Emery can be found in the corner of Toronto. It is flanked to the west by the Humber River Valley and, to the east by the Canadian Pacific freight railway line. At the tip of this area lies the Milvan Drive commercial and industrial hub, home to a mix of car dealerships, service centres, a church, wholesalers, importers, a shopping centre with an American flair and an array of unique specialty stores.
Known for its tapestry, Emery stands out as one of Toronto’s most diverse neighbourhoods. The local high school boasts students hailing from 45 backgrounds while the bustling shopping districts feature an array of food stores specializing in cuisines, from all corners of the globe.
History Of Emery, Toronto
Emery was first settled by Issac Devins, a pioneer who arrived in Canada from Pennsylvania during the 1790s. The second settler of Emery, John Crosson made his way from Pennsylvania in 1799. To transport the Crosson family’s belongings a two year old horse was. Later sold to Devins in exchange for half of his 200 acre farm lot.
By the 1870s Emery had developed into a farming community located at the intersection of Finch Avenue and Weston Road. The area boasted its school, church, blacksmith shop and general store. In 1879 a local post office opened under the name “Dayton,” which was also adopted by the Toronto Grey and Bruce Railway for its flag station on Finch Avenue.
To avoid confusion with Dayton in Ontario and Dayton Ohio both the post office and railway station eventually changed their name to Emery. While the reason behind choosing the name Emery remains unknown it was embraced by the community.
The rural charm of Emery began to fade in the 1960s as residential subdivisions and industrial developments replaced farmlands that once defined this landscape. Today only a solitary reminder of its small town origins remains. The former Emery School bell displayed on a cairn at Emery Collegiate grounds.
Lifestyle
If you have a taste for cuisine and wish to explore flavors, Emery is an excellent destination for food enthusiasts. The bustling strip malls along Finch Avenue and Weston Road boast an array of food establishments catering to East and West Indian, African, Jamaican, Asian, European, Italian and Spanish culinary delights.
Among the shopping options in the area stands the Finch West Mall situated at the intersection of Finch Avenue and Weston Road. This mall features establishments like McDonalds, Canadian Tire, various bargain stores, as well as medical and professional services.
Emery, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Emery locals have access to the West Humber parkland through entry points located south of Finch Avenue and east of Islington Avenue. This park boasts a 5.5 kilometer pathway that meanders along the Humber River Valley towards the Humber Arboretum showcasing a diverse range of flora and fauna. Additionally there are parks scattered throughout this community.
For residents the Habitant Arena on 3383 Weston Road offers a youth hockey league, casual shinny hockey sessions and public skating opportunities. The Woodview Park public library can be found at 16 18 Bradstock Road, within the Woodview Plaza.
Emery, Toronto Transit
The bus, on Finch Avenue takes passengers to the station, which is part of the Yonge University Spadina subway line. On the other hand the Weston Road bus connects to both the Weston Go Train station and Keele station on the Bloor Danforth subway line.
Weston Road and Finch Avenue serve as the roads in this area. Weston Road provides a link for drivers to access the city’s corridor while Finch Avenue connects with north south arterial roads, in Toronto. For those heading out of town Highways 400 and 401 are a five minute drive away.
Emery, Toronto Elementary, Secondary, High schools
Emery, a neighbourhood in Toronto boasts a variety of schools from elementary and secondary to school that serve the needs of the local community. Residents can choose from Catholic and private schools each offering educational programs and atmospheres to nurture student growth.
- Public -4
- Catholic -4
Public School
- Emery Junior Public School
- Gulfstream Public School
- Westview Centennial Secondary School
- Emery Collegiate Institute
Catholic School
- St. Roch Catholic School
- Our Lady of Victory Catholic School
- Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic Secondary School
- St. Basil-the-Great College School
Emery, Toronto Homes
The majority of the houses in Emery were built during the 1960s. In the eastern areas you’ll find bungalows and sturdy two story brick semi detached homes each with its own driveway and many with a garage.
Moving towards Weston Road and St. Lucie Park you’ll notice that the streets are named after Florida locations, like Coral Gable, Gulfstream, Hibiscus, Royal Palm, Tampa, Vero Beach and West Palm. Perhaps influenced by these names the detached ranch style bungalows on the Humber Valley side of the neighbourhood exude a Floridian vibe that adds to their allure.