Gorgeous green space, and convenient local amenities.
Are you looking for the right place to settle down and raise children? If so, you’ll likely feel right at home in Islington-City Centre West. The area is full of quiet residential pockets where you’ll find tree-lined streets, playgrounds, and (of course), other families. There’s a good chance that some of your neighbors will have little ones, which could make carpooling very convenient in the years ahead.
Islington-City Centre West is also home to both a sizable senior population, along with a growing number of young professionals who are drawn to its attractive condo developments and abundant retail options.
Living in Islington-City Centre West is all about convenience, especially when it comes to shopping. Whether you’re looking for fashion-forward attire, sporting goods, or home décor, you won’t have to commute far to find it.
History:
Islington Village emerged in the early 1800s with a cluster of stores, churches, a school and a post office centred along Dundas Street West. The focal point of this village was the Thomas Montgomery Inn. The Montgomery Inn was a popular meeting place for the local villagers as well as thirsty farmers with grain in tow on their way to mills along the Humber River. Montgomery Inn is still standing at 4709 Dundas Street West where it now serves as a local museum. It is one of the few buildings of the Old Village of Islington to survive the residential subdivision of this neighbourhood which took place shortly after the Second World war.
It is interesting to note that Islington was originally known as Mimico but that its name was changed in 1858 to avoid confusion with the postal station at Toronto’s Mimico lakeshore neighborhood. The Islington name was chosen by Elizabeth Smith whose husband Thomas was the proprietor of the local hotel. Elizabeth Smith chose the Islington name after her birthplace in England.
Overview:
Known as “Toronto’s Village of Murals” Islington Village is located in the heart of Etobicoke. This residential neighborhood boasts 25 mural “masterpieces”, enhancing the walls of over 15,000 square feet that span five blocks of the historic shopping district on Dundas West. Painted by artist extraordinaire, John Kuna, the murals depict a cohesive history of the neighborhood. A labor of love this project started over nine years ago and is still expanding.
Boutique style shopping, quaint dining spots, local services, an abundance of green space and parkland, convenient access to TTC and Go Transit stations make Islington Village a great Downtown lifestyle alternative.
The original homes consisted of traditional architectural styles and were built on generous size lots. Some of these houses have been replaced by newer custom builds. The Mimico Creek and the Islington Golf Club wind their way through the center of this picturesque neighborhood.
Today Dundas W. between Montgomery Road and Kipling Avenue is the location of the Village of Islington Business Improvement Area (BIA). Visit this link to see shops, services, and amenities in this colorful neighborhood.
Homes:
What makes this area so alluring for homeowners is that the post-war housing stock is built on larger plots of land than you would find in Toronto’s central core. Islington’s housing stock dates from the 1930s, ’40s, and 50’s. The older houses in this neighborhood represent some of the best examples of Georgian, Colonial, English Cottage and Tudor style houses in the city. There is also a nice mix of Cape Cod-style houses, ranch-style bungalows, and split-level homes. Many of these houses are situated on premium size lots that either front or back onto the Islington Golf Course.
There are also a number of new condos and condo townhomes offering more affordable and modern amenities. Add in the ease of commuting with highway 427, QEW, and the Gardiner Expressway there is a great deal of upside for residents.
Islington also has a growing number of custom-built new homes. Most of these houses are well designed and blend in well with the older houses in the neighborhood.
Lifestyle:
The Village of Islington on Dundas Street West between Montgomery Road and Kipling Avenue has an upscale tone with a small-town feel. Stores here include a gourmet food shop, a deli, two drug stores, a hardware store, several flower shops, coffee houses, and over 30 pubs, restaurants, and cafes. The area known for its art and history is home to Arts Etobicoke, Creative Village, The Music Studio, and Montgomery’s Inn.
Further west along Dundas Street in the Dunbloor area is a cluster of small retail plazas, family-style restaurants, professional and medical offices, new condos, and specialty stores including a lingerie store and many salons.
This area participates in the City-wide Doors Open Toronto and Culture Days events showcasing local art and history and offering free walking and trolley tours.
Shops & Restaurant:
Living in Islington-City Centre West is all about convenience, especially when it comes to shopping. Whether you’re looking for fashion-forward attire, sporting goods, or home decor, you won’t have to commute far to find it.
Both Sherway Gardens and Cloverdale (two of the most well-known malls in Toronto) can be found nearby, which means you’re completely covered whether you’re looking for household brands or high-end labels. There’s also a large assortment of big box stores in the area, which is perfect for those who drive.
When it’s a satisfying meal you’re after, your options extend beyond groceries from the local Loblaws. Islington-City Centre has no shortage of great places to enjoy a leisurely meal—or grab something quick on the go.
Dimpflmeier Cafe and Bakery, where you’ll find German bread and pastries, is the ideal place to catch up with friends. Nearby, Dundas Street Grille is known for its comfort-food classics, while Apache is the local go-to when only a burger will do.
Recreation:
One of the best things about Islington-City Centre West is its many green spaces. Tom Riley Park, a 7.8-hectare area on Bloor Street West, is especially impressive. This local gem features baseball and tennis facilities as well as a pool, making it perfect for active families. If you’re more of a nature lover, check out Hampshire Heights Park, where wooded areas and the Mimico Creek make for beautiful views.
The historic Montgomery’s Inn located at 4709 Dundas Street West, is now a museum. This Georgian Loyalist Inn with its handsome Riverstone exterior is one of the most beautiful and alluring buildings in Toronto. Montgomery’s Inn hosts a number of year-round festivals, a lecture series, and an afternoon tea in its cozy and comfortable tea room.
The Islington Golf Club, which has been around since 1923, is another major draw. Designed by a well-known architect, the course here is both challenging and majestic. There are experts on site for those who are looking to brush up on their golfing skills. The Islington Golf Club features a par 72, a 6400-yard course that was designed by renowned golf course architect Stanley Thompson. This private club has a friendly atmosphere and is geared towards families.
If tennis is your game you will want to head to Rosethorn Park located just north of the Islington Golf Club. This park has three tennis courts and a children’s playground.
The Islington Baseball League has been in operation since 1952. This club operates out of Rosethorn Park. Programs include Co-ed T-Ball, Boys and Girls Rookie Ball, Clinics and Rep teams.
Transportation:
The convenient lifestyle offered by Islington-City Centre West extends to its transportation. Both Kipling and Islington stations are close by, providing easy access to the Bloor-Danforth subway line and (by extension) the rest of the city. The nearby QEW and Highway 427 are ideal for commuters with a car (though traffic is sometimes an issue).
- Bus service on Islington and Kipling Avenues connect passengers to stations on the Bloor-Danforth subway line. The Kipling station also provides service to the Go Transit Line.
- Motorists are approximately twenty minutes from downtown Toronto via Bloor Street. Commuters are within a ten-minute drive of the Islington and Kipling Avenue on-ramps to Highway 401 which connects to all of Toronto’s major highways.
Schools, Colleges, and Universities:
PUBLIC SCHOOL
Lakeshore Collegiate Institute
Address: 350 Kipling Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8V 3L1, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7650 | Fax: (416) 394-3847 | Email: Lakeshore@tdsb.on.ca
“Lakeshore Collegiate Institute (LCI) provides opportunities for you to enrich your personal and academic achievement by providing a demanding curriculum that incorporates academics with the arts, technology, co-op and athletics. LCI is a dynamic school with a wide offering of programs for every student. Starting in grade 9, all students are welcomed to secondary school with an orientation program in August lead by our Leadership Students. Unique to LCI, in addition to our broad academic curriculum, is an extensive technology program including courses in culinary arts, cosmetology, transportation, construction, WoodLINKS (fine furniture), CyberARTS, graphic design, photography and video production.” As originally published by Lakeshore Collegiate Institute
Silverthorn Collegiate Institute
Address: 291 Mill Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9C 1Y5, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7010| Fax: (416) 394-7924 | Email: Silverthorn.CI@tdsb.on.ca
“Silverthorn Collegiate’s mission is to create a school environment dedicated to excellence and love of learning. Our goal is to challenge each learner to reach their full potential and become a positive, responsible contributor to society. Silverthorn is a friendly, safe learning community committed to relevant and innovative programs. We encourage growth through opportunities for student involvement that go outside the doors of the classroom. Our aim is to educate and equip students with the tools and resources they need to make informed and healthy choices in school and in life.” As originally published by Silverthorn Collegiate Institute
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
Address: 105 Norseman St, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 2R1, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7880 | Fax: (416) 394-6292 | Email: Norseman@tdsb.on.ca
“Norseman Junior Middle School, located in the west end of the city, proudly opened its doors to students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 in January 1953. From 1968 to 1981, it became the middle school for the area with Grades 6, 7, and 8. Since 1981, Norseman has served students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. We believe that everyone has a responsibility to maintain a safe school environment. We encourage students to take an active role in problem-solving through a positive and co-operative attitude. Respect and understanding for both ourselves and others build the foundation for self-worth and self-discipline. We value the unique contributions of all members of our school community and are dedicated to building positive relationships.” As originally published by Norseman Junior Middle School
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
ÉÉ Micheline-Saint-Cyr
Address: 85 Forty First St, Etobicoke, ON M8W 3P1, Canada | Telephone: 647 265-8544
Bloorlea Middle School
Address: 4050 Bloor St W, Etobicoke, ON M9B 1M5, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7140 | Fax: (416) 394-6287 | Email: Bloorlea@tdsb.on.ca
“Bloorlea Middle School is located in the west end of Toronto at the corner of Bloor Street and The East Mall. Our school opened its doors in 1957 and currently serves 250 middle school students. We are proud of our dedicated teaching and support staff. Bloorlea staff place a high priority on a positive and active partnership with our parents. Our Code of Conduct reflects our goal to achieve a learning environment that is safe, nurturing, positive, and respectful.” As originally published by Bloorlea Middle School
John G. Althouse 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
“ohn 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 honour 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
Wedgewood Junior School
Address: 5 Swan Ave, Etobicoke, ON M9B 1V1, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7150 | Fax: (416) 394-6323 | Email: Wedgewood@tdsb.on.ca
“Wedgewood Junior School is located in a diverse community. The school serves students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5. Our parents speak more than 32 languages at home and about one third of our students speak English as their second language. The school provides a dynamic, positive and productive environment for all students. There is a close and co-operative partnership between the school and the community that results in additional support, enhanced resources and programs for students, thanks to parental involvement. Wedgewood staff work collaboratively to plan and deliver classroom programs so that all students can achieve success in a positive, nurturing learning environment.” As originally published by Wedgewood Junior School
CATHOLIC AND PRIVATE
Kingsley Primary School
Address: 516 The Kingsway, Etobicoke, ON M9A | Telephone: 416.233.0150 | Email: kingsleyprimaryschool@gmail.com
“Kingsley Primary School is a private, not-for-profit, non-religious elementary school for junior kindergarten through grade five, and growing. It was established in 1981 to provide quality primary education in an engaging, warm environment. To provide quality education in an engaging, nurturing and challenging environment. All children receive direct personal assistance with an emphasis on programming for each individual’s intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs. The aim of Kingsley is to develop self-confidence and the motivation to learn in all of our students. We strive to teach values, such as honesty, kindness and respect for self and others.” As originally published by Kingsley Primary School
Olivet New Church School
Address: 279 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON M9B | Telephone: 416-239-3054
“Olivet School, founded in 1893, is a small, private elementary school located a short distance from Highway 427 in central Etobicoke, adjacent to extensive green space. Our mission is to provide a place where children can be instructed academically, morally and spiritually. We strive to work closely with parents to help each child grow to achieve his or her personal potential. The Bible is the framework we use to achieve this, and God’s message is integrated into every aspect of school life.” As originally published by Olivet New Church School
Our Lady of Peace Catholic School
Address: 70 Mattice Ave, Etobicoke, ON M9B 1T6, Canada | Telephone: 416-396-2845 | Fax: 416-241-4325
“Our Lady of Peace is an Early French Immersion School from JK to grade 8. We are committed to continue standards of excellence and providing your children with every opportunity to learn, grow, achieve and celebrate in all that our school has to offer! We do this by living our Catholic values and following our school motto which is: “Let the Spirit of Peace be Your Guide/ Que l’Esprit de la Paix soit votre guide!” We take pride in the many ways that we strive to enhance your child’s experience here at Our Lady of Peace. Our dedicated teachers give of their time and talents to offer a wide variety of extra-curricular opportunities for your children. We encourage participation in our many clubs, teams, and school events throughout the year!” As originally published by Our Lady of Peace Catholic School
ÉÉC Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville
Address: 755 Royal York Rd, Etobicoke, ON M8Y 2T3, Canada
“L’ÉÉC Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville offre un environnement d’apprentissage stimulant par le biais d’une équipe dynamique et engagée. Située au coeur d’un joli quartier résidentiel, elle accueille 565 élèves, 24 classes en tout de la maternelle à la 6e année, en plus de 2 classes au tout nouveau pavillon Richview qui a ouvert ses portes en septembre 2013.“ As originally published by ÉÉC Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville
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
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