New Toronto can be found along the beaches of Toronto. This area is experiencing changes as the zone, in the part of the neighbourhood, has been transitioned into residential zoning. Industries are gradually relocating from New Toronto with plans in motion for housing developments in that area.
Currently New Toronto is a community with residents from cultural backgrounds and income levels including a significant number of seniors. Some attractive features of this neighbourhood include a bicycle trail, access to TTC and Go Transit services, affordable housing options and easy proximity to downtown Toronto, via Lake Shore Boulevard.
History Of New Toronto, Toronto
New Toronto has a history that traces back to the 1800s when it was envisioned as a bustling industrial town. This vision materialized in 1906 with the establishment of repair shops, a roundhouse and a freight yard by the Grand Trunk Railway in New Toronto. The presence of the railway drew industries to the area with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company becoming its employer after setting up a plant in 1917.
The town experienced growth. Was officially incorporated in 1920. During its heyday New Toronto proudly claimed to have the ” value of manufacturing per mile in North America ” reflecting its robust industrial foundation. This economic strength allowed New Toronto to maintain residential tax rates compared to other areas in Toronto.
In 1967 New Toronto merged with the Township of Etobicoke. Retained its identity as a blue collar community. As we move into the 1990s the landscape of New Toronto is evolving, transitioning from hubs to residential developments that are attracting a more diverse demographic of professionals.
Lifestyle
The shopping area known as Lakeshore Village situated on Lakeshore Boulevard West is a hub for activities. It offers a variety of dining options such as food joints and family friendly restaurants along with a selection of shops including grocery stores, bakeries, sandwich shops, cafes, discount stores, pharmacies and convenience stores.
Visitors to Lakeshore Village may often spot television and movie crews filming scenes in the neighbourhood of New Toronto. Notably several scenes from the Police Academy film series were shot in this district.
New Toronto, Toronto Parks & Facilities
New Toronto is fortunate to have waterfront parks, with Colonel Samuel Smith Park being a standout. This park boasts the Wetlands Wildlife Restoration trail on the Great Lakes providing a habitat for fish, birds, frogs, snakes, turtles and a beautiful assortment of wildflowers. Additionally the Lakeshore Yacht Club calls this park home. Moving east from Colonel Samuel Smith Park are New Toronto’s waterfront parks like Cliff Lumsden Park, Prince of Wales Park and Rotary Peace Park. Cliff Lumsden and Prince of Wales Parks offer views of the Toronto waterfront. Prince of Wales Park also offers amenities such as an ice rink, wading pool and children’s playground. On the hand Rotary Peace Park features a swimming pool, baseball diamond tennis courts and another childrens playground. Adjacent to Rotary Peace Park is the New Toronto Lawn Bowling Club overlooking Lake Ontario.
Notably distinguishing itself is the skating rink at Colonel Samuel Smith Park – Toronto’s trail style artificial ice rink instead of the traditional oval shape. This unique figure eight design meanders through the park’s surroundings. Is illuminated by charming overhead lamp posts, for night skating enjoyment.
During the holiday season these streetlights are equipped with speakers that play Christmas songs.
The annual Etobicoke Seniors Games take place at the New Toronto Seniors Centre located at 105 Street from March to June. This community centre caters to seniors aged fifty five and above offering a range of activities such as ceramics, computer classes, card games like euchre and Slo Pitch baseball. You can also find the New Toronto Public Library on Eleventh Street south of Lake Shore Boulevard.
There’s no shortage of fun at the parks and recreational facilities in this area. Parks here boast playgrounds for children, sports areas, dog friendly spaces and ice skating opportunities. New Toronto is home to 10 parks with a total of 49 facilities available. On average each park offers around four amenities for visitors to enjoy.
New Toronto, Toronto Transit
The bus service running along Lake Shore Boulevard West connects to the Mimico and Long Branch Go Transit stops at downtown Toronto’s Union Station, on the Yonge University Spadina subway line.
It takes fifteen minutes by car to reach downtown Toronto’s Harbourfront district via Lake Shore Boulevard or the Gardiner Expressway.
New Toronto has 62 transit stops with the Mimico GO station being one of them. People in this area use a mix of vehicles and public transportation for their commute within the city.
New Toronto, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
The local area boasts elementary and secondary schools, along with specialized programs for both levels of education. New Toronto is served by a total of 8 schools and 6 Catholic schools. These educational institutions provide a variety of programs such, as Advanced Placement, Fine Arts, International Baccalaureate and French Immersion.
- Public Schools: 8
- Catholic Schools: 6
Public
- ÉÉ Micheline-Saint-Cyr
- Lakeshore Collegiate Institute
- John English Junior Middle School
- Second Street Junior Middle School
- Seventh Street Junior School
- ÉS Toronto Ouest
- Twentieth Street Junior School
- James S. Bell Junior Middle Sports and Wellness Academy
Catholic
- Father Redmond CSS & Regional Arts Centre
- ÉÉC Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville
- ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
- St. Leo Catholic School
- St. Josaphat Catholic School
- The Holy Trinity Catholic School
New Toronto, Toronto Homes
New Toronto features a blend of small brick bungalows and modest two story houses that were predominantly constructed from the 1910s to the 1950s. Towards the lake south of Lake Shore Boulevard you’ll find single family homes.
A recent addition to this neighbourhood is the Lakeshore Village subsidized housing development located between thirteenth Avenues north of Lakeshore Blvd. This housing complex stands out due to its co-op which adds a touch to its overall appearance.
Prospective homebuyers should keep an eye on the area of Birmingham Road nestled between Islington and Kipling Avenues as there are upcoming home developments planned in that region.
In New Toronto you’ll find a range of housing options. The neighbourhood maintains a population with 38% of households having relocated within the five years and 13% within the last year. It predominantly consists of homes. Offers a mix of owner occupied and rental properties.