Geography and Transportation

There are many interpretations of the exact boundaries of old East York, however at its largest; the northern boundaries include the land south of Taylor-Massey Creek and the Don Valley, the lands east of the Don River and West of Victoria Park Ave. The southern border of East York is made up of the old municipal boundary line between the Toronto and East York which is north of Danforth Ave. This area is serviced by six subway stations along the Bloor-Danforth Subway line: Donlands, Greenwood, Coxwell, Woodbine, Main and Victoria Park. The community has lots of north-south buses along O'Connor Drive and Pape, Donlands, Coxwell, Mortimer, Cosburn and Lumsden Avenues to connect to subway stations on the Bloor-Danforth line making it incredibly easy to get around the city from East York!

You can view the map here!

History of East York

The Township of East York was incorporated on January 1, 1924. In the early years, the homeowners were made up of the employees of the market gardens, brick yards and post World War 1 veterans. The period between 1946 and 1961saw housing supply in East York double in size as many homes were built to house the returning veterans and the baby boomers

East York held the distinction of being Canada's only Borough until 1998 when it was amalgamated into the City of Toronto. This is a testament to the strength of cohesiveness of this community. A community that East Yorkers, and I, take pride in.

Homes

Central East York homes were built from 1890’s to the 1960’s and as a result, from one block to another there are distinct housing styles. While East York is typically known for its traditional style brick bungalow, it also offers two story semi’s and detached homes.

Located in Old East York at the corner of Coxwell and Mortimer is the East York Civic Centre. While this building was previously used as the municipal offices of the former Borough of East York, it remains a meeting place for the local community. City counselors use this space to discuss issues pertaining to local wards and the community regularly meets at local events like the Farmers Market which is held every Tuesday and the Remembrance Day services.

Schools

East York is served by 8 elementary schools, 3 Catholic elementary schools, 2 high schools, and the S. Walter Stewart library. The University of Toronto is easily accessible via the Bloor-Danforth subway line and York University's Glendon Campus just north on Bayview Rd .

Shopping

The North-South roads of East York, such as Pape, Donlands and Coxwell have developed into established shopping strips where locals regularly meet. Danforth Avenue ("The Danforth") has many stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, and a great selection of Greek fare.

Recreation

In addition to the local parks, East York is home to the East York Community Centre which houses an indoor pool, a fitness centre and play spaces for the young and old. Stan Wadlow Park is the place to be on Canada Day with fireworks and entertainment. Stan Wadlow Park is a 22.7-acre park located in East York and features five baseball diamonds and a batting cage, as well as two outdoor swimming pools, a handball wall, picnic areas, playground, ice rink and soccer field!!! The park is also an access point for Taylor Creek Park, part of a nine-kilometer nature trail great for walking, jogging or cycling. The Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre is located off Pottery Road, with interpretive and cultural programs. The oldest house in the neighbourhood is the 1840 Taylor family homes at 20 Beechwood Cr (at O'Connor), also called the Ira Grafton Gage House.

Health Care

Across the street from the Civic Centre on the Southeast corner of Coxwell and Mortimer is Toronto East General Hospital which was ranked the #1 choice for family medicine training at community teaching hospitals in 2008 and 2009 and was the first community teaching hospital to offer inter-professional education for healthcare professionals.

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