Birch Cliff is an established neighbourhood known for its family atmosphere, nestled against the picturesque backdrop of the Scarborough Bluffs and Lake Ontario. Kingston Road, a street that winds its way through the heart of this community serves as a point away from the waterfront. Each May residents come together for the Birch Cliff community parade along Kingston Road. Within Birch Cliff there are two areas; the prestigious “Fallingbrook” community to the west of Toronto Hunt Club, south of Kingston Road; and “Birch Cliff Heights” to the north side of Kingston Road, between Birchmount and Kennedy Roads.
History Of Birch Cliff, Toronto
The development of the Birch Cliff area started back in 1895 when the Toronto Hunt Club relocated there. Initially known for hosting Fox Hunts until the 1930s the club later transitioned to golf as its activity. During the 1890s and early 1900s many Toronto residents constructed summer cottages, near the Toronto Hunt Club attracted by the Scarborough Bluffs. The top of these bluffs was adorned with birch trees inspiring a cottager named John Stark to name his cottage “Birch Cliff.”
This name was eventually adopted by the post office, which opened its doors in 1907 within Arthur Mitchell’s grocery store at Kingston Road and Birchmount Avenue. Birch Cliff transformed into a year-round community in the 1910s and 1920s and served as a meeting place for Scarborough Municipal Council from 1922 to 1947. Following World War II Birch Cliffs residential development was successfully completed.
Lifestyle
The stretch of shops, along Kingston Road offers a variety of options from stores to bars and eateries as well as offices for professionals and healthcare providers. Heading towards Toronto Hunt Club on Kingston Road you’ll find an upscale area with an art gallery, a pet daycare and clothing shop, a fun spot for kids and classy dining establishments and cafes. The creative vibe of this shopping area extends westward past Victoria Park Avenue into the Upper Beach neighbourhood.
Birch Cliff, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The Birchmount Community Centre can be found opposite the arena. It offers a variety of programs, for adults, seniors and children. The centre also boasts a pool for recreational swims and lessons. At 1440 Kingston Road you’ll find the Taylor Memorial Branch Toronto Public Library, which hosts programs for children. Situated at the base of Victoria Park Avenue the R.C. Harris Filtration Plant is Toronto’s water filtration facility with an art deco design that has earned it recognition as a National Historic Civil Engineering Site. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of this Toronto landmark.
The Robbie International Soccer Tournament originated in 1967 when dedicated volunteers from the Scarborough Minor Soccer Association organized a soccer event to raise funds for charity. Now in its year “The Robbie ” stands as the world’s charitable soccer tournament having raised over 1.5 million dollars for organizations like the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy. Boys and girls across age groups will participate in this competition on the weekend of July 3 5 at soccer fields, throughout Scarborough. Preceding the tournament is the Robbie Mini Soccer festival featuring Under 8 & 9s on June 27 and 28.
Having a time is pretty simple, with the parks and recreation facilities available here. The parks in Birchcliffe Cliffside offer playgrounds for children, sports areas, spaces for dogs to play, swimming pools, skating rinks and access to water activities. This neighbourhood boasts 16 parks and a total of 50 facilities. On average each park has around 3 amenities.
Birch Cliff, Toronto Transit
The bus service, on Danforth Road connects passengers to stops along the Bloor Danforth subway line. Additionally the Danforth Go Train station located on Main Street provides a commute to Toronto’s Union Station taking ten minutes.
For drivers accessing downtown Toronto is a breeze with Kingston Road, which conveniently connects to routes, like the Gardiner Expressway, Lakeshore Boulevard and the Don Valley Parkway.
Birchcliffe Cliffside boasts 194 transit stops, including the Danforth GO station. This neighbourhood primarily sees commuters using vehicles to travel within the city.
Birch Cliff, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
This area boasts elementary and high schools, along with specialized programs for both levels. Birchcliffe Cliffside is served by a total of 13 schools and 8 Catholic schools. The educational institutions in the vicinity provide offerings such as International Baccalaureate, French Immersion and Male programs.
- Public Schools: 13
- Catholic Schools: 8
Public
- Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute
- Collège français secondaire
- Birch Cliff Public School
- John A. Leslie Public School
- Birch Cliff Heights Public School
- Courcelette Public School
- Malvern Collegiate Institute
- Cliffside Public School
- ÉÉ Jeanne-Lajoie
- ÉS Michelle-O’Bonsawin
- ÉÉ La Mosaïque
- Blantyre Public School
- R. H. King Academy
Catholic
- Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School
- St. Theresa Shrine Catholic School
- ÉSC Père-Philippe-Lamarche
- ÉÉC Georges-Étienne-Cartier
- ÉÉC du Bon-Berger
- St. Denis Catholic School
- St. John Catholic School
- Neil McNeil Catholic High School
Birch Cliff, Toronto Homes
Birch Cliff offers a range of housing options, including bungalows, storey and a half houses and detached two storey homes, with Tudor, Edwardian and Cape Cod designs. The neighbourhood’s original homes date back to the 1900s up to the mid 20th century. In addition to these homes Birch Cliff also features a number of modern houses constructed in the 1980s and 1990s. The renowned “Fallingbrook” area boasts ravines and grand manor houses overlooking Lake Ontario. Fallingbrook is also home to residences that back onto the Toronto Hunt Club grounds.
In Birchcliffe Cliffside there is a mix of housing options catering to preferences. The area maintains a population with around 34% of households having relocated within the five years and 10%, within the last year. Birchcliffe Cliffside predominantly consists of homes that’re largely owner occupied.