Christie Pits stands out as a diverse neighbourhood, in Toronto, known for welcoming immigrants who are new to the city. Over time Christie Pits has evolved into a community where many residents prefer to put down roots of relocating to suburban areas. This sense of stability paints a picture for the future of Christie Pits.
The presence of Christie Pits Park enriches the lives of residents in this area and nearby neighbourhoods with its array of amenities. From baseball fields and picnic spots to a pool changing facilities and slopes for winter sledding this situated park provides convenient access to street parking and the subway system.
History Of Christie Pits, Toronto
The Christie Pits area got its name from the Christie Sand Pits, which were a known spot, in the neighbourhood until the early 1900s. The street name, Christie Street honors William Mellis Christie, one of the founders of the Christie & Brown Cookie Company established in downtown Toronto back in 1861.
These sand pits were full of sand, gravel and clay left over from the ice age. They were dug up during the 1800s and early 1900s. Used to build many of Toronto’s original roads and buildings. Once all the resources were extracted by 1909 Willowvale Park took over the area where the sand pits used to be. Nonetheless, the name “Christie Pits” still sticks around as a tribute, to both the park and its surrounding community.
Lifestyle
The Bloorcourt Village Shopping District caters to the residents of Christie Pits neighbourhood offering an array of shops and services for patrons to explore. Each June local merchants in Bloorcourt organize festival days featuring music, bands, clowns and magicians to entertain the crowd of shoppers.
Residents of Christie Pits benefit from the proximity to two shopping centres; Dufferin Mall situated at the intersection of Bloor and Dufferin Streets and Galleria Mall located at Dupont and Dufferin Streets.
Christie Pits, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Willowvale Park, also known as Christie Pits is an area that boasts one of Toronto’s most picturesque baseball diamonds. It is the designated home field for the Toronto Maple Leafs InterCounty Baseball team. Alongside the baseball diamond Willowvale Park features the Alex Duke Memorial Pool with a water slide, basketball courts and a spacious playground for children to enjoy. During the winter months visitors can partake in skating, hockey games and tobogganing activities.
In the winter season locals can have fun skating or playing shinny at the Sid Smith ice rink named after Toronto Maple Leafs player and neighbourhood resident Sid Smith.
For a summer outing consider visiting Christie Pits Park located at Bloor and Christie Streets, where you’ll find the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team in action. It’s a way to bask in the summer sun while relaxing on the hillside of Christie Pits Park with an ice cream treat in hand and watching baseball moments unfold on this field of dreams.
Established in 1969 The Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team competes in the Intercounty Baseball League. Considered Canada’s men’s league. The Intercounty Baseball League has been acclaimed as “Pro baseball.”The league’s lineup boasts some major league baseball players, such as Rich and Rob Butler from the Blue Jays along with pitcher Paul Spoljaric. Notable alumni, like Ferguson Jenkins and Denny McLain have also graced this league.
Christie Pits, Toronto Transit
The bus, on Christie Street links travelers to St. Clair West station, which is part of the Yonge University Spadina subway line and Christie station on the Bloor Danforth line. Ossington Avenue also offers bus services with a transfer option, at Ossington station. For drivers navigating through the city Bloor Street serves as a starting location.
Christie Pits, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High schools
Christie Pits is a dynamic and culturally diverse neighbourhood located in Toronto’s west end. Known for its vibrant community, the area features a blend of historic and modern housing, lively streets, and the popular Christie Pits Park, which offers recreational facilities and green space. The neighbourhood has a strong community vibe with various local shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. Christie Pits is well-connected by public transit and offers convenient access to the broader amenities of Toronto. The neighbourhood is served by a range of educational institutions for elementary and secondary high school, including public, Catholic, and private schools, catering to the diverse needs of its residents.
Christie Pits, Toronto, offers a variety of educational options for families, with access to quality public, Catholic, and private schools. The neighbourhood’s vibrant community and strong educational infrastructure make it an attractive area for families seeking a supportive and diverse learning environment.
- Public Schools: 4
- Catholic Schools: 4
- Private Schools: 4
Public Schools:
- Christie Pits Public School
- Dewson Street Junior Public School
- Christie Pits Public School
- Bloor Collegiate Institute/West Toronto Collegiate Institute
Catholic Schools:
- St. Anthony Catholic School
- St. Clare Catholic School
- Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School
- De La Salle College
Private Schools:
- The York School
- Branksome Hall
- Upper Canada College
- De La Salle College
Christie Pits, Toronto Homes
Christie Pits has always been known as a neighbourhood with a working class vibe. The houses here are not too big. The properties tend to be on the side. You’ll find a variety of semi detached homes that were constructed from 1906 through the 1930s. The streets in this area have a tidy appearance, due to the presence of rear laneways that offer convenient, off street parking for residents of Christie Pits.