Armour Heights is a known neighbourhood in Toronto with a history. The Don River Valley, Earl Bales Park and the Don Valley Golf Course create a border on the eastern edges of this area. Highway 401, a commuter route in Toronto, quietly passes through the heart of this neighbourhood .
The community centre in Armour Heights is famous for its range of children’s programs and Armour Heights School has earned a reputation as one of the top public schools in Toronto.
History Of Armour Heights, Toronto
Armour Heights was first established in the 1830s by John Armour, who gave the neighbourhood its name. The Armour family’s farm used to be where the Armour Heights Community Centre stands today.
In 1911 the Armours sold their farm to Colonel F.B. Robins, who had a vision for creating an area known as Armour Heights. He planned for it to have its polo field and bridle path. Although the polo field was never constructed the bridle path eventually became Yonge Boulevard as we know it now.
During World War I Colonel Robins paused his development plans. Offered land in Armour Heights to the air force for training Canadian pilots. Amelia Earhart, the American Aviatrix hero, frequently visited the airfield during her time in Toronto as a nurse’s aid, with the Canadian Red Cross.
By 1929 as Armour Heights was gaining momentum, Robins and developer W.P. Mulock sold their interests in the neighbourhood to R.J. Lillico & Associates in what was reported as one of Toronto’s real estate transactions at that time.
The new owners tried to rename this area Beverly Hills. Ultimately decided to keep its name of Armour Heights, which has endured over time.
Lifestyle
Avenue Road boasts a variety of shops and eateries to suit every preference and budget. Among the offerings are grocery markets, pharmacies, health food stores, gift shops, bookstores, convenience stores, fashion boutiques, home decor stores, hair salons and beauty parlors, kids apparel and toy stores, banks, fast food joints and upscale dining establishments.
Bathurst Street marks the edge of this area. Here you’ll find pharmacies, banks, a grocery store, Jewish specialty shops, delis and bakeries.
Armour Heights, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The community centre, in Armour Heights situated at 2141 Avenue Road offers a variety of dance and fitness programs for adults as programs for young children and an after school program. Additionally the public library is housed within the community centre.
For those in golfing the Don Valley Golf Course can be found at the corner of this neighbourhood. This scenic eighteen hole course is easily accessible from Yonge Street, north of York Mills.
Earl Bales Park, located at the edge of Armour Heights near Bathurst Street is a park that features the North York Ski Centre offering ski and snowboarding lessons, clinics and rentals for individuals of all ages and skill levels. The park also includes a community centre with amenities such as parent child activity areas, game rooms, meeting spaces and a banquet hall. Moreover Earl Bales Park boasts a seniors centre, an amphitheater and numerous picturesque picnic spots. Visitors can access the West Don River Parkland trails from the section of Earl Bales Park, via Don River Boulevard.
Armour Heights, Toronto Transit
The buses, on Avenue Road and Wilson Avenue link up with stops along the Yonge University Spadina subway line while the Bathurst Street bus connects to the Bloor Danforth subway station. Additionally at the York Mills subway station situated within the York Mills Centre at the intersection of Yonge Street and York Mills Road there is Go Transit service with a bus route to the airport.
Armour Heights, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Armour Heights Public elementary and high school can be found on the side of Wilson Avenue, east of Avenue Road. Established in 1945 it was originally recognized as a facility. With around 370 students we take pride in being a forward thinking institution. Our school community thrives with the support of parents/guardians, an exceptional staff and enthusiastic students. We are proud to collaborate with the Canadian Forces and Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club. Our commitment to our students includes fostering citizenship through thinking, character education and social responsibility.
In terms of literacy and numeracy each classroom features a designated area for Writing and Mathematics. The Math displays showcase student generated solutions and problem solving strategies enabling students to reference their work to better understand their ideas and convey them effectively. Emphasizing thinking and problem solving skills is a focus.
Promoting equity and social justice is integral at Armour Heights. Each classroom fosters a sense of community through discussions on emotional development and current issues affecting our students. Our restorative approach aids in building and repairing relationships nurturing a culture of responsibility and collective accountability.
Armour Heights, Toronto Homes
The charming atmosphere of Armour Heights draws inspiration from Strathrobyn, a Tudor stone mansion tucked away from view at the intersection of Yonge Boulevard and Wilson Avenue. Constructed in 1914 for Colonel Frederick B. Robins, Strathrobyn is currently under the ownership and management of the Canadian Armed Forces as a staff college.
Homes in Armour Heights were constructed gradually between the 1920s and 1970s offering a variety of styles and sizes. From two story three bedroom residences to Tudor Manor houses nestled on stunning ravine lots along Sandringham Drive the neighbourhood showcases a diverse architectural landscape.
Situated at the edge of Armour Heights near Earl Bales Park are homes built on land formerly occupied by the York Downs Golf Club, which operated in the area from the 1920s until 1968. These residences exemplify trends prevalent in North America during the 1960s and 1970s.