Humber Summit is a middle class neighbourhood situated in the corner of North York. It is surrounded by the Humber River on the west and industrial areas, on the east. The northern edge of Humber Summit is marked by Steeles Avenue, which divides the City of Toronto from the City of Vaughan.
Known for its knit community Humber Summit has an established Italian presence. Over time the neighbourhood has seen an influx of families, with East Asian roots joining its vibrant mix.
History of Humber Summit, Toronto
Humber Summit originated as a pioneering settlement, in the 1840s. Initially centred around the Rowntree grist. Saw mills along the Humber River, which’s now home to Rowntree Mills Park. The early inhabitants of Humber Summit rest in peace at the Pine Ridge Methodist Church Cemetery on Islington Avenue.
As time progressed into the 1900s the focus shifted towards agriculture for Humber Summit settlers. By the 1940s as urbanization advanced closer Humber Summit evolved into a sought after summer retreat named Riverbank Park.
Toronto locals favored Riverbank Park for its views of the Humber River with cottages built along its banks. These seasonal cottages were later converted for year round living before Hurricane Hazel’s visit in 1954. Regrettably this powerful storm caused damage to Humber Summit washing away ten homes during its wrath.
The impact of Hurricane Hazel could have been far worse if not for the efforts of the volunteer firefighters from Humber Summit Fire Brigade. Despite facing darkness and danger these twelve courageous men worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and rescue of all residents, in Humber Summit.
The Humber Summit Fire Brigade ceased operations in 1966. A plaque honoring their service is displayed at the Humber Summit Public Library situated on the grounds where the old fire station once stood.
Lifestyle
There’s a quaint cluster of stores and businesses, along Islington Avenue. This shopping area features bakeries, cozy cafes inviting pizzerias and bustling food markets.
The nearest commercial hub is Finchdale boasting a discount store, banks, a bakery, a beer store and an authentic Italian restaurant. Additionally there’s a stocked Italian supermarket overflowing with fruits and vegetables.
Humber Summit, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Rowntree Mill Park, located off Islington Avenue via Rowntree Mill Road forms part of the North Humber. Boasts lovely picnic spots nestled amidst open meadows and woodlands. Walking and exploring nature are pastimes enjoyed in this park.
Towards the east of Islington Avenue and south of Finch Avenue lie entry points, to the West Humber Parkland trail. This 5.5 kilometer paved pathway traces the beauty of Humber Valley up to the Humber Arboretum. The city of Toronto manages the Humber Arboretum showcasing an array of plants and wildlife alongside demonstration gardens, self guided trails and a visitor centre.
For golf enthusiasts the Humber Valley public golf course near Beattie Avenue at Albion Road offers a par 70 course that combines links style with valleyland holes.
Happiness abounds at the parks and recreational facilities in this area. Parks in Humber Summit cater to children with playgrounds, sports areas and ice skating opportunities. With eight parks in total, within Humber Summit, housing 31 facilities collectively an average of three facilities can be found per park.
- Number of Parks: 8
- Number of Recreation Facilities: 31
Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks
- Playgrounds – 7
- Pool – 1
- Rink – 1
- Tennis Courts – 3
- Ball Diamond – 1
- Sports Fields – 2
- Community Centre – 1
- Splash Pad – 1
- Sports Court – 1
- Outdoor Games Facilities – 10
- Trails – 2
- Fitness/Weight Room – 1
Humber Summit, Toronto Transit
Humber Summit has access to transportation. The Islington Avenue bus links passengers to the Islington Go Train and Bloor Danforth subway stations on Bloor Street. Additionally the Finch Avenue bus provides connections to the station on the Yonge University Spadina subway line.
For drivers it takes ten minutes to reach Highways 400 and 401 from this area, which can be accessed via Islington Avenue.
There are a total of 173 transit stops in this neighbourhood. Most residents here rely on vehicles for commuting with a mix of traveling both within and outside the city.
Commute Destination for Residents
- Commute within the city – 56%
- Commute to another city – 43%
Commute Types
- Vehicle – 71%
- Transit – 26%
- Walk/bike – 1%
Commute Times of Residents
- 15 to 29 minutes – 30%
- 30 to 44 minutes – 25%
- 45 to 59 minutes – 9%
- 60 minutes and over – 21%
- Less than 15 minutes – 13%
Humber Summit, Toronto Elementary, Secondary, High schools
This area boasts schools, along with specialized programs at both the elementary and secondary levels. The neighbourhood is served by a total of 6 schools, 4 Catholic schools and 1 private school. Noteworthy special programs available in the schools encompass the International Baccalaureate and French Immersion offerings.
- Public Schools: 6
- Catholic Schools: 4
- Private Schools: 1
Public
- ÉÉ Félix-Leclerc
- ÉS Jeunes sans frontières
- Emery Collegiate Institute
- Daystrom Public School
- Humber Summit Middle School
- Gracedale Public School
Catholic
- ÉSC Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel
- St. Roch Catholic School
- Venerable John Merlini Catholic School
- ÉÉC Saint-Noël-Chabanel-Toronto
Private
- Toronto Academy of EMC
Humber Summit, Toronto Homes
Humber Summit, located to the west of Islington Avenue is a blend of vintage cottages dating back to the 1940s and 1950s alongside custom built two story homes. Riverside Drive and Rowntree Mill Road offer views of the Humber River Valley.
Moving east of Islington Avenue you’ll find detached backsplits with integrated garages and charming front porches adorned with ornate cast iron railings. The intricate front archways contribute to the charm of these homes built in the 1960s.
In this area there are a variety of housing options. Humber Summit maintains a population with 30% of households relocating in the five years and 9% within the past year. Predominantly containing residences, most properties in this neighbourhood are owner occupied.