Leaside stands out as a favored community, in Toronto known for its charm and desirability. Given its reputation it comes as no surprise that Leaside ranks among the real estate areas in the city.
The appeal of Leaside is particularly strong among families with incomes, who appreciate the area’s family atmosphere. With its spaces, schools of high repute, vibrant shopping scene along Bayview Avenue and convenient access to public transportation Leaside offers a well rounded living experience.
History Of Leaside, Toronto
Leaside was initially settled by John Lea, a pioneer farmer who moved to Canada from Philadelphia in 1819. During the 1850s William, Leas son constructed a designed octagonal house called ‘Leaside’, near what is now the location of Leaside Memorial Gardens. This area has retained the name Leaside since.
In 1913 the Canadian Northern Railway established the Town of Leaside on land that was previously owned by the Lea family. Notably Leasides development marked a moment as it was meticulously planned on paper before any residences were actually constructed.
The residential growth of Leaside faced delays due to the onset of World War I; however the community played a role in supporting the war efforts. The Leaside Munitions Company produced artillery and an airfield in Leaside was utilized for training pilots.
In 1918 Canadian aviation history was made at the Leaside Airfield when it served as the destination for Canada’s airmail flight from Montreal, to Toronto. The designation of being a Town ended for Leaside in 1967 when it merged with East York Borough before becoming part of Toronto City.
Lifestyle
Bayview Avenue boasts an array of shops and dining spots catering to the community’s diverse needs. The neighbourhood’s focus on children is evident in many of the stores found here. In addition to this Bayview Avenue is renowned for its shops, specialty boutiques and cozy pubs that draw in patrons from all corners of the city.
Local residents in Leaside frequent the stores lining Eglinton Avenue. The shopping scene in this area is anchored by Sunnybrook Plaza situated at the intersection of Bayview and Eglinton. Additionally smaller shops and services can be found within the heart of Leaside on McRae Drive and Millwood Road.
A recent addition to Leasides shopping landscape is the Leaside Centre, home to national retailers at the southeast corner of Laird Drive and Eglinton Avenue. Adjacent to this hub is the Leaside Business Park, a blend of enterprises, alongside unique retail establishments.
Leaside, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Leaside is known for its abundance of options with the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens being a hub of activity. Situated at the intersection of Millwood Road and Laird Drive this complex offers amenities such as an ice arena, swimming pool, curling rink and auditorium.
Residents of Leaside can immerse themselves in nature and fitness activities at Serena Gundy Park and Sunnybrook Park. Sunnybrook Park not only provides picnic spots but also boasts top quality sports fields, an exercise trail, horseback riding facilities and a licensed snack bar managed by the Parks and Property Department.
Trace Manes Park on McRae Drive in south Leaside is home to the Leaside Tennis Club with its six tennis courts. Additionally the park features a playground for children, a baseball diamond and an outdoor natural ice rink operational from December to February’s end. Adjacent to Trace Manes Park, on McRae Drive lies the Leaside Public Library.
Howard Talbot Park located at Bayview and Eglinton Avenues southeast corner offers two baseball diamonds set amidst a valley landscape that attracts local baseball leagues.
Leaside, Toronto Transit
The bus service travels through the heart of the Leaside neighbourhood situated south of Eglinton Avenue. Provides a connection to the St. Clair subway station along the Yonge University Spadina subway line. Additionally bus routes along Bayview and Eglinton Avenues connect to the Davisville and Eglinton stations on the subway line.
For drivers reaching downtown in ten minutes is possible, via the Bayview extension, which also intersects with the Don Valley Parkway and several other commuter highways.
Leaside, Toronto Elementary, Secondary and High Schools
Leaside boasts elementary and secondary schools, along with specialized programs at both levels. The neighbourhood is served by a total of 14 schools, 6 Catholic schools and 3 private schools. These educational institutions offer a variety of programs such, as International Baccalaureate, Montessori, French Immersion and Advanced Placement courses.
- Public Schools: 14
- Catholic Schools: 6
- Private Schools: 3
Public
- ÉÉ Gabrielle-Roy
- Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute
- Northlea Elementary and Middle School
- ÉS Étienne-Brûlé
- Leaside High School
- Rolph Road Elementary School
- Bennington Heights Elementary School
- Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School
- Fraser Mustard Early Learning Academy
- Thorncliffe Park Public School
- Collège français secondaire
- Valley Park Middle School
- Deer Park Jr and Sr Public School
- ÉÉ Jeanne-Lajoie
Catholic
- ÉÉC Sainte-Madeleine
- ÉSC Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel
- ÉÉC du Sacré-Coeur-Toronto
- ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
- St. Anselm Catholic School
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School
Private
- Children’s Garden School
- Gradale Academy
- Maria Montessori School
Leaside, Toronto Homes
In Leaside you’ll find the typical house sitting on a lot with its driveway and garage. These homes often feature wood accents, elegant hardwood floors and cozy fireplaces.
The Tudor style houses in Leaside date to the 1930s and 1940s offering a mix of two story detached residences bungalows and semi detached dwellings. Over the years some bungalows in Leaside have undergone expansions with storeys while others have been replaced by designed custom homes.
In the 1990s, condominium and townhouse developments emerged at the outskirts of the neighbourhood. Additionally Leaside boasts some of Toronto’s apartment buildings situated along Bayview Avenues east side and, on Leacrest Road overlooking the picturesque Don Valley Ravine.