to the area’s low traffic, Hillcrest boasts a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, reminiscent of life outside the city, even though it’s just 15 minutes from Toronto’s financial district. Due to its proximity to the city center, fine neighborhood amenities, and peaceful streets, Hillcrest Village has become a popular destination for families with children.
History:
Hillcrest was first settled in the 1840’s by Robert John Turner, a reformer from England. The Turner house, named “Bracondale”, stood where Hillcrest Park is today. By 1884, a small village grew up on the edge of the Turner estate, at the intersection of Christie and Davenport. This settlement became known as Bracondale Village. The Village consisted mostly of farmers and a few stores. Its first postmaster was Frank Turner, the son of Robert Turner. In 1909, Bracondale Village was annexed by the City of Toronto. Shortly thereafter, Frank Turner’s heirs subdivided the Bracondale estate and turned it into an exclusive subdivision named ” Bracondale Hill Park”. The Turner family retained ownership of the Bracondale house until 1937, when it was sold to the City and demolished in order to make room for Hillcrest Park. It seems the landmark Wychwood TTC Barns outlived their usefulness to the TTC with the advent of more sophisticated facilities resulting in the Barns remaining derelict and vacant beginning in the 1980s. The Barns continued to be a blight on the surrounding neighbourhood until 2007 when Artscape a not- for-profit urban development organization that revitalizes buildings, neighbourhoods, and cities through the arts, began a massive restoration on the Barns. It was Artscape’s vision for the reuse of the The Wychwood TTC barns that spearheaded the restoration of the five attached brick buildings on this site. These structures built between 1913 and 1921, encompassed 60,000 square feet of space.

Hillcrest Village in 1951 from TBL Archives
Overview:
Hillcrest is a mature established neighborhood with quiet tree-lined streets and whimsical looking houses, that make you feel as if you are far away from the bright lights of the big city. Hillcrest Village boasts some of the most attractive streets in Toronto, with homes that have lots of history and stories to tell. Even though the Turner house doesn’t stand anymore, there’s a number of houses in the neighborhood that were built in the 19th century or in the early 1900s. The diversity of styles, shapes, and sizes defines the neighborhood’s unique atmosphere and charm. There are many popular architectural styles here, including Tudor (with decorative, steeply pitched roofs and narrow front doors and windows), English Cottage (with asymmetrical shapes), and Edwardian (with imaginative frontispieces) — all set in an interesting hillside landscape with plenty of trees.
According to statistics, the neighborhood in Hillcrest Village is most likely a family with parents between age 45 and 49, one child, and Irish or Italian origins. However, with a growing number of new trendy restaurants and shops, there’s also an increasing population of young professionals and singles. Moreover, Hillcrest Village is well known for its rich cultural diversity.
Homes:
The houses at the north end of Hillcrest were built in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. These houses are loaded with turn of the century charm and character, and are a wonderful mix of shapes and sizes. There is also a pocket of larger detached homes, built between 1910 and 1930, near Hillcrest Park. Some of these dignified residences were built with stone from the original Union Station, which was torn down after World War 1.

Hillcrest Village boasts some of the most attractive streets in Toronto, with homes that have lots of history and stories to tell. The diversity of styles, shapes, and sizes defines the neighborhood’s unique atmosphere and charm. There are many popular architectural styles here, including Tudor (with decorative, steeply pitched roofs and narrow front doors and windows), English Cottage (with asymmetrical shapes), and Edwardian (with imaginative frontispieces) — all set in an interesting hillside landscape with plenty of trees.
Lifestyle:
The Hillcrest shopping district located on St. Clair Avenue West features mostly independent retailers that cater to the day-to-day needs of the local community. The small convenience-type stores on Davenport Road, and Vaughan Road, also serve the Hillcrest community. These are mostly independent owner-operated stores that provide a personalized and friendly service to the neighborhood residents.
Moreover, there are small convenience stores on Davenport Road as well as Vaughan Road. Hillcrest Village hosts one of the largest and best farmers markets in Toronto — the Stop Farmers’ Market at Wychwood Barns. It’s located at 601 Christie Street and open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Farmers’ Market at Wychwood Barns located at 601 Christie Street, is considered one of the largest and best farmers’ markets in Toronto. This market features 35 – 40 vendors selling organic foods including the likes of wild strawberry jam, honey, dried chestnuts, and Ontario black walnuts just to name a few of the tantalizing treats offered each Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm in the summer.
Restaurants:
- El Fogon, 543 Saint Clair Avenue West, 416-850-8041
- Mezzetta Restaurant and Tapas Bar, 681 Saint Clair Avenue West, 416-658-5687
- Taste of Thai House, 62 Vaughan Road, 416-652-0200
- El Rincon Mexicano Restaurant, 653 Saint Clair Avenue West, 416-656-1059
- Tenoch Restaurant, 933 Saint Clair Avenue West, 647-345-0165
- The Stockyards, 699 Saint Clair Avenue West, 416-658-9666
- Savera Indian Cuisine, 815 Saint Clair Avenue West, 416-657-2500
Recreation:
The Hillcrest Community Centre is located in the Hillcrest Public School on Bathurst Street. This facility includes an indoor pool and a gymnasium. Just north of the Hillcrest Community Centre is the Wychwood Public Library, which offers year-round programs for the neighborhood children.
Wychwood Public Library opened in April 1916, is located just north of the Hillcrest Community Centre. It’s open all days of the week except Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and runs many programs for local children during the year.
Park and Green Spaces:
Hillcrest Park, perched atop the Davenport escarpment at the south perimeter of this neighborhood, offers a spectacular view of the city skyline and Lake Ontario. This park has a wading pool, a children’s playground, and four tennis courts. Hillcrest residents have been instrumental in donating their time, money, and resources to the development of the Artscape Wychwood Barns, which involved the conversion of the historic Wychwood TTC streetcar repair barns on Christie Street south of St. Clair.
The northern part of Hillcrest Village is very close to the magnificent Cedarvale Park, which is a very popular dog-walking destination as well as a great place for playing cricket or flying kites. This huge urban green space includes a wide variety of recreational amenities such as a baseball diamond, tennis courts, soccer pitches, a skating rink, and an innovative environmental education program called Families in Nature.
Culture and Arts:
The Artscape Wychwood Barns are a community cultural hub that encompasses live-in workspace for artists, seasonal festivals, a farmers market, a greenhouse, a community-run gallery, and administrative facilities for non-profit organizations. It operates on a self-sustaining model without any need for ongoing operating subsidy after the initial capital investment. The park’s green space offers many great facilities, such as a natural ice rink, playing fields, a stage, chess tables, beach volleyball, a water play area, and children’s swings and climbers.
Artscape Wychwood Barns is a 60,000 sq. ft. multifaceted community meeting place that encompasses live/workspace for artists, as well as seasonal festivals, a farmers market, a greenhouse, and a community bake-oven. The park’s greenspace includes a natural ice rink, playing fields, a stage, chess tables, beach volleyball, a water play area, and children’s swings and climbers.

Transportation:
Hillcrest is well served by public transit. The streetcar runs along St. Clair Avenue West, while regular bus service runs along Oakwood Avenue and Bathurst Street. Davenport Road also has a limited bus service. Motorists are just minutes from downtown. It is approximately a fifteen-minute drive from this neighborhood to the Allen Expressway, which connects commuters to Toronto’s major highways.
Schools, Colleges, and Universities:
PUBLIC SCHOOL

Arbor Glen Public School
Address: 55 Freshmeadow Dr, North York, ON M2H 3H6, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-2020 | Fax: (416) 395-4489 | Email:ArborGlen@tdsb.on.ca
“Arbor Glen Public School, which opened in 1975, is located south of Steeles Avenue East and east of Don Mills Road. The school building is a metaphor for literacy, with its open classrooms surrounding the library and technology resource center. The school serves students representing more than 25 countries of birth. Approximately 70% of the students speak English as a second language. Predominant languages represented in the school include Cantonese, Gujarati, Mandarin, and Persian. Arbor Glen Community Child Care, housed in the school, provides nursery and before and after school programs. Arbor Glen is committed to providing quality programs in the arts, language, mathematics, physical education, science and technology, and social studies.” As originally published by Arbor Glen Public School

É Élém Paul-Demers
Address: 100 Ravel Rd, North York, ON M2H, 1T1, Canada, | Telephone: 437 317-4444

É Élém Laure-Rièse
Address: 339 Alton Towers Cir, Scarborough, ON M1V 5H3, Canada | Telephone: (416) 397-2014
“L’école Laure-Rièse est une école élémentaire qui accueille des élèves de la maternelle à la 6e année. Elle compte maintenant 208 étudiants. Notre mission en tant que communauté de Laure-Rièse est notre engagement à vivre et à promouvoir les valeurs de respect, de collaboration et de persévérance afin d’aider l’élève à développer son plein potentiel dans son cheminement scolaire.“ As originally published by É Élém Laure-Rièse

ÉS Étienne-Brûlé
Address: 300 Banbury Rd, North York, ON M2L 2W2, Canada | Telephone: (416 397-2085
“Ayant été la première école francophone du Grand Toronto, l’École secondaire Étienne-Brûlé occupe un lieu privilégié d’éducation de langue française au sein de la population de Toronto et des environs. Nous sommes le reflet de la communauté francophone torontoise actuelle. Notre école est enrichie par la présence d’élèves et de membres du personnel qui nous arrivent des quatre coins du monde et qui travaillent dans une atmosphère de respect et de collaboration.” As originally published by ÉS Étienne-Brûlé
A. Y. Jackson Secondary School

A. Y. Jackson Secondary School
Address: 50 Francine Dr, North York, ON M2H 2G6, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-3140 | Fax: (416) 395-4454 | Email:AYJackson@tdsb.on.ca
“At A. Y. Jackson Secondary School we develop our students into informed, literate, decision-makers who become well-rounded and caring global citizens. We achieve this through dedicated delivery of varied programming with an emphasis on excellence in the classroom and beyond. A full range of academic, co-curricular, extra-curricular and support programs is offered to meet the needs, interests, skills and strengths of our school’s diverse student population.” As originally published by A. Y. Jackson Secondary School

Cherokee Public School
Address: 390 Cherokee Blvd, North York, ON M2H 2W7, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-2190 | Fax: (416) 395-4451 | Email:Cherokee@tdsb.on.ca
“At Cherokee Public School we strive for excellence. In order to accomplish this we provide a warm, accepting environment where risk-taking is encouraged and success is celebrated. Each day we endeavor to give every student the opportunity to be successful and to develop a love for learning. Cherokee has a dynamic and knowledgeable staff who guide our students on a journey of discovery as they tackle a challenging curriculum. Every child has the potential to learn and it is our commitment to provide all students with the opportunity to achieve to their potential.” As originally published by Cherokee Public School Cherokee Public School

Cliffwood Public School
Address: 140 Cliffwood Rd, North York, ON M2H 2E4, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-2230 | Fax: (416) 395-3924 | Email:Cliffwood@tdsb.on.ca
“Cliffwood Public School is located near the intersection of Don Mills Road and Steeles Avenue. The school opened over 30 years ago. In the last two years we have gone from having completely open concept classrooms to partially open classrooms. We serve students representing 24 different language groups. More than 70% speak English as their second language. Cliffwood is a dual track school offering English (JK to Gr. 5), and French Immersion (SK to Gr. 5) Many of our students speak English, Cantonese, or Mandarin at home. Other areas represented at Cliffwood include Korea, Japan, the Middle East, and Turkey.” As originally published by Cliffwood Public School

Cresthaven Public School
Address: 46 Cresthaven Dr, North York, ON M2H 1L9, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-2240 | Fax: (416) 395-4492 | Email:Cresthaven@tdsb.on.ca
“At Cresthaven Public School everyone is special. We work with our community to ensure that Cresthaven is a dynamic learning centre where every member feels respected, valued and welcome. Our goal is to foster in our students a love of learning and a desire to do their best.“ As originally published by Cresthaven Public School
Dr Norman Bethune Collegiate Institute

Dr Norman Bethune Collegiate Institute
Address: 200 Fundy Bay Blvd, Scarborough, ON M1W 3G1, Canada | Telephone: (416) 396-8200 | Fax: (416) 396-8180 | Email:DrNormanBethune@tdsb.on.ca
“Bethune has a reputation for academic excellence. Students are offered the opportunity to excel in Math, Science, the Arts, Business, Computer Science and Technology. Courses in the Social Sciences and English give students a solid background in the liberal arts and prepare them for post-secondary education. Newcomers are supported in ESL classes and in programs outside the classroom that ensure they are involved in the school community. Bethune maintains close relationships with elementary schools through mentoring programs in Music, Robotics, Drama, Visual Art, Technology and Bethune’s Eco-club. Bethune also offers enrichment (Stellar) and Advanced Placement courses in Math and Science.” As originally published by Dr Norman Bethune Collegiate Institute

Highland Middle School
Address: 201 Cliffwood Rd, North York, ON M2H 3B5, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-3040 | Fax: (416) 395-3979 | Email: Highland.JHS@tdsb.on.ca
“Highland Junior High School is situated on the highest piece of land in the Toronto area, and was named accordingly. Our logo has three mountain peaks – one for each grade. Since our opening in 1975, we have had a proud tradition of addressing the needs of early adolescents, offering a transitional and balanced program.” As originally published by Highland Middle School
L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute

L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute
Address: 2501 Bridletowne Cir, Scarborough, ON M1W, Canada | Telephone: (416) 396-6745 | Fax: (416) 396-6753 | Email:LAmoreaux@tdsb.on.ca
“L’Amoreaux isn’t just a school – it’s an experience. We are a small school and we value you as a person, not a student number. Classes are intimate, creative, and thought-provoking. We believe in strong school partnerships and we focus on personal, community, and global leadership. We value excellence in achievement. We are passionate about school spirit.” As originally published by L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute

Zion Heights Middle School
Address: 5900 Leslie St, North York, ON M2H 1J9, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-3120 | Fax: (416) 395-3917 | Email:Zion@tdsb.on.ca
“Zion Heights Junior High has had a long and distinguished history of academic excellence. We pride ourselves on the diverse programs we offer to students. Zion provides special education programs including gifted and learning disabilities as well as significant support for students new to Canada who are adding English to their language repertoire. Literacy and Mathematics are the cornerstones of the school’s excellent reputation. In addition, a broad curriculum-based program is offered with significant emphasis on the arts, athletics, integrated technologies, and exploratory subjects. Numerous co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are also offered which further develops the personal and social learning skills of our students.” As originally published by Zion Heights Middle School

Hillmount Public School
Address: 245 McNicoll Ave, North York, ON M2H 2C5, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-2550 | Fax: (416) 395-4483 | Email:Hillmount@tdsb.on.ca
“Hillmount Public School is on the south side of McNicoll Avenue just east of Don Mills Road. The school building is based on the SEF (School Educational Facilities) open concept plan and was built in 1971. The air conditioned classroom areas are located around the Learning Resource/Information Technology Centre. Our school proudly serves 325 students from diverse backgrounds. It represents over 20 countries around the world. We have students from JK-5 in both regular and special education classes, which include L.D. and the Gifted Programs at the Junior Level. Hillmount Childcare is housed in the school building and provides age appropriate programs for pre-school to Gr. 6 children. Operating hours from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.” As originally published by Hillmount Public School
CATHOLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL

Canada Imperial Elite Academy
Address: 716 Gordon Baker Rd, Toronto, ON M2H, Canada
“Canada Imperial Elite Academy (CIEA) is a private international and university preparatory high school certified by Ontario Ministry of Education (registration number is BSID665694). The curriculum applied in our school are based on the Ontario syllabus and the instructors employed by our school all own Canadian Teaching Certificates and have years’ teaching experience in high school, university preparatory and English courses. We aim to cultivate students’ independent learning ability and prepare them with excellent foundations to enter university. Our school provides outstanding graduates to university and colleges in Canada and United states each year and shares great reputation in North America.” As originally published by Canada Imperial Elite Academy

Elite Academy
Address: Unit 15 100 Tempo Ave, North York, ON M2H 2N8, Canada | Telephone: 416-497-6699 | Email: info@eliteaca.com
“The mission of Elite Academy is to seek promising students from around the world and to educate them, through rigorous discipline and learning experience, to develop their full intellectual, moral, and human potential. We are dedicated to the cultivation of world citizens with competence, conscience, and compassion to lead and serve in every sphere of the global society.” As originally published by Elite Academy

Toronto International College
Address: 3550 Victoria Park Ave, North York, ON M2H 2N5, Canada | Telephone: (416)498-9299 | Fax: (416)498-8366| Email: adm@ticedu.ca
“Toronto International College (TIC) is an inspected private school duly registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education under the BSID Number: 665800. Located in Toronto, Canada’s largest city and the provincial capital of Ontario, TIC is committed to offering quality ESL (English as a Second Language), UP (University Preparation), and GP (Graduate Preparation) courses to students from around the world. Studying at TIC provides you with a pathway to a university degree in Canada that will open doors to many new opportunities and prepare you for future challenges. TIC provides a solid foundation for your advanced studies by offering government-accredited UP courses and rigorous ESL training while maintaining high academic standards and giving careful attention to the individual needs of each student.” As originally published by Toronto International College

Darwin International Academy
Address: 212-3790 Victoria Park Avenue, North York, ON M2H| Telephone: (416) 497-9666 | Fax: (647) 968-9666
“Welcome to our school, where educational and social development go hand in hand. Our tailored focus on academics and the whole child means that every child will find a happy home here. The vision of our school is to prepare our students with comprehensive knowledge, well-intentioned qualities, dynamic social and technical skills to become contributors to society and leaders with integrity in a diverse and ever-changing world.” As originally published by Darwin International Academy

Bright Future Academy
Address: 513 McNicoll Ave, North York, ON M2H 2C9, Canada| Telephone: 647-996-5168 | Email: admin@bfacademy.net
“The idea to create Bright Future Academy (BFA) originated in 2006. Since its establishment thereafter, the academy has taught, tutored, and mentored hundreds of high school students from the Greater Toronto area. Situated in Toronto, Bright Future Academy maintains a safe and nurturing learning environment that strives to develop the whole essence of the student: academic fortitude, social responsibility, and emotional intelligence. As an operating private high school with BSID # 668152 issued by the Ontario Ministry of Education, Bright Future Academy offers credit courses that count towards obtaining an Ontario Secondary School Diploma – which upon completion – prepares students for both post-secondary and personal success. In essence, Bright Future Academy is seeking dedicated students who are committed to academic and personal excellence within all of these various educational programs.” As originally published by Bright Future Academy
Queen’s Elite Academy of Canada

Queen’s Elite Academy of Canada
Address: 3650 Victoria Park Ave, North York, ON M2H 3B2, Canada| Telephone:1(416)498-7322 | Email: info@queenscanada.com
“Queen’s Elite Academy (QEA) is an international high school that offers culturally enriched and academically challenging university preparatory programs for students. We strive to provide an immersive and dynamic learning environment, which inspires students to become vibrant, well-prepared, and compassionate future innovators and leaders.” As originally published by Queen’s Elite Academy of Canada

UT Preparatory Academy
Address: 205 Sparks Ave, North York, ON M2H, Canada| Telephone: 1.647.557.0917| Email: admin@utpa.ca
“UT Preparatory Academy has created a dynamic, diversified and interactive learning environment with an emphasis on problem-based, project-based, practical learning methodologies. Each faculty at UTPA strives to provide excellent student support service and a positive memorable Canadian experience to our students. UTPA utilizes the most innovative teaching and learning methods, with courses designed to be as supportive and “student-centric” as possible. This focus, combined with small class sizes, allows for more individual attention to be given to each student, leading to a gradual increase in English language confidence and proven, quantifiable outcomes.” As originally published by UT Preparatory Academy

Toronto Berkshire Academy
Address: 3550 Victoria Park Ave, North York, ON M2H 2N5, Canada| Telephone: 905-597-6651|Email: info@tb-academy.com
“Toronto Berkshire Academy, officially registered with Ontario Ministry of Education, is an international high school with the qualification to grant Ontario secondary school credits and diplomas in Canada. There are two campuses, located in Toronto (BSID: 668674) and Waterloo (BSID: 668700). Students who obtain their credits and Ontario secondary school diplomas at Berkshire are acknowledged by universities in Canada, The United States, The United Kingdom, Australia, and around the world. A diversity of programs are designed and customized for students, including Ontario secondary school credit courses, IELTS training classes, bilingual after school tutoring, as well as arts and guidance classes. We also collaborate with North American universities in a dual enrollment program. Through one-on-one instruction and coaching with students, we help both local and international students successfully enroll in top universities in Canada and around the world.” As originally published by Toronto Berkshire Academy

ÉÉC Sainte-Madeleine
Address: 1 Ness Dr, North York, ON M3A, Canada
“Mission de l’école Sainte-Madeleine: Amener l’enfant à s’épanouir académiquement et socialement dans un milieu de vie catholique fondé sur l’Évangile dans un contexte culturel francophone universel.” As originally published by ÉÉC Sainte-Madeleine

ÉSC Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel
Address: 110 Drewry Ave, North York, ON M2M 1C8, Canada
“À l’Ésc Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel, vous découvrirez un esprit de famille et de fraternité ainsi qu’un sens de l’accueil qui reflète nos valeurs chrétiennes. Fiers de leur identité francophone et de l’effort de leur famille et du personnel pour maintenir cet héritage, les élèves de l’école ont de multiples occasions de perfectionner cette langue et lui donner toute la place qu’elle mérite à travers de multiples activités scolaires et parascolaires, pastorales et culturelles.” As originally published by ÉSC Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel

St. Matthias Catholic School
Address: 101 Van Horne Ave, North York, ON M2J 2Y2, Canada| Telephone: 416-393-5357| Fax: 416-393-5168|
“St. Matthias School provides a learning environment where models of Gospel values and Catholic doctrines, teachings and beliefs are an integral part of the daily life of the school. A Catholic environment is evident in the religious education and family life programs at all levels, both formal and informal daily prayers, displays throughout the school, liturgical and paraliturgical celebrations and participation in a variety of charitable endeavours. All members of the St. Matthias School community are expected to interact with each other respectfully and in a peaceful manner. Our school is also developing programs from junior kindergarten to grade 8 which are consistent with Ministry of Education documents. All of the classroom curriculum is adapted by the teachers to meet the varying needs of our pupils.” As originally published by St. Matthias Catholic School
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