Amesbury is a neighbourhood focused on family living, with a mix of middle income residents. Though it may be small it boasts its schools, community centre, library and sports clubs. Split in half by Black Creek Drive and the Black Creek Valley, Amesbury features pockets of ravines, rolling hills and plenty of trees that add to its charm and natural appeal.
History Of Amesbury, Toronto
John Denison, the settler of Amesbury was a United Empire Loyalist who bought land in 1804. The Denison family played a role in Toronto’s community in the early political and military scenes. They were highly respected for their contributions to the city.
In addition to their property in Amesbury the Denison Family owned land holdings in downtown Toronto, Richmond Hill and by the Humber River of Lawrence Avenue, where Denison Avenue stands today. St. John’s Cemetery on the Humber located at the end of Denison Road with a view of the Humber River Valley has served as the burial ground for the Denison Family since 1861.
The Denison family retained ownership of properties in Amesbury until the 1930s. Eventually in the 1940s the day residential development of the Amesbury neighbourhood began through subdivision.
Lifestyle
The North Park Plaza, located at the intersection of Keele Street and Lawrence Avenue, in the southeast features a Wal store, a spacious supermarket, a well known video store, various small independent shops, fast food eateries and offices for professionals and medical practitioners. Meanwhile the Lawrence and Black Creek Plaza offers dining options, a cleaning service, a photo studio as well as spaces for professional services and medical practices.
On Jane Street there is an array of street level shopping opportunities including food stores, retail outlets and offices, for professionals.
Amesbury, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The Amesbury Community Centre, on 1507 Lawrence Avenue West is a facility with a gym and meeting rooms. It provides programs for preschoolers such as kindergym, music, art and dance. Additionally they offer programs like Junior Kids Club, Senior Youth Basketball, Family Karate and country ballroom and square dancing.
Adjacent to the community centre is Amesbury Park which features sports fields, a baseball diamond, tennis courts and a playground for children. The Amesbury Sports Complex at 155 Culford Drive is situated to the west of the community centre. Includes bocce courts, an outdoor hockey rink, a swimming pool and a basketball court. The renovated Amesbury Park Public Library on 1565 Lawrence Avenue West organizes programs for adults as well as children and preschoolers.
Amesbury, Toronto Transit
Amesbury has public transportation options, including buses running north south on Keele and Jane Streets as well, as east west routes on Trethewey Drive and along Lawrence Avenue. During rush hour there is a bus service along Maple Leaf Drive, Culford Road and Gulliver Road that links up with either the Bloor Danforth or Yonge University Spadina subway lines.
For drivers Black Creek Drive cuts through the heart of this area providing a route that connects to Highways 400 and 401.
Amesbury, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
In Brookhaven Amesbury there are elementary and secondary schools, with a total of 17 schools. 11 public and 6 Catholic. These schools offer programs such, as International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement.
- Public Schools: 11
- Catholic Schools: 6
Public
- ÉÉ Mathieu-da-Costa
- ÉS Jeunes sans frontières
- Amesbury Middle School
- Brookhaven Public School
- Charles E. Webster Public School
- George Anderson Public School
- C. R. Marchant Middle School
- ÉÉ Félix-Leclerc
- ÉS Toronto Ouest
- Weston Collegiate Institute
- York Memorial Collegiate Institute
Catholic
- ÉÉC Saint-Noël-Chabanel-Toronto
- ÉSC Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel
- St. Bernard Catholic School
- St. Demetrius Catholic School
- St. Francis Xavier Catholic School
- Immaculate Conception Catholic School
Amesbury, Toronto Homes
The area, to the east of Black Creek Drive in Amesbury has winding streets and lots of de sac with maintained bungalows and one and a half story brick houses. There are a few detached houses in this neighbourhood. These homes were constructed during the 1950s and early 1960s.
On the other hand the older residences, on the side of Black Creek Drive consist of smaller two bedroom bungalows, many semi detached homes and a few newer properties. The roads surrounding Harding Park are dotted with “Veterans Housing” or “Victory Housing,” residences that were built in the 1940s and early 1950s for World War II veterans returning home with their families.