Mimico serves as the entrance to the picturesque waterfront neighbourhoods of Toronto’s region. This established community is renowned for its lakeside parks and top notch recreational amenities. With a proximity to downtown Toronto Mimico boasts its Go Transit train station situated along Royal York Road.
The knit residents of Mimico enthusiastically participate in local gatherings, such as the yearly “Lakeshore Community Festival” and the Etobicoke Lakeshore Christmas Parade. Additionally an annual “Mimico Festival” takes place every August at Amos Waites Park followed by a kite flying competition held the following day at Humber Bay Park.
History Of Mimico, Toronto
Mimico was originally referred to as “Omimeca”, by the First Nations People signifying “the resting place of the pigeons.” The Passenger Pigeon, extinct is remembered through the name of this community.
The modern Mimico neighbourhood started to take shape in the 1890s south of Lake Shore Boulevard, where many affluent families from Toronto constructed their summer residences. While some of these estates remain standing most were lost to development post World War II.
The transformation of Mimico into a year round community began in 1906 with the establishment of the Mimico Yard by the Grand Trunk Railway. This triggered a housing boom as residences were required for the growing workforce employed at the yard.
Mimicos rapid expansion resulted in its designation as a Town in 1917. It retained this status until 1967 when it merged with Etobicoke Township and became part of what’s known as the City of Toronto.
Lifestyle
Residents of Mimico benefit greatly from the shopping options, along Lake Shore Boulevard and Royal York Road. These bustling shopping districts showcase a selection of quaint, owned shops and eateries.
Mimico, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, in Etobicoke Mimico Waterfront Park serves as a connection point for people to access the waterfront in an area that historically lacked public waterfront access. Upon its completion in 2012 the park will offer a 1.1 kilometer linear waterfront space stretching from Norris Crescent Parkette to Humber Bay Park West. The park will feature amenities such as a boardwalk, a use trail for cycling and skating parallel to the shoreline, small wetland areas and landscaped spaces with park lighting.
The design and construction of the park focused on restoring aquatic habitats while enhancing the shoreline. Phase Two of the project will involve creating wetland areas and planting vegetation.
Mimico is renowned for its sports clubs and recreational facilities. The bustling Mimico Arena on Royal York Road at Drummond Street hosts hockey and skating programs during winter while it is home to the Mimico Minor Lacrosse Club activities in summer. Notably NHL star Brendan Shanahan honed his skills playing hockey and lacrosse at this arena.
At 95 Mimico Avenue sits John English Community School offering programs along with sports and arts activities catering to both children and adults.
The tennis club, in Mimico situated at 29 George Street stands out for having the red clay tennis courts in Toronto. You can find the Lakeshore Lawn Bowling Club at Coronation Park off Royal York Road. If you head to Amos Waites Park on 2445 Lake Shore Boulevard West you’ll discover a swimming pool there. Also don’t miss the Mimico Centennial Public Library located at 47 Station Road, known for its engaging children’s programs.
Recently the Metropolitan Toronto Region Conservation Authority has created a habitat in Humber Bay Park along Lake Shore Boulevard West at Park Lawn Road. This beautiful park connected by a pedestrian bridge is home to bird species like Geese, Swans, Mallard Ducks, Seagulls and Red Winged Blackbirds. Additionally Humber Bay Park boasts amenities such as a pond, for model boats and a fly casting pond where you can enjoy some leisure time. Not to mention that the Mimico Cruising Club, Etobicoke Yacht Club and Humber College Sailing School all operate within Humber Bay Park.
In Etobicoke lies the built MasterCard Centre For Hockey Excellence on 400 Kipling Avenue – it’s Toronto’s community rink constructed in the past 25 years. With its top notch facilities featuring four ice pads open every day from 7am until midnight year round. Moreover MasterCard Canada has committed to providing 250 hours of ice time for the community.
Every Saturday, from 2;15pm to 4;15pm a free community skate event will be sponsored for families between September and June. Additionally extra ice time will be offered to community groups during these months including students on PD Days.
The MasterCard Centre For Hockey Excellence is primarily utilized by the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Marlies for training and practice. Notable occupants also include Hockey Canada’s Ontario office and the research division of the Hockey Hall of Fame. The centre is also home to the Etobicoke Dolphins, Canada’s women’s hockey organization and the Faustina Sports Club.
This neighbourhood offers a variety of facilities for fun seekers. Parks in this area boast kids playgrounds, sports areas, dog friendly spaces, swimming pools, skating rinks, waterfront access and natural parks. With a total of 26 parks housing 75 facilities each park typically offers an average of 2 amenities.
Mimico, Toronto Transit
The Royal York bus connects to the Bloor Danforth subway line while the Lake Shore Boulevard bus connects to Union station and the Yonge University Spadina subway line. Mimico also has its Go Transit train station situated off Royal York Road. It takes fifteen minutes to travel from Mimico station to downtown Toronto’s Union station.
Drivers can reach downtown Toronto in around ten minutes using either Lake Shore Boulevard or the Gardiner Expressway.
This neighbourhood boasts 202 transit stops, with Mimico GO, as one of the rail stations. In Mimico Humber Bay Shores most commuters rely on vehicles. Tend to commute within the city.
Mimico, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
This area boasts elementary and secondary schools, along with specialized programs for both levels. It is served by a total of 10 schools, 7 Catholic schools and 4 private schools in the Mimico Humber Bay Shores area. The schools here offer programs such as Montessori, International Baccalaureate, French Immersion and Advanced Placement courses.
- Public Schools: 10
- Catholic Schools: 7
- Private Schools: 4
Public
- ÉÉ Micheline-Saint-Cyr
- Second Street Junior Middle School
- Park Lawn Junior Middle School
- ÉS Toronto Ouest
- Lanor Junior Middle School
- Étienne Brûlé Junior School
- David Hornell Junior School
- John English Junior Middle School
- George R. Gauld Junior School
- Lakeshore Collegiate Institute
- Catholic
- St. Louis Catholic School
- St. Ambrose Catholic School
- ÉÉC Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville
- St. Mark Catholic School
- ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
- St. Leo Catholic School
- St. Josaphat Catholic School
Private
- Kingsway College School – Senior
- Mildenhall School
- Phoenix Montessori School
- Oak Learners Private School
Mimico, Toronto Homes
Mimico features pockets of homes showcasing Arts and Crafts or Tudor architectural designs. Quaint bungalows, ideal for first time homebuyers dot the area, some undergoing renovations to become custom homes while others retain their charm with added stories. The neighbourhood also sees a rise, in townhouses and condominium developments. Along the Lakeshore there is a plethora of apartment buildings.
The community primarily consists of condos and apartments boasting a population where 54% of households have relocated in the 5 years and 22% within the last year. It offers a blend of both vintage and modern residences catering to both homeowners and renters