Leaside, Toronto – one of Toronto’s poshest neighborhoods.
As a family-centric community, Leaside is one of Toronto’s poshest neighborhoods and has become a dining destination for residents of mid-town Toronto and beyond.
Leaside offers plenty of places to work, play, and relax – if you call playing ball, hockey, tennis, and skating, swimming, and tending to picture-perfect gardens relaxing! Walking dogs, babes in strollers, and toddlers on trikes is a way of life. Raising a family, taking part in activities, shopping, dining and just enjoying life in the shadow of the city, is what Leaside living is all about.
History:
Leaside was first settled by John Lea a pioneer farmer who emigrated to Canada from Philadelphia in 1819. In the 1850’s, Lea’s oldest son William built an eight-sided octagonal shaped house – appropriately named ‘Leaside’ – near the present day site of Leaside Memorial Gardens. This neighbourhood has been called Leaside ever since.
The Canadian Northern Railway incorporated the Town of Leaside in 1913 on land formerly owned by the Lea family. Leaside’s development was historically significant in that it was the first town in Ontario to be completely planned on paper before any homes were actually built.
Leaside’s residential development was stalled due to the outbreak of World War I, however Leaside was an important contributor to the war effort. Heavy artillery was manufactured at the Leaside Munitions Company. Leaside was also the location of an airfield used for the training of Canadian pilots.
In 1918 the Leaside Airfield made Canadian aviation history as the terminus of the first airmail flight in Canada, travelling from Montreal to Toronto. Leaside’s status as a Town came to an end in 1967 when it became part of the Borough of East York, which has since amalgamated with the City of Toronto.
Overview:
Leaside is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Toronto. In light of its high profile, it is not surprising that Leaside is also one of the more expensive real estate districts in Toronto.
Leaside is in especially high demand with upper-middle-income families who value this neighborhood as an ideal place to raise children. Leaside has abundant greenspace and parkland, a fine selection of schools, one of Toronto’s best shopping districts on Bayview Avenue, and excellent access to public transit.
Homes:
The typical Leaside house is situated on a generous size lot with a private drive and a garage. Most of the houses contain beautiful wood trim, hardwood floors and a working fireplace.
Leaside’s Tudor-style houses were built largely in the 1930’s and 1940’s. There is a good mix of two-storey detached homes, bungalows and semi-detached houses. A growing number of Leaside bungalows have had second storey additions, while others have been replaced by new custom designed homes.
During the 1990s a handful of exclusive condominium and townhouse projects have been built on the periphery of the neighborhood. Leaside also contains some of Toronto’s nicest rental apartment buildings, located on the east side of Bayview Avenue and on Leacrest Road overlooking the Don Valley Ravine.
Lifestyle:
Bayview Avenue features a wonderful collection of shops and restaurants. Many of these stores are geared towards children reflecting the demographics of this neighbourhood. Bayview Avenue is also known for its antique shops, specialty stores, and neighbourhood pubs, that attract a clientele from all over the city.
Leaside residents also shop at the local stores along Eglinton Avenue. This shopping district is anchored by the Sunnybrook Plaza located at the north-east corner of Bayview and Eglinton. There are also some small shops and services located in the interior of the Leaside neighbourhood on both McRae Drive and Millwood Road.
Leaside’s newest shopping destination is the Leaside Centre, a collection of large national retailers located at the south-east corner of Laird Drive and Eglinton Avenue. Adjacent to the Leaside Centre is the Leaside Business Park which combines light industrial businesses mixed in with specialty retail stores.
Recreation:
Few Toronto neighbourhoods can match Leaside when it comes to recreation. The Leaside Memorial Community Gardens at Millwood Road and Laird Drive is a multi-recreational complex that includes an indoor ice arena, an indoor swimming pool, a curling rink and an auditorium.
Leaside residents can enjoy nature and fitness activities in Serena Gundy Park and Sunnybrook Park. In addition to offering ideal picnic spots Sunnybrook Park features top notch sports fields, an exercise trail, horseback riding stables and a licensed snack bar operated by the Parks and Property Department.
Trace Manes Park, located in south Leaside off McRae Drive is the home of the Leaside Tennis Club which has six tennis courts. Trace Manes Park also has a tots playground, a baseball diamond and an outdoor natural ice rink which is in use from late December until the end of February. The Leaside Public Library is situated adjacent to this park off McRae Drive.
Howard Talbot Park, situated in a picturesque valley at the south-east corner of Bayview and Eglinton Avenues features two baseball diamonds that are popular with local baseball leagues.
Transportation:
Bus service winds its way through the interior of the Leaside neighbourhood, south of Eglinton Avenue and connects to the St. Clair subway station on the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line. Bus routes on Bayview and Eglinton Avenues connect to the Davisville and the Eglinton stations also on the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line.
Motorists can be downtown in ten minutes via the Bayview extension which also links up with the Don Valley Parkway and a myriad of commuter highways.
Schools, Colleges and Universities:
Leaside garners high demand from upper-middle income families who value this neighborhood as an ideal place to raise children, thanks to its abundant green space, and fine selection of schools.
PUBLIC SCHOOL
Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute
Address: 135 Overlea Blvd, North York, ON M3C 1B3, Canada | Telephone: (416) 396-2410 | Fax: MarcGarneau@tdsb.on.ca
“Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute is one of the most diverse secondary schools in the TDSB. The secret to our student success stems from the many cultures that come together to create an amazing learning and social environment where students, staff and our community learn from one another. MGCI offers many unique programs; horticulture, financial securities, SHSM, and our TOPS program, proclaimed by Maclean’s magazine as “best across the nation”. We also have over 90 student-led co-curricular activities and a wide range of competitive team sports. At MGCI, we ensure that every student that enters our building has choice in programming and a safe learning environment where they fully apply their creative talents.“ As originally published by Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute
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
“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
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
Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School
Address: 211 Bessborough Dr, East York, ON M4G 3K2, Canada | Telephone: (416) 396-2315| Email: Bessborough@tdsb.on.ca
“Bessborough is a JK to grade 8 school located in the Leaside area of Toronto, a well-established community of mostly single-unit homes. It was the first public school in Leaside and at one point the Town Hall. Bessborough is a dynamic neighbourhood school with a tradition of academic excellence. Active and involved parents participate in the daily lives of their children. As well, many former students are now parents and grandparents of children attending the school.” As originally published by Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School
Bennington Heights Elementary School
Address: 76 Bennington Heights Dr, East York, ON M4G 1B1, Canada | Telephone: (416) 396-2310 | Email: Bennington@tdsb.on.ca
“Bennington Heights Elementary School is located immediately south of Bayview and Moore Avenues. The school has been serving the Bennington Heights Community since September 1950, providing educational excellence in a small school environment. The Bennington Heights Child Care Centre located within the building provides nursery, pre-school and school-age programs, full and part-time.” As originally published by Bennington Heights Elementary School
Deer Park Junior and Senior Public School
Address: 23 Ferndale Ave, Toronto, ON M4T 2B4, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-1550 | 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
Address: 200 Hanna Rd, East York, ON M4G 2K3, Canada | Telephone: (416) 396-2380 | Email: Leaside@tdsb.on.ca
“Founded in 1945, Leaside continues to maintain a tradition of academic excellence. The size of our student population allows for a caring environment in which staff gets to know their students as individuals. We are dedicated to academic achievement and the preparation of our students for post-secondary education and life in a changing society. Leaside offers a semestered program from Grades 9 to 12. Each discipline offers a continuum of skill development to prepare students for a future of lifelong learning. Leaside offers a range of programs for students with diverse interests, including numerous languages, digital photography, forensics and communications technology.” As originally published by Leaside High School
CATHOLIC AND PRIVATE
Address: 670 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4G | Telephone: 416 423 5017 | Fax: 416-423-0727 | Email: info@cgsschool.com
“At CGS we believe in a balanced approach to education. Our challenging, personalized academic curriculum is complemented by excellent arts programming and physical education. We also place a strong emphasis on character and cultural programming. CGS students are encouraged to look beyond their own environment to make connections with the world around them.” As originally published by Children’s Garden School
Address: 125 Brentcliffe Road, Toronto, ON M4G | Telephone: 416 423-9123 | Email: mariamontessori@bellnet.ca
“Maria Montessori School was founded in 1975 and for more than thirty years, has operated at the same location in North Toronto. In 1988 an elementary program for children between the ages of six and twelve was established seeing its first graduation in 1994. Currently the school supports a young children’s community (toddler), two Casa and two Elementary communities with a total enrolment of approximately one hundred and twenty five children. Utilizing the framework of the Montessori principles and philosophy, the school provides each child the opportunity to develop their abilities to their fullest potential within a safe, loving and affirming environment. Our staff are experienced and dedicated Montessori Educators committed to aiding and nurturing the development of the whole child. This, together with adherence to the fundamental principles set forth by Dr. Montessori, and an informed, active and caring parent body, creates an affirming, purposeful and harmonious atmosphere within which our children work, play and grow.” As originally published by Maria Montessori School
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
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School
Address: 2 Garfield Ave, Toronto, ON M4T 1E7, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5239 | Fax: 416-393-5818
“Our Catholic Schools contribute to the formation of our children in their faith life. In partnership with the home and parish our students grow in knowledge of prayer, scripture and Catholic teaching. OLPH enjoys a strong partnership between home, school and the parish. Parent volunteers play an active role in enriching the educational experience of our children.” As originally published by Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School
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
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
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
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