Elia is a community known for its diversity, where numerous immigrant families have settled over the years. The area boasts apartment buildings, along the Jane and Finch corridor contributing to its status as one of Toronto’s most densely populated neighbourhoods.
At the edge of Elia you’ll find York University and Black Creek Pioneer Village situated off Steeles Avenue. The scenic Black Creek winds its way through a series of interconnected parks at the heart of this neighbourhood offering residents a space for leisure and relaxation.
History Of Elia, Toronto
The earliest settlers, in what’s called Elia, were members of the First Nations tribe, who established a village by the Humber River, just north of Finch Avenue as it exists today. This indigenous village thrived from 1400 to 1550.
In the 1700s and early 1800s German pioneers arrived in Elia migrating from Pennsylvania in Conestoga wagons pulled by oxen accompanied by their livestock. They were later joined by English and Scottish families who made Elia their home in the 1820s.
The name “Elia” originated from the post office run by William Snider, which opened in 1878 at Keele Street and Finch Avenue within Sniders store. The heart of this farming community was centred around the one room Elia schoolhouse and Elia church. These significant landmarks ceased operations in 1956 when Elias farmlands were converted into areas by developers.
Today only the renamed “Elijah” church, at 1130 Finch Avenue West stands as a reminder of this hamlet that has since been transformed into neighbourhoods and commercial centres.
Lifestyle
There are three shopping centres situated at the intersection of Jane Street and Finch Avenue. The largest, among them is the Jane Finch Mall on the corner boasting seventy shops and services including well known department stores. On the corner you’ll find York Gate Mall with over sixty stores that cater to needs, including professional and medical offices. If you head to the corner you’ll come across Norfinch Shopping Centre, a hub for fast food lovers with its array of franchise eateries.
For those looking for shopping options Keele Street is an area with numerous shopping plazas, discount centres and vibrant food markets. The Jane Sheppard shopping plaza is also a go to spot for residents in this community. View homes currently for sale in Elia, Toronto
Elia, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Residents of Elia have a range of options to enjoy. The neighbourhood boasts three community centres. The Driftwood Centre, on 4401 Jane Street, the Northwood Centre on 15 Clubhouse Court and the Yorkwood Community Recreation Centre on 20 Yorkwoods Gate. These centres offer programs catering to both children and adults featuring amenities like gymnasiums and outdoor pools. Additionally the Boake Greenbelt accessible from Northwood Park off Sheppard Avenue provides a 4.7 km trail for biking and walking that leads to Black Creek Pioneer Village offering a glimpse into Elias roots in the 1800s.
Numerous smaller parks within Elia also offer facilities such as tennis courts, sports fields, swimming pools and playgrounds to cater to interests. Fountainhead Park, on 445 Sentinel Road even boasts an ice rink for residents to enjoy.
There are hockey and pleasure skating arenas situated at 23 Grandravine Drive and 230 Gosford Boulevard. If you head over to the York Woods Regional Library on 1785 Finch Avenue West you’ll find a variety of programs tailored for both children and adults. Right, by the library is the York Woods Library theater, a venue that sees active use within the local community.
For some fun you can visit the Fun Park near York Gate Mall. This park features attractions like mini batting cages and bumper cars. Additionally there’s a restaurant, with a patio and bar where you can relax after enjoying the activities at the park.
Elia, Toronto Transit
Bus routes running along Sheppard, Finch and Steeles Avenues provide transportation to stops on the Yonge University Spadina subway line. Additionally the Keele and Jane Street buses head south towards subway stations along the Bloor Danforth subway line.
For drivers it takes five minutes to reach Highways 400 and 401 which connect to all the highways entering and exiting the city.
Elia, Toronto Elementary, Secondary, High schools
Elia, situated in the North York region of Toronto hosts a variety of schools catering to elementary and secondary high school students. These educational facilities encompass public, Catholic and private institutions, each, with programs tailored to meet the requirements of the local community.
- Public Schools: 3
- Catholic Schools: 3
Public School
- Elia Middle School
- Daystrom Public School
- Westview Centennial Secondary School
Catholic School
- St. Charles Garnier Catholic School
- St. Francis de Sales Catholic School
- James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School
Elia, Toronto Homes
Elias housing options include bungalows, split level homes and two storey semi detached houses. Some detached homes can also be found in areas. The houses in this neighbourhood were built during the 1960s and 1970s.
Elia boasts a number of apartment buildings compared to areas in Toronto. Many of these high rise apartments are clustered near the intersection of Jane Street and Finch Avenue. Additionally there are Ontario Housing complexes, in this community offering rentals tailored to income levels.