Mount Dennis is on the brink of growth with the opening of the Eglinton Crosstown subway expected to breathe life into this historic community. The unveiled York Recreation Centre spans 67,000 feet and offers full accessibility. Situated near the bank of the Black Creek this local recreation hub boasts eco features like a green roof and other sustainable elements. Community feedback played a role in shaping its design resulting in a facility equipped with amenities such as a pool, gymnasium, fitness area and meeting spaces. You can find York Recreation Centre at 115 Black Creek Drive at the intersection of Eglinton Ave. West and Black Creek Drive. What sets Mount Dennis apart is its terrain characterized by rolling hills that ascend northward from Rogers Road, to Briar Hill Avenue. The neighbourhood’s charm is further enhanced by meandering one way streets that intersect many of these hills giving it an old world appeal. Known for its diversity Mount Dennis stands out as one of Toronto’s vibrant communities.
History Of Mount Dennis, Toronto
Mount Dennis got its name from John Dennis, a shipbuilder, to the British Crown who came from Philadelphia and settled on a farm in this area in the 1800s. The Dennis family managed a sawmill and a wool factory on their land, which covered the present day Mount Dennis neighbourhood. During the 1800s Mount Dennis was famous for its brick factories, the Conn Smythe Sand and Gravel pit and a few market gardens that operated on what’s now Eglinton Flats.
In 1893 Mount Dennis established its school followed by a post office and some general stores along Weston Road. In 1916 the Kodak Company set up operations in Mount Dennis. Became the employer in the area. By the 1920s Mount Dennis had expanded to the point where there was a vote on whether to incorporate as a town. The majority voted against it so Mount Dennis remained part of York Township at that time. In the 1950s as Mount Dennis transformed from an area, to a neighbourhood the vast open fields and forests were replaced by new residential developments.
Lifestyle
The main shopping hub, in Mount Dennis can be found on Weston Road. This cluster of shops has recently been recognized as a business improvement zone. Efforts are being made to organize events and festivals in this shopping area focusing on honoring the multicultural communities residing in Mount Dennis. In addition to that Mount Dennis locals have access to shopping centres along Jane Street that offer a variety of stores catering to the everyday needs of the neighbourhood residents. Moreover Lambton Avenue features a selection of shops including convenience stores, a grocery store and a dry cleaner.
Mount Dennis, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Mount Dennis boasts parkland. Jasper Park and Noble Park situated within the neighbourhood are parks designed for children’s enjoyment. Westlake Memorial Park, found off Jaspar Avenue, pays tribute to the Westlake brothers. Thomas, Albert and George. Who bravely served in World War II. This park includes a playground for children, a baseball diamond and some of Toronto’s tobogganing slopes.
Eglinton Flats is a space with expansive parkland divided by Jane Street and Eglinton Avenue into four distinct areas. It offers trails, a pond, picnic areas with benches, sports fields and twelve tennis courts. The Eglinton Flats Winter Tennis Club erects a bubble over six courts during the winter season for use on either a pay as you go basis or through membership. Seasonal permits are available for leagues and individuals to use the sports fields. On site washroom facilities are accessible year round.
Scarlett Woods Golf Course is located in the corner of Eglinton Flats. Is an executive length par 62 course suitable for golfers of all skill levels. From beginners, to experts alike. This course features par three holes and is considered moderately difficult.
The upgraded Mount Dennis Community Hall, on Holly Street provides programs year round for the residents of Mount Dennis. It also serves as a hub for managing activities in the area. Moreover the Mount Dennis Public Library located at 1123 Weston Road offers engaging programs tailored for both children and seniors.
Exploring leisure options in this neighbourhood is a breeze with parks and recreational facilities. The parks in Mount Dennis boast playgrounds for children and sports amenities. With a total of six parks and 45 recreational facilities there is an average of seven facilities, per park.
- Number of Parks: 6
- Number of Recreation Facilities: 45
Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks
- Playgrounds – 4
- Tennis Courts – 13
- Basketball Court – 1
- Ball Diamond – 1
- Sports Fields – 16
- Community Centre – 1
- Outdoor Games Facilities – 4
- Community Gardens – 2
- Trails – 3
Mount Dennis, Toronto Transit
The new subway stop at Mount Dennis along the Eglinton Crosstown line is a game changer, for the neighbourhood offering residents a wealth of public transportation choices. In addition to taking advantage of the Jane Street and Weston Road buses that link up with the Bloor Danforth subway line Mount Dennis locals can also hop on the Trethewey Drive and Eglinton Avenue buses that connect to Eglinton station on the Yonge University Spadina subway line. Drivers are a ten minute drive away from Highway 401 which provides access to all major highways entering and exiting the city. If you’re headed downtown simply travel south on Jane Street to Bloor Street then make your way over to Windermere Avenue. From there head south towards Lake Shore Boulevard for access to Toronto’s bustling entertainment districts.
Mount Dennis, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
The Mount Dennis area boasts schools, elementary and high schools and specialized secondary programs. With a total of 12 schools, 5 schools and 1 alternative/special school the neighbourhood offers a diverse educational landscape. Local schools provide programs such as International Baccalaureate, Vocational training and Advanced Placement courses.
- Public Schools: 12
- Catholic Schools: 5
Public
- ÉÉ Mathieu-da-Costa
- Dennis Avenue Community School
- Weston Collegiate Institute
- Bala Avenue Community School
- York Memorial Collegiate Institute
- ÉS Jeunes sans frontières
- ÉÉ Félix-Leclerc
- ÉS Toronto Ouest
- Roselands Public School
- Portage Trail Community School
- ÉÉ Charles-Sauriol
- Runnymede Collegiate Institute
Catholic
- ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
- Our Lady of Victory Catholic School
- St. Demetrius Catholic School
- ÉÉC Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
- St. John the Evangelist Catholic School
- Alternative/Special
- York Humber High School
Mount Dennis, Toronto Homes
Mount Dennis has seen the construction of houses over decades starting from the 1800s to the 1960s resulting in a diverse range of home styles. Interestingly as the neighbourhood has developed over time some original houses are now being replaced by custom designed ones. Many homes in Mount Dennis offer views of the Humber River Valley. Overlook one of the parks in the area.
In terms of housing types Mount Dennis predominantly consists of condos and apartments. The neighbourhood maintains a population with 36% of households having relocated within the five years and 9% within the past year. It features homes and a mix of owner occupied and rental properties.