The heart of the Bayview Village community centres around three landmarks – the Bayview Village Shopping Centre, the North York YMCA and the East Don Valley Parklands. These places hold significance in this family neighbourhood.
The layout and structure of Bayview Village draw inspiration from the beauty of the East Don Valley Parklands. Dr. E.G. Faludi, the visionary town planner behind Bayview Villages design emphasized the harmony between community and landscape, by stating “Our goal is to blend the community with its surroundings.” This vision was successfully realized in Bayview Village.
History Of Bayview Village, Toronto
Bayview Village originated as a quaint rural farming community, in the 1800s. Thomas Clark, a member of the community and a father to seven children was among the settlers in the area. The iconic Clark house, constructed around 1885 and situated at 9 Barberry Place stands as a testament to Bayview Villages pioneer heritage.
The modern day Bayview Village neighbourhood was meticulously planned in 1954 by a team of developers spearheaded by Farlinger Development Ltd. It was envisioned as a blend of living amidst the countryside right at the outskirts of bustling Metropolitan Toronto.
Dr. E. G. Faludi, renowned for his urban planning concepts, served as the town planner for Bayview Village. He also lent his expertise to crafting neighbourhoods in Toronto like Rexdale, Thorncrest Village and Humber Valley. Faludi’s distinctive street layout featuring curvilinear paths that harmonize with the landscape accentuates the charm of Bayview Village.
The unique approach to neighbourhood development adopted by Bayview Village developers coupled with affordable housing options ranging from $16,000 to $40,000 contributed significantly to its popularity. A proactive residents association emerged in 1956. By the 1960s Bayview Village had blossomed into a fully established community.
It is worth mentioning that streets within Bayview Village bear names inspired by racehorses such as Citation, Candida and Bunty Lane.
Lifestyle
Residents of Bayview Village frequent the Bayview Village Shopping Centre situated at the intersection of Bayview and Sheppard Avenues, for their shopping needs. This charming shopping centre boasts a supermarket and a department store at its core. Alongside these anchor stores visitors can explore a range of fashion boutiques, gift shops, specialty stores and family friendly restaurants.
In addition to the Bayview Village Shopping Centre, the surrounding areas of Sheppard Avenue, Finch Avenue and Leslie Street feature outdoor shopping plazas dotted with small independent retailers, eateries and professional establishments. The signage in these areas often displays both English and Chinese languages to cater to the community residing in proximity.
Sheppard Avenue is home to big box retailers and hosts a substantial medical facility as well.
Bayview Village, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The North York YMCA, located at 567 Sheppard Avenue East serves as a hub for the community. It provides a variety of programs tailored to age groups, such as swimming lessons for children, gymnastics and karate for kids and aerobics and yoga classes for adults. The facility features amenities like a gymnasium dance studio, conditioning room, a swimming pool with lanes and a training swimming pool.
The East Don Parklands Trail winds its way through the heart of this neighbourhood from Finch Avenue to Sheppard Avenue. The stretch from Sheppard Avenue to Duncan Mills Road is known as the Betty Sutherland trail in honor of a councilor.
Bayview Village Shopping Centre is a destination for residents seeking leisure activities. This vibrant centre hosts events including fashion shows and antique exhibitions throughout the year. It also offers facilities such as a library, health spa services and four movie theaters.
In Bayview Villages parks you can find playgrounds for kids and sports facilities. With 13 parks comprising 34 areas in total residents have plenty of options to enjoy in the neighbourhood. On average each park has two facilities for use.
- Number of Parks: 13
- Number of Recreation Facilities: 34
Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks
- Playgrounds – 11
- Tennis Courts – 12
- Basketball Court – 1
- Ball Diamond – 1
- Sports Field – 1
- Splash Pads – 2
- Trails – 6
Bayview Village, Toronto Transit
There are bus services running along Finch and Sheppard Avenues with bus options available, on Bayview Avenue and Leslie Street. These bus routes offer connections to stations along the Yonge University Spadina subway line.
For drivers it takes twenty five minutes to reach downtown using either Yonge Street or Bayview Avenue. Access points to Highway 401 can be found on Bayview Avenue, Yonge Street and Leslie Street.
Within this neighbourhood there are a total of 105 transit stops. The Sheppard Yonge Station serves as one of the rail stations in the area. In Bayview Village residents use a mix of vehicles and public transportation for their commute, within the city.
Commute Destination for Residents
- Commute within the city – 76%
- Commute to another city – 23%
- Commute Types
- Vehicle – 56%
- Transit – 38%
- Walk/bike – 3%
Commute Times of Residents
- 15 to 29 minutes – 26%
- 30 to 44 minutes – 31%
- 45 to 59 minutes – 19%
- 60 minutes and over – 15%
- Less than 15 minutes – 8%
Bayview Village, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Bayview Village boasts elementary and secondary schools, along with specialized programs for both levels. The neighbourhood is served by a total of 12 schools, 8 Catholic schools and 2 private schools. The local educational institutions offer a variety of programs such as Fine Arts, International Baccalaureate, French Immersion, Gifted/Talented Program Christian studies and Advanced Placement courses.
- Public Schools: 12
- Catholic Schools: 8
- Private Schools: 2
Public
- Earl Haig Secondary School
- ÉÉ Paul-Demers
- George S. Henry Academy
- Don Valley Middle School
- Lescon Public School
- Elkhorn Public School
- Bayview Middle School
- Woodbine Middle School
- Crestview Public School
- Shaughnessy Public School
- Georges Vanier Secondary School
- ÉS Étienne-Brûlé
Catholic
- ÉÉC Sainte-Madeleine
- ÉSC Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel
- St. Timothy Catholic School
- St. Matthias Catholic School
- Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic School
- St. Cyril Catholic School
- St. Gabriel Catholic School
- Blessed Trinity Catholic School
Private
- Signet Christian Private School
- St. George Academy
Bayview Village, Toronto Homes
Bayview Villages’ charming streets and quiet corners are adorned with birch, cedar, willow, spruce and pine trees. Many of the homes in Bayview Village are nestled on ravine lots that offer views of the East Don River Valley Parklands.
The majority of residences in Bayview Village were constructed between 1954 and 1964. The housing options here range from raised bungalows and ranch style homes to split level houses and Georgian Revival style dwellings. Along the side of Leslie Street there are also affordable condominium townhouse communities with whimsical street names such as Tangle Briarway, Thorny Vineway and Peach Willoway.
Bayview Village boasts high rise condominium buildings that provide a hassle free lifestyle along with various recreational facilities. These contemporary structures made of concrete and glass are crafted to optimize light and scenic views, many featuring a balcony.
This area is predominantly occupied by condos and apartments. It attracts a population with 55% of households having relocated in the 5 years and 20% within the past year. The neighbourhood blends residences, with ones while catering to both homeowners and renters alike.