Since the 1960s Earlscourt has been known as the hub of Toronto’s community both in terms of business and culture. However, in years there has been a shift in the neighbourhood’s composition, with Canadians of West Indian, Portuguese, Greek, Latin American and East Indian backgrounds moving in. Additionally, Earls Court is now attracting Anglo Canadians from areas of Toronto.
History Of Earlscourt, Toronto
The Earlscourt area was established in 1906 by workers, from the British Isles. Besides working at the factories, families in Earlscourt would labor day and night to construct simple tar and paper shacks serving as temporary residences until they could afford to build proper brick houses.
Reverend Peter Bryce emerged as a guiding figure for the community during those times. Every evening Bryce would traverse Earlscourts streets with a lantern and a sturdy pair of boots. His nightly visits were known to bring hope and encouragement to families. The living conditions in Earlscourt started to improve after it became part of the City of Toronto through annexation in 1910.
Lifestyle
The shopping area, along St. Clair Avenue West, known as Corso Italia exudes an vibe with its charming open air cafes and bistros. It has earned the nickname “Hollywood North” due to the blockbuster movies that have been shot on site.
Earlscourt, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Earlscourt Park, situated on St. Clair Avenue West stands out as a spot in Toronto. Spanning thirty six acres this park features amenities like four tennis courts, soccer fields, a baseball diamond and an outdoor ice rink. Next to the park lies the Joseph J. Piccininni Community Centre, a facility with an indoor soccer field and possibly the only indoor bocce courts in Canada.
Additionally, it offers a twenty five metre swimming pool, a gymnasium and a cozy seniors lounge. The Dufferin/St. Clair Library houses the city’s collection of books in its public library system. Reflecting the area’s community, the St. Clair Silverthorn Library provides books in languages such as Italian, Greek and Punjabi.
Earlscourt, Toronto Transit
The streetcar, on St. Clair West offers a journey to St. Clair station, where it connects with the Yonge University Spadina subway line. In Earlscourts area, there is a bus service on Davenport Road albeit limited. Drivers can reach downtown Toronto within fifteen minutes and ten minutes away from the Allen Expressway granting easy access to the city’s main highways.
Earlscourt, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Earlscourt, an culturally diverse neighbourhood situated in the end of Toronto is well known for its tight knit community and a blend of residential properties that range from quaint older homes to modern developments. The presence of Earlscourt Park, an area with recreational amenities adds to the charm of the locality and serves as a favorite hangout for residents.
The neighbourhood exudes a vibe with its assortment of shops, eateries and cultural hubs lining St. Clair Avenue West. Thanks to its public transportation options, getting around Earlscourt and accessing parts of Toronto is hassle free. Moreover families in the area have access to a variety of choices offered by Catholic and private schools catering to different needs.
In Earlscourt, Toronto families can enjoy a selection of opportunities provided by public schools as well as Catholic and private institutions for elementary and secondary high schools. The strong sense of community, richness and established educational system make this neighbourhood an appealing choice, for those seeking quality education within a vibrant and supportive setting.
- Public Schools: 6
- Catholic Schools: 4
- Private Schools: 4
Public Schools:
- Carleton Village Junior and Senior Public School
- Regal Road Junior Public School
- Rawlinson Community School
- Winona Drive Senior Public School
- Oakwood Collegiate Institute
- Bloor Collegiate Institute
Catholic Schools:
- St. Matthew Catholic School
- St. Clare Catholic School
- Loretto College School
- De La Salle College
Private Schools:
- Hudson College
- The York School
- Upper Canada College
- De La Salle College
Earlscourt, Toronto Homes
The sturdy brick houses in Earlscourt were constructed from 1910 to 1950. There’s a variety of semi detached homes along with bungalows. Many of the residences feature a Cantina serving as the version of a cellar. It’s rare to come across a backyard with grass; instead these spaces are typically set aside for growing fruit and vegetables.