Hillside stands out because it is the neighbourhood in Toronto within a public park. Rouge Park, one of the parks in North America is a conservation area with woodlands, valleys, meadows and farmland. Hillside plays a role in Rouge Park as the area in Toronto where extensive farming still occurs.
Driving through Hillside offers views of fields, with weathered barns, meadows bustling with birds and dense woodlots filled with Manitoba Maple and majestic pine trees. It gives a glimpse into how early settlers might have experienced Toronto when much of it was undeveloped.
Continuing through the countryside of Hillside involves passing creeks, streams, rivers navigating railway tracks and single lane bridges. If you’re fortunate you may catch sight of a fox or tailed deer while exploring this rural oasis within the city.
History Of Hillside, Toronto
The neighbourhood of Hillside got its name from the Gothic style mansion called “Hillside ” constructed in 1872 by William A. Milne on the hill overlooking the Rouge River Valley. Today Hillside Mansion stands proudly at the intersection of Old Finch Avenue and Sewells Road.
Hillside has a history rooted in agriculture. At the heart of this community stood the Hillside Church, built in 1877 at Finch Avenue and Reesor Road. This cherished church still stands tall at 361 Old Finch Avenue. Additionally the Hillside Schoolhouse, erected in 1872 can be found on Meadowvale Road. Currently serves as an education centre for Toronto residents.
In 1972 many of the farms in Hillside were acquired by the government for a proposed Pickering Airport project that never came to fruition. Subsequently in 1995 both government owned and privately held properties in Hillside became part of the conservation area known as “Rouge Park.”
Lifestyle
Residents living on the hillside typically use their cars to reach their shopping spots with the Pickering Town Centre and Markville Mall, near Highway 7 and McCowan Road being choices.
Hillside, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The Hillside area is a part of the Rouge Park landscape, blending woodlands, valleys, meadows, rivers and farmland to create Canadas park. You can access the Rouge Park trails at the Pearse House Interpretive Centre, on Meadowvale Road across from the Toronto Zoo. The Toronto Zoo marks the border of this neighbourhood. Spans 710 acres with a diverse range of over 5,000 animals. Within the zoo are various themed areas such as South America, Eurasia Pavilion, North American Pavilion, African Pavilion, Indo Malayan Pavilion and Canadian Animal Domain.
Hillside, Toronto Transit
The Hillside area doesn’t have public transportation access. Drivers can use either Old Finch Avenue or Steeles Avenue heading east to reach Markham Road, which connects to Toronto’s highways. It takes thirty minutes to drive from this neighbourhood to downtown Toronto.
Hillside, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Hillside is a charming and family-oriented neighbourhood located in Toronto, known for its tree-lined streets, well-maintained homes, and vibrant community spirit. The area offers residents a blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility, making it a desirable place for families. Hillside is well-served by a variety of educational institutions, including public, Catholic, and private schools, ensuring access to quality education for children of all ages. These schools are noted for their robust academic programs, supportive environments, and wide range of extracurricular activities.
Hillside, Toronto, offers a diverse array of elementary and secondary schooling options, ensuring that families can find the right educational environment for their children. With strong academic programs and various extracurricular activities, these schools provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for students in this welcoming neighbourhood.
- Public Schools: 3
- Catholic Schools: 2
- Private Schools: 2
Public Schools:
- Hillside Public School
- Parkview Public School
- Hillside Secondary School
Catholic Schools:
- St. Michael’s Catholic School
- Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School
Private Schools:
- Hillside Academy
- North Toronto Christian School
Hillside, Toronto Homes
In the Hillside neighbourhood there are eighty six homes, with twenty privately owned and the rest owned by the provincial government. The government owned properties in Hillside are overseen by the Ontario Realty Corporation, which rents them to individuals. Many of these renters are farmers who go through a selection process involving the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Non farming applicants are placed on a waiting list currently numbering three hundred people who seek to experience country living while still being a half hour drive from downtown Toronto.
The average size of a property in Hillside ranges from 1/2 acre to five acres although larger working farms typically span fifty to two hundred acres. Most farmhouses in Hillside are between sixty and ninety years old. Rental rates here are lower than market prices due to the homes and higher utility costs; moreover there is a lack of city services like water, sewers, sidewalks or street lights in this community. The Ontario Realty Corporation does take care of maintenance for its properties.
There are a few properties available in Hillside that can be purchased by the public. However if you’re seeking land to construct a housing community this area isn’t suitable. The Rouge Park prohibits any construction on these grounds.