The community here has a small town vibe that you can feel as you stroll down the street lined with shops, on Old Kingston Road. Along this street there’s a cemetery dating back to the 1800s and wall paintings showcasing life in Highland Creek’s early days.
Residents of Highland Creek come together each year to honor their neighbourhoods during Highland Creek Heritage Day. The highlight of this event is a parade that winds its way along Old Kingston Road featuring cars, marching bands, colorful floats, fun rides for kids, a bustling fair with local vendors selling goods, handmade crafts, delicious home baked treats and an evening dance, at the legion hall.
History Of Highland Creek, Toronto
In the 1850’s, Highland Creek was the largest residential and business centre in the former Township of Scarborough. Richard Schofield, in Scarborough Then and Now explains that “The combination of the Kingston Road, the Old Danforth Road and the Highland Creek coming together in one location encouraged the village’s rapid growth in the early 19th century.”
Highland Creek was officially recognized as a community in 1852, when it was granted its own post office. Highland Creek also had its own school, Presbyterian, Catholic, and Methodist churches, and a number of general stores, blacksmith shops and hotels that catered to the travellers along Kingston Road. Highland Creek remained a rural farming community right up until the 1950’s, when the present day neighbourhood was developed.
Highland Creek’s historical landmarks include the “W.J. Morrish General Store,” circa 1891, situated on Old Kingston Road, the third Highland Creek Public School, circa 1918, located on Military Trail, and the “Miller Lash/McLean Estate,” circa 1914, which is situated on the University of Toronto’s Scarborough College campus.
Lifestyle
Residents of Highland Creek prefer to do their shopping, along Old Kingston Road, which exudes a town main street vibe. The heart of this shopping area is the Highland Creek Plaza featuring a variety of establishments such as a grocery store, hair salon, flower shop, bakery, bookstore, bank, dry cleaners, home decor store and professional offices. Surrounding this plaza are local eateries and even a place for crafting beer and wine.
Highland Creek, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Highland Creek Community Park, situated along Ellesmere Road is an area, with amenities like a baseball field and a playground for children. East of the park at 3550 Ellesmere Road you’ll find the Highland Creek Public Library where kids can enjoy sessions and participate in reading club activities.
Colonel Danforth Park marks the edge of this neighbourhood offering a picturesque ravine valley perfect for family picnics, bike rides, leisurely walks and hiking adventures. Accessible from Kingston Road and Old Kingston Road.
The neighbourhood boasts an abundance of parks and recreational facilities catering to interests. Highland Creeks parks are equipped with children’s playgrounds and designated areas for dogs to play. With six parks in the area hosting a total of 26 spots there’s an average of four facilities per park to explore.
Highland Creek, Toronto Transit
The buses running along Morningside Avenue and Meadowvale Road, in the north south direction connect passengers to Kennedy station on the Bloor Danforth subway line. Additionally the Ellesmere Road bus provides a link to Scarborough Town Centre offering connections to both the Bloor Danforth subway station and the Go Transit system.
For motorists quick access to Highway 401 on ramps is available at Morningside Avenue and Meadowvale Road. Highway 401 connects drivers to the Don Valley Parkway, which leads them downtown Toronto in around thirty minutes. Another scenic route for those heading downtown is taking Kingston Road west towards Lakeshore Boulevard.
Highland Creek has a total of 92 transit stops with a majority of commuters in the area relying on vehicles for their travel within the city.
Highland Creek, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
In Highland Creek there are both special programs available. The area is served by a total of 6 schools and 3 Catholic schools. These schools elementary and secondary provide students with programs such as International Baccalaureate, French Immersion and Advanced Placement courses.
- Public Schools: 6
- Catholic Schools: 3
Public
- Meadowvale Public School
- Morrish Public School
- Highland Creek Public School
- Académie Alexandre-Dumas
- West Hill Collegiate Institute
- ÉS Ronald-Marion
Catholic
- ÉSC Père-Philippe-Lamarche
- ÉÉC Saint-Michel
- Cardinal Léger Catholic School
Highland Creek, Toronto Homes
Highland Creek boasts a number of frame or brick bungalows constructed during the 1920s, 30s, 40s and 50s. Many of these white frame residences originally served as summertime cottages.
The housing landscape in Highland Creek is currently undergoing a transformation as numerous original homes are giving way to an array of custom designed houses featuring garages, interlock driveways and upscale interior finishes.
In this neighbourhood detached homes are predominant. The area maintains a population with 24% of households having relocated in the 5 years and 7% within the last year. It offers a blend of newer residences. Is primarily occupied by homeowners.