Guildwood Village stands out as one of the welcoming neighbourhoods in Toronto. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the stone pillar and ornate iron gateway at the entrance to Guildwood, located at Kingston Road and Guildwood Parkway.
At the heart of this neighbourhood is the Guild Inn, found at 201 Guildwood Parkway. Nestled on a sprawling ninety acre property with views of the Scarborough Bluffs, the Guild Inn attracts both tourists and locals alike for its captivating tour and serene woodland trail.
The vibrant community of Guildwood Village boasts a community association that publishes its newsletter and organizes various neighbourhood activities. Among these is the Guildwood Day celebration held every June featuring a pancake breakfast, games, races, crafts, a lively parade, along Guildwood Parkway and a festive evening barbecue.
History Of Guildwood, Toronto
The rich history of Guildwood Village is closely intertwined with The Guild Inn, which was established in 1932 by Rosa and Spencer Clark as a haven for artists and craftsmen. Originally known as “The Guild of All Arts ” this retreat offered workshops and studios set against the backdrop of the Scarborough Bluffs.
During the period of World War II The Guild Inn underwent transformations serving first as an official naval base named “HMCS Bytown II” and later as a specialized military hospital referred to as “Scarborough Hall.” Following the war the inn was returned to its owners, the Clarks. Experienced a resurgence in popularity.
In the 1950s financial pressures led the Clarks to sell off 400 acres of their land to developers who went on to create what is now known as Guildwood Village. Subsequently in 1978 the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority acquired the remaining portion of The Guild Inn estate ensuring its preservation for generations to appreciate and cherish.
Lifestyle
The Guildwood Shopping Plaza, situated at the intersection of Guildwood Parkway and Livingston Road, in the southeast caters to the requirements of the residents. With its atmosphere and welcoming community vibe this shopping hub offers a variety of stores such as a supermarket, pharmacy, barber shop, bakery, bank, beauty salon, travel agency, postal outlet, veterinarian clinic as well as professional and medical offices. Additionally you can find the Guildwood Public Library conveniently located within this plaza. View homes currently for sale in Guildwood, Toronto
Guildwood, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The charming gardens of Guild Inn are adorned with sculptures and remnants of Toronto’s history. A stroll through these grounds will lead you to the Scarborough Bluffs offering a view of Lake Ontario. Within Guildwood Park you can explore nature trails that meander through a century Carolinian forest. The park surrounding Guild Inn, currently closed with plans pending review, holds architectural pieces from various parts of Toronto. In the summer the Guild Inn hosts an Art in the Park exhibition and live outdoor theatre performances.
There is no shortage of fun at the parks and recreational facilities in this area. Parks in Guildwood boast playgrounds for children and sports amenities. With a total of 9 parks and 26 recreational facilities each park averages around 2 facilities.
Guildwood, Toronto Transit
Guildwood boasts its Go Train station, which forms part of the Lakeshore service connecting to Union Station, in downtown Toronto. It takes 20 minutes on the GO train to reach Union Station.
The bus routes meandering through this area provide access to the subway system for commuters. For motorists reaching downtown Toronto via Kingston Road typically takes twenty five minutes.
This neighbourhood has a total of 36 transit stops, including the rail stations, at Guildwood. In Guildwood the majority of commuters rely on vehicles. Tend to travel within the city.
Guildwood, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
This area boasts elementary schools and specialized secondary high school programs. It comprises 10 schools, 3 schools and 1 alternative/special school catering to the local community. Noteworthy special programs available at these schools include Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate offerings.
- Public Schools: 10
- Catholic Schools: 3
Public
- ÉS Ronald-Marion
- George P. Mackie Junior Public School
- Poplar Road Junior Public School
- Bliss Carman Senior Public School
- Guildwood Junior Public School
- Jack Miner Senior Public School
- Elizabeth Simcoe Junior Public School
- Cedar Drive Junior Public School
- Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute
- Académie Alexandre-Dumas
Catholic
- St. Ursula Catholic School
- ÉSC Père-Philippe-Lamarche
- ÉÉC Saint-Michel
- Alternative/Special
- Native Learning Centre East
Guildwood, Toronto Homes
Guildwood Village offers a range of housing options, including bungalows, split level homes and two storey houses constructed in the 1950s and 60s along, with custom designed residences. Many homes in Guildwood Village feature porches that overlook the tree lined streets and beautiful gardens that define this neighbourhood. Particularly notable are the residences on the side of Guildwood Parkway boasting views of Lake Ontario.
During the development of Guildwood Village a regulation was implemented prohibiting the removal of trees from properties. As a result, while most houses are around 45-60 years old, the neighbourhood boasts ancient trees that contribute to its picturesque tree canopy.
The section of Guildwood Parkway west of Livingston Road showcases a mix of townhouses, multiplex dwellings and low rise apartment buildings. Additionally there is a luxury condominium complex located south of Kingston Road at the neighbourhood’s entrance gates.
Guildwood features a variety of housing styles. Maintains a stable population demographic. 30% of households have relocated within the five years with 7% having moved within the last year. The neighbourhood consists mainly of houses. Is predominantly occupied by homeowners.