Islington Village, also known as “Toronto’s Village of Murals ” is situated in the heart of Etobicoke. This charming residential area features 25 murals adorning the walls across five blocks of Dundas West covering, over 15,000 feet. These artistic masterpieces, created by the artist John Kuna beautifully showcase the history of the neighbourhood. The project, a labor of love that commenced over nine years ago continues to grow and evolve.
Islington Village offers a blend of boutique shopping experiences, cozy eateries, essential services, ample green spaces and easy access to TTC and Go Transit stations. Making it a wonderful downtown living option.
The neighbourhood’s original homes showcased designs on spacious lots. While some have been replaced by custom built residences over time Islington Village maintains its charm with Mimico Creek and Islington Golf Club meandering through its centre.
Today Dundas West between Montgomery Road and Kipling Avenue serves as the hub for the Village of Islington Business Improvement Area (BIA). For a glimpse into the offerings, in this area including shops, services and amenities. Check out this link!
History Of Islington Village, Toronto
Islington Village began to take shape in the 1800s featuring a collection of shops, churches, a school and a post office situated along Dundas Street West. The heart of the village was the Thomas Montgomery Inn, a gathering spot for residents and weary farmers transporting grain to mills along the Humber River. Today the Montgomery Inn still stands at 4709 Dundas Street West serving as a museum and marking one of the remaining structures from Islington’s original village era before residential development took place after World War II.
Interestingly, Islington was initially named Mimico. Was later changed in 1858 to avoid confusion with Toronto’s Mimico lakeshore station. The name Islington was selected by Elizabeth Smith, wife of Thomas Smith who owned the hotel. She chose the name as a nod to her birthplace in England.
Additionally it’s worth mentioning that the Islington Burial Grounds on Dundas Street is among Toronto’s cemeteries and dates back to around 1807.
Lifestyle
The charming Village of Islington located on Dundas Street West, between Montgomery Road and Kipling Avenue exudes an atmosphere. It boasts a variety of establishments such as a high end food shop, a deli, pharmacies, a hardware store, numerous flower shops, quaint coffee houses and an array of over 30 pubs, restaurants and cafes. This neighbourhood is renowned for its heritage and historical significance and is home to Arts Etobicoke, Creative Village, The Music Studio and Montgomery’s Inn.
Heading west along Dundas Street into the Dunbloor area reveals a collection of retail plazas, family friendly eateries, professional offices, medical practices, modern condominiums as well as specialty shops like lingerie boutiques and salons.
The Village actively participates in City events, like Doors Open Toronto and Culture Days that showcase artistry and history while offering complimentary walking tours and trolley rides.
Guests are always greeted warmly in the Village of Islington where they can leisurely stroll along Dundas Street West admiring murals adorning the sides of buildings. The village takes pride in hosting some of the city’s murals that pay tribute to its volunteer fire brigade while honoring local farmers and prominent residents.
The murals in the area also depict its involvement in events such as Hurricane Hazel and the War of 1812. Particularly touching is a mural titled “Briarly. Remembered with Fondness,” which commemorates a demolished original village home.
Islington Village, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The Montgomery’s Inn, situated at 4709 Dundas Street West now serves as a museum. This charming Georgian Loyalist Inn boasts a riverstone facade making it one of Toronto’s captivating and picturesque buildings. Throughout the year Montgomery’s Inn hosts festivals, a lecture series and delightful afternoon tea gatherings, in its cozy and inviting tea room.
Moving on to the Islington Golf Club visitors can enjoy a Par 72 course spanning 6400 yards that was expertly designed by the golf course architect Stanley Thompson. Known for its welcoming atmosphere geared towards families, this private club offers an environment for golf enthusiasts.
For tennis enthusiasts looking to play their sport Rosethorn Park is the destination located just north of the Islington Golf Club. The park features three maintained tennis courts and a children’s playground for added enjoyment.
Established back in 1952 the Islington Baseball League continues to thrive at Rosethorn Park. Offering programs such as Co ed T Ball, Boys and Girls Rookie Ball, clinics and competitive teams known as Rep teams.
Islington Village, Toronto Transit
The bus routes, along Islington and Kipling Avenues link travelers to stops on the Bloor Danforth subway line. Additionally the Kipling station offers connections to the Go Transit Line.
For drivers it takes around twenty minutes to reach downtown Toronto via Bloor Street. Commuters can easily access the Islington and Kipling Avenue entrances to Highway 401 within a ten minute drive connecting them to all of Toronto’s highways.
Islington Village, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Islington Village, situated in the region of Toronto is an historically significant neighbourhood. It is renowned for its streets lined with a mix of heritage homes creating a vibrant community atmosphere that blends urban convenience, with suburban peace. The neighbourhood boasts a variety of amenities such as parks, shops, eateries and cultural venues making it an appealing place to reside. Moreover Islington Village is home to institutions including public, Catholic and private elementary and secondary schools ensuring that children of all ages receive a quality education.
- Public Schools: 4
- Catholic Schools: 3
- Private Schools: 2
Public Schools:
- Islington Junior Middle School
- Norseman Junior Middle School
- Etobicoke Collegiate Institute
- Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute
Catholic Schools:
- Our Lady of Peace Catholic School
- St. Gregory Catholic School
- Bishop Allen Academy
Private Schools:
- Kingsway College School
- The Toronto French School
Islington Village, Toronto Homes
Islington’s housing stock dates from the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s. The older houses in this neighbourhood represent some of the best examples of Georgian, Colonial, English Cottage and Tudor style houses in the city. There is also a nice mix of Cape Cod style houses, ranch style bungalows and split-level homes. Many of these houses are situated on premium size lots that are either front or back onto the Islington Golf Course.
Islington also has a growing number of custom built new homes. Most of these houses are well designed and blend in well with the older houses in the neighbourhood.