Newtonbrook is located in the part of Toronto nestled between the western branches of the Don River Valley. This location not only offers a natural setting but also provides residents with ample recreational options.
One of Newtonbrooks’ known figures is the late Lester B. Pearson, who served as Canada’s Prime Minister in 1963 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in resolving the Suez Canal crisis. The local school named after him Lester B. Pearson School pays tribute to his legacy.
Located on Bayview Avenue south of Steeles Avenue Tyndale University is an institution that offers a diverse array of programs, at the undergraduate, seminary and graduate levels.
History Of Newtonbrook, Toronto
Newtonbrook was established in the 1800s with its foundation centred around saw and grist mills operating along the east and west branches of the Don River. The heart of this pioneer community was the Newton Brook Wesleyan Church, named in honor of Reverend Robert Newton. Lieutenant Colonel William S. Durie of the Queens Own Rifles was, among the settlers in Newtonbrook subdividing a portion of his land in 1847 to create what is now Drewry Avenue. Originally known as “Popes Lane ” , Drewry Street attracted Catholic residents who built their homes there. The historic “Rueter House” at 270 Drewry remains as one of the standing houses from this subdivision.
In the 1950s Newtonbrook underwent development that led to the demolition of most village landmarks. However two notable exceptions are still standing; the 1878 Newtonbrook Schoolhouse at 43 Drewry Avenue and the second Newtonbrook General Store from, around 1907 located at the corner of Yonge Street and Drewry Avenue.
Lifestyle
CentrePoint Mall as the name suggests, is conveniently situated at the heart of this neighbourhood on the corner where Yonge Street meets Steeles Avenue. This indoor shopping centre is anchored by two department stores, a family friendly restaurant and a large grocery store.
In Newtonbrooks Yonge Street shopping area you’ll find a mix of shopping plazas and car dealerships. This stretch of Yonge Street is also home to a variety of fast food joints, coffee shops and convenience stores.
Dufferin Street boasts Toronto’s largest discount warehouse district offering a range of brand name clothing, high tech gadgets and home furnishings. Steeles Avenue serves as a hub, with multiple shopping plazas, big box chain stores and smaller specialty shops and eateries.
Newtonbrook, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Newtonbrook boasts more than twenty neighbourhood parks and playgrounds, for children. These parks offer a range of amenities such as tennis courts, baseball diamonds, sports fields and fitness trails. Additionally the area is home to two community centres and four indoor ice arenas.
One of the spots in Newtonbrook is Cummer Park Fitness Centre located at 6000 Leslie Street. This facility includes squash and racquetball courts, fitness classes, a jogging/walking track, weight rooms, outdoor tennis courts, whirlpools and saunas. Another notable location is Esther Shiner Stadium situated at 5720 Bathurst Street with a seating capacity of 2,000 that hosts sporting events and track competitions.
You’ll never run out of fun activities in Newtonbrook with its abundance of parks and recreational facilities catering to all ages. The neighbourhood’s parks offer playgrounds for kids, sports areas, dog friendly spaces and opportunities for skating. In Newtonbrook East there are 14 parks housing a total of 33 facilities – averaging about 2 facilities per park.
- Number of Parks: 14
- Number of Recreation Facilities: 33
Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks
- Playgrounds – 11
- Dog Park – 1
- Arena – 1
- Rinks – 2
- Tennis Courts – 5
- Basketball Courts – 3
- Ball Diamonds – 3
- Sports Field – 1
- Sports Court – 1
- BMX Track – 1
- Community Garden – 1
- Trails – 2
- Arts/Performance Facility – 1
Newtonbrook, Toronto Transit
Newtonbrooks location, along Yonge Street offers residents access to the Yonge University Spadina subway line. Residents can easily catch buses on Finch, Steeles, Bayview, Cummer and Drewry Avenues as Bathurst and Dufferin Streets.
Motorists in the area can quickly reach Highway 401 via Bayview Avenue, Yonge Street, Bathurst Street and Dufferin Street south of Sheppard Avenue. These main roads also serve as routes into downtown.
Newtonbrook East has a total of 155 transit stops with Bayview Station being one of the rail stations in the neighbourhood. The community sees a mix of commuters using both vehicles and public transportation for city travel.
Commute Destination for Residents
- Commute within the city – 72%
- Commute to another city – 28%
Commute Types
- Vehicle – 53%
- Transit – 41%
- Walk/bike – 4%
Commute Times of Residents
- 15 to 29 minutes – 22%
- 30 to 44 minutes – 30%
- 45 to 59 minutes – 18%
- 60 minutes and over – 17%
- Less than 15 minutes – 9%
Newtonbrook, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
In Newtonbrook East you can find schools, unique elementary programs and specialized secondary programs. This neighbourhood is served by a total of 7 schools, 6 Catholic schools and 1 alternative/special school. The local schools provide a variety of programs such as International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, French Immersion, Fine Arts, Gifted/Talented Program and Male offerings.
- Public Schools: 7
- Catholic Schools: 6
Public
- ÉS Étienne-Brûlé
- Earl Haig Secondary School
- Finch Public School
- Newtonbrook Secondary School
- Lillian Public School
- Cummer Valley Middle School
- ÉÉ Paul-Demers
Catholic
- ÉÉC Sainte-Madeleine
- ÉSC Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel
- St. Cyril Catholic School
- St. Agnes Catholic School
- Blessed Trinity Catholic School
- Brebeuf College School
- Alternative/Special
- Avondale Secondary Alternative School
Newtonbrook, Toronto Homes
Newtonbrooks original housing was constructed between the 1920s and 1960s featuring a variety of home styles such as split level houses, storey and a half homes and bungalows. The neighbourhood has seen an increase in the construction of custom built residences in years.
You’ll find a range of condominium buildings along Steeles Avenue in Newtonbrook while Bayview Avenue has historically been a popular spot for modern townhouses and new housing developments.
Bathurst Street is lined with rise rental apartments offering an attractive option, for those looking to rent rather than own property yet still enjoy living in this conveniently located area.
In Newtonbrook East there is a mix of types of homes. The area maintains a population with 45% of households having relocated within the five years and 19% within the past year. Predominantly consisting of residences, Newtonbrook East is primarily occupied by homeowners.