Oakridge can be found in the corner of Scarborough. It boasts a mix of residences, newer homes, a lively shopping area, along Danforth Avenue and plenty of parks and recreational facilities. The neighbourhood is bordered to the north by spaces and parks and to the south and east by the CN railway line and industrial areas. Much of the life in this area centres around the Oakridge Community Recreation Centre on Pharmacy Avenue as well as Oakridge Park on Danforth Avenue. The Crossroads of the Danforth business district, along Danforth Avenue adds energy and a strong sense of community to Oakridge.
History Of Oakridge, Toronto
The Oakridge neighbourhood’s history revolves around the Oakridge Public School established in 1913 on Danforth Road, the location of Oakridge Park. The original school was torn down in 1967. Replaced with a facility, on Byng Road. A commemorative datestone for the Oakridge school can be seen at the entrance to Oakridge Park on Danforth Road. The growth of Oakridge was significantly influenced by Danforth Road, a route in Toronto. As early as 1918 Danforth Road had its bus service, which attracted many residents to the area. The community saw development in the 1950s with the extension of the Bloor Danforth subway line, to Warden Avenue.
Lifestyle
The commercial district, at the intersection of Danforth Road known as The Crossroads on the Danforth is bustling with quaint, local retail stores and eateries that serve the community’s needs. Shoppers World, situated at the corner of Danforth Road and Victoria Park Avenue is a favored spot among Oakridge locals due to its array of budget shops.
Oakridge, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The Oakridge Community Recreation Centre, situated at 63 Pharmacy Avenue offers a fitness centre equipped with cardio and weight machines along, with a sauna and a whirlpool. Additionally the centre provides meeting spaces utilized by community organizations. The City of Toronto hosts programs year round in the evenings at Oakridge Public School on Byng Avenue. For those interested in bocce the Oakridge Seniors Bocce Club on 6 Thora Road features two courts. Nestled in the heart of the neighbourhood off Danforth Road is Oakridge Park, a space with plenty of lovely spots for picnics. This park boasts amenities like a playground for children, a spray pool, a baseball diamond and sports fields.
You can easily find enjoyment at the parks and recreational facilities. The neighbourhood parks offer play areas for kids as designated dog friendly spaces. With twelve parks scattered throughout this area totaling twenty three facilities overall there is an average of one facility, per park.
Oakridge, Toronto Transit
Bus routes along Victoria Park and Warden Avenues as Danforth Road offer convenient transportation to the Bloor Danforth subway line stations. The Danforth Go Train station, located on Main Street south of Danforth swiftly transports commuters to downtown Toronto’s Union Station in fifteen minutes. Danforth Road serves as an east west roadway leading directly into the heart of Toronto making it a twenty minute drive to downtown via this bustling and vibrant shopping district.
Oakridge boasts 99 transit stops, including the Danforth GO rail station. Residents in this area rely on a mix of vehicles and public transit for their commutes, within the city.
Oakridge, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Oakridge boasts high schools, along with specialized programs for both elementary and secondary education. The neighbourhood is served by a total of 10 schools, 6 Catholic schools and 1 private school. Local educational institutions provide a range of programs such as the International Baccalaureate, Immersion and Islamic studies.
- Public Schools: 10
- Catholic Schools: 6
- Private Schools: 1
Public
- ÉS Michelle-O’Bonsawin
- Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute
- ÉÉ Jeanne-Lajoie
- Collège français secondaire
- J. G. Workman Public School
- SATEC @ W. A. Porter Collegiate Institute
- Taylor Creek Public School
- Samuel Hearne Middle School
- Regent Heights Public School
- Oakridge Junior Public School
Catholic
- St. Dunstan Catholic School
- ÉÉC du Bon-Berger
- St. Joachim Catholic School
- ÉÉC Georges-Étienne-Cartier
- ÉSC Père-Philippe-Lamarche
- Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School
Private
- Baitul Mukarram Academy
Oakridge, Toronto Homes
Oakridge features a range of homes, in sizes, shapes and architectural styles. These residences were constructed between the 1910s and 1950s. The older Oakridge homes were originally self built. Have expansions and upgrades over time. Currently there is construction of custom designed modern homes as some of the older properties are being replaced.
In terms of housing in Oakridge there is a prevalence of condominiums and apartments. The neighbourhood maintains a population with 42% of households having relocated in the five years and 11%, within the past year. It predominantly consists of residences. Has a higher percentage of renter occupied properties.