Henry Farm is a quaint knit neighbourhood known for its knit community spirit. The area has a tradition of a community association that manages programs, like Neighbourhood Watch and Block Parent Programs. Additionally they coordinate events such as fitness classes at Shaughnessy Public School and an annual “neighbors night out” barbecue and picnic held at the school. To keep residents informed the Henry Farm Residents Association regularly publishes a newsletter called the “Henry Farmer ” detailing all the happenings in the neighbourhood.
History Of Henry Farm, Toronto
The Henry Farm community is located on land that was first settled in 1806 by Henry Mulholland, who hailed from Clones County, Monaghan, Ireland. Although Henry Mulholland initially sold the farm in the 1800s it was later repurchased in 1898 by his grandson George S. Henry.
George S. Henry, a politician, served the public for forty years. Notably held the position of Premier of Ontario from 1930 to 1934. Despite his achievements George had a passion for his dairy farm, which at its peak housed ninety prized Holstein cattle. The sprawling brick farmhouse on the property was known as Oriole Lodge due to the abundance of Orioles that frequented the area during summer.
In 1958 at the age of seventy seven George sold his farm to developers for $2 million. Tragically he passed away a day after this sale at Oriole Lodge.
Noteworthy landmarks in Henry Farms history include Oriole Lodge still standing at its address on 17 Manorpark Crescent and serving as a residence. Additionally along the street from Oriole Lodge is the Henry Mulholland Cairn located in a parkette and maintained by descendants of the Mulholland family.
Lifestyle
Residents of Henry Farm often choose to do their shopping at the Fairview Mall Shopping Centre situated at the intersection of Don Mills Road and Sheppard Avenue, in Toronto. Fairview Mall stands out as one of the city’s shopping hubs offering a range of national department stores, a sizable supermarket, popular chain stores from both near and far diverse dining options including restaurants and fast food joints as well as various professional and medical services.
The bustling Fairview Mall isn’t about shopping – it also hosts a variety of events and promotions throughout the year. Among its offerings is the daily “Fitness at Fairview Indoor Walking Program ” which allows participants to stay active free of charge. Additionally visitors can catch a movie at one of the mall’s six cinemas, for some entertainment.
Henry Farm, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The Fairview Public Library and Theatre situated next to Fairview Mall on 35 Fairview Mall Drive serves as the hub of culture and entertainment in this area. Local theatre groups showcase their talents with evening and weekend performances at the Fairview Library Theatre. Subscriptions for adults, seniors, students and families are offered annually at this venue. Recently renovated, the library now boasts ten computers with internet access and an expanded multilingual program.
For nature enthusiasts the East Don Valley Parkland trail can be accessed from Havenbrook Boulevard or Manorpark Court. This scenic trail winds through Moatfield Farm Park where a recent archaeological discovery revealed remnants of a First Nations Village that thrived here around six centuries ago.
Havenbrook Park in Henry Farms end features amenities such as a baseball diamond, a kids playground, tennis courts and popular tobogganing hills.
Parks in this community offer fun opportunities with playgrounds, for children and sports facilities. Henry Farm alone has three parks hosting a total of 28 amenities. On average each park offers nine facilities for visitors to enjoy.
Henry Farm, Toronto Transit
Residents of Henry Farm can catch the Sheppard Avenue bus to reach Sheppard station on the Yonge University Spadina subway line and the Don Mills Road bus to get to Pape station, on the Bloor Danforth subway line.
For those driving you’ll find access to Highway 401 and the Don Valley Parkway via the on ramps, along Sheppard Avenue. These main roads make it convenient to zip around Toronto
Within this neighbourhood there are a total of 96 transit stops, including Bessarion Station. Henry Farm sees a mix of commuters using both vehicles and public transport with most people traveling within the city.
Henry Farm, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Henry Farm boasts schools, specialized programs, for both elementary and secondary education. The neighbourhood is served by a total of 10 schools, 5 Catholic schools and 7 private schools. The local educational institutions offer a variety of programs such as Advanced Placement, French Immersion, International Baccalaureate, education programs, for other religions and Islamic studies.
- Public Schools: 10
- Catholic Schools: 5
- Private Schools: 7
Public
- ÉS Étienne-Brûlé
- ÉÉ Laure-Rièse
- ÉÉ Paul-Demers
- George S. Henry Academy
- Sir John A. Macdonald Collegiate Institute
- Pleasant View Middle School
- Muirhead Public School
- Woodbine Middle School
- Forest Manor Public School
- Shaughnessy Public School
Catholic
- St. Timothy Catholic School
- ÉÉC Sainte-Madeleine
- ÉSC Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel
- St. Gerald Catholic School
- Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic School
Private
- Oxford College of Canada
- Cestar High School
- North Toronto Christian School
- A. R. S. Armenian Private School
- Abu Huraira Centre Academy
- Elite Academic School
- Ontario International College
Henry Farm, Toronto Homes
Henry Farm features a blend of Georgian and Tudor Revival style homes, split level residences and cozy bungalows. Additionally there are townhouse complexes and high rise apartment buildings situated on the outskirts of this community.
The houses in Henry Farm were constructed during the 1950s and early 1960s. Many of these homes boast brick veneer on the level and aluminum siding on the floor. The properties in Henry Farm are beautifully landscaped with gardens, set on suburban lots with some backing onto the scenic Don River Valley.
Within this area you’ll find condominiums and apartments. The neighbourhood exhibits a population with 64% of households having relocated in the five years and 26%, within the last year. It offers a mix of both newer residences with a majority being rented by occupants.