Bennington Heights stands out as one of the most costly neighbourhoods in Toronto. Throughout time it has housed known residents from Toronto, such as the renowned author Margaret Atwood. Her praised novel “Cats Eye” draws inspiration from her years spent in Bennington Heights. The neighbourhood is surrounded by the Don River Valley ravine on two sides and Mount Pleasant Cemetery to the north serving as boundaries that contribute to maintaining the peaceful atmosphere of this area.
History Of Bennington Heights , Toronto
The Bennington Heights community is located on a piece of land perched atop a cliff that once marked the shoreline of Lake Iroquois before it became Lake Ontario.
In the 1870s John Cudmore and Daniel Ryan were the settlers, in this area cultivating market gardens on their lands. Cudmores farm was divided for housing development in 1889. Further subdivided in 1912. Ryans property, situated north of Cudmores farm, was divided into sections between 1891 and 1946.
The initial resident of this neighbourhood was Thomas Weatherhead, who served as a solicitor for the East York School Board. Upon purchasing number thirty Rosemount Avenue in 1925 Weatherhead had the street name changed from Rosemount to Bennington to honor his wife’s family name.
The name Bennington extended to the Bennington Heights School when it opened its doors in 1950. Since then this area has been known as Bennington Heights.
Lifestyle
Residents living in Bennington Heights have access to a shopping centre situated at the intersection of Bayview and Moore Avenues. This mall offers amenities such as a known grocery store, a sizable pharmacy and a bank. A bit up north on Bayview Avenue lies the Leaside shopping area, known for its diverse range of specialty stores, food establishments and dining options.
A visit to the Evergreen Brick Works located in the Don Valley ravine near the Bayview Extension provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of Toronto life. Serving as Toronto’s friendly initiative Evergreen Brick Works has become a popular destination for residents of all ages, across the city. Visitors flock here to explore the vibrant farmers market and take walks on nature trails. Discover more about Toronto’s unique urban environment.
Bennington Heights, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Bennington Park, situated off Bayview Heights Drive offers a vista of the Don River Valley. The park is also home to the Bennington Heights Tennis Club, which features two maintained tennis courts. Adjacent to the park lies Bennington Heights School, where you’ll find amenities such as a soccer field, two baseball diamonds and a spacious playground for children.
Additionally Evergreen Gardens Park on Moore Avenue boasts its childrens playground. For those who appreciate nature or enjoy staying active there’s access to the Moore Park Ravine walking trail from Moore Avenue east of Hudson Drive or, from the Bayview Avenue extension. This picturesque trail traces the path of the Belt Line Railway, a 1890s commuter train that once connected various parts of Toronto.
Bennington Heights, Toronto Transit
The bus route, on Moore Avenue takes people to St. Clair station, part of the Yonge University Spadina subway line. Drivers can easily get on the Bayview extension to reach downtown quickly or access the Don Valley Parkway and various highways connecting in and out of the city.
Bennington Heights, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Bennington Heights Elementary and Secondary School is situated south of the crossroads of Bayview and Moore Avenues. Since its establishment, in September 1950 it has been a pillar of the Bennington Heights Community providing education within a school environment. Inside the school premises the Bennington Heights Child Care Centre operates nursery, preschool and school age programs on both time and part time schedules.
What distinguishes Bennington is its community involvement. A year the neighbourhood organizes fundraising events to support school initiatives. Renowned author Margaret Atwood found inspiration from her childhood experiences in Bennington for her novel “Cats Eye ” drawing from her time spent at this school. The first resident of the area was Mr. Thomas Weatherhead, who renamed Rosemount Avenue to Bennington in honor of his wife’s family name; he also served as counsel for the East York School Board.
Bennington Heights is an upscale and picturesque enclave nestled in downtown Toronto near the Don River Valley. Celebrated for its ambiance, tree lined roads and sophisticated residences, this residential area exudes a tranquil vibe while remaining conveniently close to downtown Toronto. Recognized as one of Toronto’s communities, Bennington Heights is characterized by its close knit community spirit, charming parks and convenient access to shopping and dining options, in nearby neighbourhoods.
In Bennington Heights, Toronto the community benefits from a variety of facilities, such as Catholic and private schools. This ensures that children of all ages receive top notch education. Families in this area have access to a selection of quality academic programs and extracurricular activities, through public, Catholic or private schools creating a well rounded educational environment in a prestigious and serene setting.
- Public Schools: 4
- Catholic Schools: 4
- Private Schools: 2
Public Schools:
- Bennington Heights Elementary School
- Rosedale Heights School of the Arts
- Leaside High School
- Northern Secondary School
Catholic Schools:
- St. Anselm Catholic School
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School
- St. Michael’s College School
- Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School
Private Schools:
- Branksome Hall
- The York School
Bennington Heights, Toronto Homes
The Bennington Heights English Manor stone residences were constructed during the 1920s and 1930s while the Cottage style two story houses and bungalows were built in the 1940s and early 1950s.
The meandering streets, dead end roads and properties nestled in ravines all contribute to the appeal of owning a home in this area. With nature, outside your door it’s not uncommon to catch sight of a fox leisurely strolling through Bennington Heights. I had the experience of witnessing this while exploring the neighbourhood.