A Vibrant community of Humbermede, Toronto and Suburban low-density neighborhood.
This neighborhood is best for those who seek a vibrant community that offers great amenities alongside easy access to the core of Toronto. The shopping scene is one of the best features of Humbermede, and for those who seek an active lifestyle, this is a good place to call home.
Humbermede, often called Emery, is a neighborhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Humbermede, like many of the “Humber” neighborhoods in the city, gets its name from the Humber River. It is bounded on the west by the Humber River, on the north by Finch Avenue West, on the east by Highway 400, and on the south by Sheppard Avenue West.
History:
Emery was originally settled by Issac Devins, a German pioneer who came to Canada from Pennsylvania in the 1790s. Emery’s second settler, John Crosson walked here from Pennsylvania in 1799. The Crosson family belongings were carried on the back of a two-year-old horse that Crosson sold to Devins in exchange for half of the latter’s 200-acre farm lot. By the 1870s, Emery had emerged as a farming hamlet at the crossroads of Finch Avenue and Weston Road. Emery had its own school, church, blacksmith shop, and general store. A local post office opened in 1879 under the name “Dayton”. The Toronto Grey and Bruce Railway adopted the Dayton name for their flag station on Finch Avenue. The post office and railway station later changed their name to Emery to avoid the inevitable confusion that arose between Dayton, Ontario, and Dayton Ohio. No one is certain why the Emery name was chosen but it was readily adopted by the whole community. Emery’s rural existence came to an end in the 1960s when developers built residential subdivisions and industry where farms once dotted this landscape. The former Emery School bell mounted in a cairn on the grounds of Emery Collegiate serves as a lonely reminder of the small-town origins of this community.
Overview:
Humbermede, like many of the “Humber” neighborhoods in the city, gets its name from the Humber River, which flows through the west side of the community. The neighborhood has a number of parks throughout, including Bluehaven, Lindy Lou, St. Lucie, Habitant, and Lanyard.
A large business improvement area – Emery Village BIA – encompasses Humbermede, and Emery Village has a long history in the community.
According to Emery Village BIA’s website, after the Huron First Nations abandoned their settlements in nearby Black Creek, the lands remained unoccupied for nearly 150 years until Isaac Devins and his wife Mary Chapman, Emery’s first pioneers, arrived from Pennsylvania in 1796 following the American Revolution. Devins’ original farm, situated south of Finch extending between Weston Road and Islington Avenue, would later become the center of Emery Village.
Homes:
The neighborhood has since developed into a suburban low-density neighborhood primarily consisting of semi-detached homes, although some high-rises on the southwest corner of Finch and Weston Road were also built. On the south-east corner is a site of the former Finch West Mall. There is an industrial area along the rail lines, extending east to Highway 400.
Emery’s housing stock dates mostly from the 1960’s. The north and east pockets of the neighbourhood are filled with bungalow and two-storey solid brick semi-detached homes. All of these houses have private driveways and most also have a garage.
The houses west of Weston Road and south of St. Lucie Park are situated on streets named after places in Florida. Some of the street names here include Coral Gable, Gulfstream, Hibiscus, Royal Palm, Tampa, Vero Beach, and West Palm. Maybe it’s the street names, but these detached, ranch-style bungalows on the Humber Valley side of the neighborhood have a certain Floridian ambiance and appeal.
Lifestyle:
If you are a food connoisseur and want to sample a variety of foods from around the world, Emery is a good place to shop. The strip malls on Finch Avenue and Weston Road are lined with food shops and restaurants that specialize in East and West Indian, African, Jamaican, Asian, European, Italian, and Spanish foods.
The largest mall in the neighborhood is the Finch West Mall at the corner of Finch Avenue and Weston Road. This mall has a McDonalds, a Canadian Tire, bargain stores, and medical and professional offices.
Recreation:
Emery residents can access the West Humber parkland at designated points south of Finch Avenue, and east of Islington Avenue. This park contains a 5.5 kilometre paved trail that follows the Humber River Valley to the Humber Arboretum which features a variety of plants and wildlife. There are also a number of pretty strolling parks found throughout this neighbourhood.
The Habitant Arena at 3383 Weston Road has a house hockey league for children, as well as shinny hockey and public skating. The Woodview Park public library is located at 16-18 Bradstock Road, at the Woodview Plaza.
Transportation:
The Finch Avenue bus connects passengers to the Finch station on the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line. The Weston Road bus connects to the Weston Go Train station and the Keele station on the Bloor-Danforth subway line.
Weston Road and Finch Avenue are the main arterial roadways in the neighborhood. Weston Road will link motorists to the central corridor of the city, while Finch Avenue links up with Toronto’s major north-south arterial roadways. For those traveling out of the city Highways, 400 and 401 are each approximately five minutes away.
Schools, Colleges, and Universities:
PUBLIC SCHOOL
Emery Collegiate Institute
Address: 3395 Weston Rd, North York, ON M9M 2V9, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-3220 | Fax: (416) 395-4193 | Email: Emery@tdsb.on.ca
“Emery C.I. is a school which fosters lifelong learning. We strive to provide innovative and relevant programs in a safe and nurturing environment. Staff, students, parents, and community partners play a pivotal role in our common pursuit of excellence. We challenge our students to excel through active participation, incorporating both leadership and scholarship. We also encourage personal growth in our students, assisting them in becoming confident, independent thinkers who are aware of their strengths in a competitive and dynamic society. We are proud of the caring staff at Emery, who enrich the academic curriculum by providing many co-curricular program for students. In May 2011, Emery celebrated 50 years of Excellence in Education.” As originally published by Emery 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
Daystrom Public School
Address: 25 Daystrom Dr, North York, ON M9M 2A8, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-2280 | Fax: (416) 395-2285 | Email: Daystrom@tdsb.on.ca
“Daystrom Public School is located in the Finch Avenue and Weston Road area of Toronto. The school has been serving the Daystrom community since its opening in 1959. The Daystrom Family Resource Centre was added in 1987 and is an integral part of Daystrom P.S. life. Daystrom has approximately 500 students. We are very proud to offer a structured, well-balanced, and inclusive curriculum for students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 5, as well as a special program for students with specific learning needs as well as those with special kindergarten needs.” As originally published by Daystrom Public School
Gracedale Public School
Address: 186 Gracedale Blvd, North York, ON M9L 2C1, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-2480 | Fax: (416) 395-2484 | Email: Gracedale@tdsb.on.ca
“Gracedale Public School is located in a neighbourhood that borders on the Humber River as it crosses Islington and Finch Avenues. Opened in 1964, Gracedale P.S. currently serves its local community, as well as the former local school communities of Whitfield P.S. and Bluehaven P.S. There are approximately 700 students from J.K. to Grade 5, representing 42 countries around the world and over 25 languages at our school. About 80% of our children were born in Canada. Gracedale P.S. offers space and resources for both after-school recreation and regular day school programs which reflect community and curriculum needs.” As originally published by Gracedale Public School
Gulfstream Public School
Address: 20 Gulfstream Rd, North York, ON M9M 1S3, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-2520 | Fax: (416) 395-4189 | Email: Gulfstream@tdsb.on.ca
“Gulfstream Public School is located between Finch and Sheppard Avenues, east of the Humber River and west of Weston Road. Gulfstream serves approximately 520 students, including 27 identified Special Education students. Gulfstream is a school environment that welcomes the community with programs for parents and students as well as an in house child care centre. We are a Kindergarten to Grade Eight school with Full Day Kindergarten. With approximately 110 Kindergarten students staying for the full day, we are a very busy and active school environment.” As originally published by Gulfstream Public School
Westview Centennial Secondary School
Westview Centennial Secondary School
Address: 755 Oakdale Rd, North York, ON M3N 1W7, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-3320 | Fax: (416) 395-6627 | Email: Westview@tdsb.on.ca
“At Westview, we offer a varied academic program with a strong focus on numeracy, literacy, science, the arts, and co-op. Students at Westview have extensive opportunities to expand their learning through programs such as the STEPS to University of Toronto partnership, the SHSM programs which focus on Healthcare and Arts and Culture, and the LAWS program which empowers students to see the world through a legal lens. At Westview expect our students to continuously and effortlessly impact the world around us. We welcome you to the Westview family.” As originally published by Westview Centennial Secondary School
Humber Summit Middle School
Address: 60 Pearldale Ave, North York, ON M9L 2H2, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-2570 | Fax: (416) 395-2573 | Email: HumberSummit@tdsb.on.ca
“Humber Summit Middle School is located near Finch and Islington. It draws students from a large attendance area, reaching from near Islington and Steeles to Weston and Wilson. The 540 students Humber Summit serves represent diverse cultural, racial, and faith backgrounds. Our vision is based on three priorities: Student Achievement, Parent and Community Engagement and Financial Stability.” As originally published by Humber Summit Middle School
Oakdale Park Middle School
Address: 315 Grandravine Dr, North York, ON M3N 1J5, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-3060 | Fax: (416) 395-3168 | Email: OakdalePark@tdsb.on.ca
“Oakdale Park Middle School is a large school of 548 students in an urban setting, serving Grade 6, 7 and 8 students. It is located in the North West area of Toronto. About 30% of our students are of Caribbean heritage, about 30% are of Southeast Asian descent, and about 15% of our students are of South American descent. The remaining 25% of the students come from almost every other part of the globe.” As originally published by Oakdale Park Middle School
ÉS Jeunes sans frontières
Address: 7585 Financial Dr, Brampton, ON L6Y 5P4, Canada | Telephone: 905 450-1106
CATHOLIC AND PRIVATE
Cathedral Christian Academy
Address: 1111 Arrow Road, North York, ON M9M
“Our primary goals are to provide a top-notch curriculum in a Christian environment for all children and to see them achieve greatness through a focus on the “whole child”. Cathedral Christian Academy was started in an effort to provide all children with the opportunity to study in a Christ-centered educational environment. Cathedral Christian Academy’s purpose is to increase students’ educational opportunities through a standard of excellence, Christian commitment, and a passion for success.” As originally published by Cathedral Christian Academy
Nile Academy
Address: 5 Blue Haven Crescent, North York, ON M9M | Telephone: +1 (647) 748-6453 | Fax: +1 (647) 352-6453 | Email: info@nileacademy.ca
“Nile Academy is established in 2005 to meet the needs for better education and a brighter future for our children. Nile Academy is a private school with experienced staff determined to maximize students’ opportunities for success. The school has built its reputation on catering to individual needs and diversity. We welcome families of all beliefs and cultural backgrounds. We believe that education is not merely a question of classroom instruction. For a child, it is important to learn how to listen to and interact with others. This is a skill that must be acquired and practiced on a daily basis. Social learning outside the classroom results in positive changes in classroom performance and all extra-curricular activities are planned with this goal in mind.” As originally published by Nile Academy
ÉÉC Saint-Noël-Chabanel-Toronto
ÉÉC Saint-Noël-Chabanel-Toronto
Address: 30 Thistle Down Boulevard, Toronto, ON M9V 1H8
“En 1964, une entité francophone prenait forme dans une école anglaise pour les secteurs Étobicoke de North York. Il faudra attendre jusqu’en 1976 avant que tous les intervenants scolaires ne réalisent leur grand rêve: la construction de la première école française catholique desservant la clientèle de l’ouest de la ville de Toronto. Depuis, des milliers d’élèves ont fréquenté notre école, répondant ainsi aux besoins des parents qui sont venus chercher chez nous une éducation reposant sur les caractéristiques essentielles telles la foi chrétienne et la fierté de la langue française.” As originally published by ÉÉC Saint-Noël-Chabanel-Toronto
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. Roch Catholic School
Address: 991 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6E 1A3, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5320 | Fax: 416-393-5151
“In a school community formed by Catholic beliefs and traditions, our Mission is to help individual learners to achieve their highest potential in intellectual, emotional, social, moral, cultural and physical development–all in the context of the faith dimension. To meet the diversified needs, abilities and interests of our students, a broad spectrum of programs and services is available at St. Roch’s: French immersion classes, Italian language and cultural program, instrumental music, guidance, English as a second language program, remedial speech, program for learning disabled, multi-handicapped class, language impaired class and general special education classes.” As originally published by St. Roch Catholic School
St. Jude Catholic School
Address: 3251 Weston Rd, North York, ON M9M 2T9, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5279 | Fax: 416-393-5122
“Our experienced staff is dedicated to providing every student with the best Catholic education possible. Through a Christ-centered vision and in partnership with our parents, parish and local community we continue to embrace our goal – academic excellence for all. As a Catholic School we recognize the importance of developing in each student an attitude of respect for self, others and property. We encourage children to develop their individual gifts and talents and, at all times, seek to promote Gospel values.” As originally published by St. Jude Catholic School
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