High Park

HIGH PARK - 'A Community Like No Other'

History: The High Park neighbourhood contains a wealth of history. The area north of Bloor Street was formerly part of the Town of West Toronto Junction, which was annexed by the City of Toronto in 1909. The historical house at 191 High Park Avenue was built in 1888 for D.W. Clendenan, the first mayor of West Toronto Junction.

The High Park property south of Bloor Street, was purchased in 1836 by John Howard—Toronto’s first surveyor, Howard named his estate High Park because of its magnificent view of Lake Ontario. In 1873 Howard deeded his beloved High Park estate to the City of Toronto. John Howard’s former residence - Colborne Lodge - is still situated on its original site in High Park, where it is now a museum.

(Click the image to view more pictures of HIgh Park)

Overview: The High Park neighbourhood is home to wide range of people. Its highly High park Map regarded schools including Humberside Collegiate attract many families with school age children to this neighbourhood. High Park contains numerous rental opportunities that are popular with singles and couples. There are also a handful of seniors accommodations within this neighbourhood.

The topography of the High Park neighbourhood features gently rolling hills, winding street, and towering Oak trees that enchant and delight all those who live here. The beauty of this neighbourhood emanates from High Park which is one of Toronto’s largest and most popular parks.

Homes: High Park’s winding tree-lined streets are lined with impressive Victorian, Edwardian, and Tudor-style homes. These captivating houses were built largely during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Several of these houses have been divided into multiple-family dwellings.

high park home New upscale condominiums and loft projects have also surfaced in this neighbourhood. The High Park neighbourhood also features a selection of condominium apartment buildings along Quebec Avenue, north of Bloor Street. These apartments are in the entry level price range. They include balconies, some which feature south views that overlook High Park and Lake Ontario.

Shopping: High Park is conveniently located within walking distance of ‘Bloor West Village,’ one of Toronto’s most popular shopping districts. The ‘village’ is known across the City for its European bakeries, delicatessens, specialty food shops, cafes and restaurants.

The Roncesvalles Village shopping district along Roncesvalles Avenue is known for its European delis, bakeries and fruit and vegetable markets. This village atmosphere is enchanted by neighbourhood coffee shops and a wide selection of restaurants. The Junction Gardens shopping district along Dundas Street West has recently been revitalized. This shopping strip has gone back to its roots as an important railway centre by incorporating a railway lantern into the heritage street signs along Dundas Street.

Recreation: High Park encompasses 399 acres of public parkland. This city park includes a fishing pond , an outdoor theatre, animal paddocks, picnic grounds, playgrounds, a restaurant, a historical museum, flower gardens, an adventure playground and a trackless train. High Park’s sports facilities include tennis, baseball, soccer, lawn bowling, swimming, and skating, as well as walking.

You can read all about the rich history of High Park at the Runnymede Public Library on Bloor Street or the High Park Public Library on Roncesvalles. Both these libraries offer a myriad of programs for neighbourhood residents.

Schools:

(P) High Park Alternative Jr., 265 Annette St., (416) 393-9040

(P) Keele St. Jr., 99 Mountview Ave., (416) 393-9035

(P) Mountview Alternative Jr., 99 Mountview., (416) 393-9037

(P) Runnymede Jr. & Sr., 357 Runnymede Rd., (416)393-9055

(P) Annette Jr. & Sr., 265 Annette St., (416) 393-9040

(PH) Humberside Collegiate Institute, 280 Quebec Ave., (416) 393-0000

(PH) Western Technical Commercial School, 125 Evelyn Cres., (416) 393-0500

(PR) Montessori High Park School, 35 High Park Gdrns., (416) 763-6097

(PR) Montessori Humberside School, 411 Clendenan Ave., (416) 762-8888

Transportation: The Bloor-Danforth subway line has three subway stations serving the High Park neighbourhood, Runnymede, HIgh Park, and Keele station.

Motorists are approximately five minutes from the Queensway, which connects communities to Lake Shore Boulevard and the Gardiner Expressway.