Long Branch is a standing community situated along the Toronto waterfront in the southwest of the city. It’s currently going through changes, with housing projects underway along Lakeshore Boulevard.
This charming lakeside area boasts features such as scenic waterfront parks, a community arena, a public library, a waterfront trail, a Go Transit station and a bustling shopping district.
History Of Long Branch, Toronto
Long Branch was initially established in 1797 by Colonel Samuel Smith, a loyalist officer who belonged to the Queen’s Rangers. Smith owned a five hundred acre piece of land that covered the neighbourhood we see today. During his time he constructed a regency style cottage at the intersection of 41st Street and Lakeshore Boulevard, where Parkview Public School now stands.
After Smith’s passing in 1826 his children held onto the estate until 1871 when it was sold to James Eastwood. Eastwood, known for his work and dedication, harvested timber from the pine and oak forest that once filled the area. He then transported the logs from Etobicoke Creek to Toronto Harbour for sale, turning a venture.
In 1883 Eastwood sold off sixty four acres of his land to developers who transformed it into Long Branch Park inspired by its counterpart in New Jersey. The park thrived as a summer destination with ferry boats bringing vacationers from Toronto each year to enjoy its cottages, luxurious hotel, boardwalk and exciting amusement rides like the Coney Island Carousel.
The accessibility of Long Branch improved significantly in 1916 with the paving of Lake Shore Boulevard. This development played a role in transforming Long Branch into a year round community.
This area saw development, between the 1920s and the 1950s.
Lifestyle
The Long Branch BIA is highly involved in enhancing their community to create an environment for residents, employees, shoppers, visitors and leisure seekers. Their initiatives have led to the installation of navy marine inspired lamp posts along Lake Shore Boulevard West. These sturdy cast iron lamp posts are adorned with banners. Surrounded by decorative brickwork on the sidewalks complemented by charming planter boxes and seating areas that contribute to an appealing streetscape. During the season the street dazzles with decorative lights shaped like candy canes adorning the lamp posts. The Santa Claus parade along Lake Shore on the Saturday of December is a highlight that brings joy to children and families.
With over 125 establishments including shops, eateries and professional services along this stretch of road many of these businesses are independent. Operated. The overall theme of Lake Shore Boulevard as “Toronto’s Village, by the Lake” adds to its character and charm. View homes currently for sale in Long Branch, Toronto
Long Branch, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Marie Curtis Park, situated where the Etobicoke Creek meets, boasts a beach, with picnic spots, a wading pool and a playground for kids. It serves as the connection point for both the Toronto Waterfront Trail and the Etobicoke Creek Trail providing opportunities for fitness and leisure activities along miles of waterfront trails. The Waterfront Trail leads through Colonel Samuel Smith Park showcasing a developed wetland habitat trail and stunning views of Lake Ontario.
The picturesque Waterfront Trail that runs along the part of this area includes Len Ford Park, for picnics and Long Branch Park which hosts the Lakeshore Summer Concert Series in its gazebo.
Birch Park, positioned south of Lakeshore Boulevard between 29th streets features two tennis courts and a playground for children. Next to this park is the Long Branch Centennial Arena offering skating well as ice hockey and ringette programs.
At James S. Bell Community School on 90 31st Street activities like Youth Dances, Teen Zone sessions and adult fitness classes are available along with events for children and families.
The Long Branch Public Library is known for its welcoming community vibe with programs, like preschool story time sessions and a “Tea and Books” program tailored for adults and seniors.
There are plenty of spots at the parks and recreational facilities here. In Long Branch you can find playgrounds for children, sports areas, dog friendly parks, skating rinks and access to water. Long Branch boasts 11 parks with a total of 31 facilities. On average each park has 2 facilities.
Long Branch, Toronto Transit
Long Branch boasts its Go Transit station situated on the edge of the neighbourhood, along Lakeshore Boulevards north side. The bus service from this station conveniently connects passengers to Union Station and the Yonge University Spadina subway line.
Drivers can reach downtown Toronto’s entertainment and bustling districts in about fifteen minutes via Lakeshore Boulevard. Commuters also benefit from access to the Queen Elizabeth Way and Highway 427 entrances at Browns Line, north of Lake Shore Boulevard.
Long Branch features a total of 45 transit stops, including the Long Branch Go Station. The majority of commuters in this area rely on vehicles for transportation while commuting within the city limits.
Long Branch, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Long Branch boasts elementary and secondary high schools, along with special programs. The area is served by a total of 6 schools and 4 Catholic schools. Local educational institutions provide a variety of programs such, as International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and Fine Arts offerings.
- Public Schools: 6
- Catholic Schools: 4
Public
- Lakeshore Collegiate Institute
- ÉÉ Micheline-Saint-Cyr
- Cawthra Park SS
- ÉS Toronto Ouest
- Twentieth Street Junior School
- James S. Bell Junior Middle Sports and Wellness Academy
Catholic
- ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
- ÉÉC Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville
- St. Josaphat Catholic School
- The Holy Trinity Catholic School
Long Branch, Toronto Homes
The oldest homes in Long Branch can be found on Lake Promenade situated between Long Branch Avenue and 38th Street. Some of these homes have a history dating back to the time when Long Branch was a resort destination. While these homes have been updated and expanded over time they still retain some of their charm such as turrets and welcoming front porch verandas. Along Lake Promenade you’ll also find waterfront properties and a few low rise apartment buildings. Moving south of Lake Shore Boulevard you’ll come across houses constructed in the 1920s, 30s and 40s. These homes come in styles, like detached two story houses bungalows, detached homes and duplexes. Although some of the Tudor and Edwardian bungalows have been replaced with custom designed homes for a fresh look.
North of Lake Shore Boulevard you’ll notice a shift in the size of houses and the width of the lots with a sense of pride evident in each kept lawn. The introduction of townhouse developments has become a feature in this part of the neighbourhood.
In Long Branch the landscape is predominantly made up of condos and apartments. The area maintains a population with 45% of households having relocated in the 5 years and 14% within the past year. Characterized by homes, Long Branch is a blend of both homeowners and renters.