Centennial is a neighbourhood bordered to the south by the railway and, to the west by Colonel Danforth Park, a wooded valley that guides Highland Creek on its final journey into Lake Ontario.
Originally stemming from Port Union, which stretches along the waterfront from below Lawrence and extending past Port Union Road to the Go Train station.
In this area you’ll find a mix of curving streets adorned with majestic old trees. The western side of Centennial boasts established properties while the eastern side features newer homes with symmetrical street layouts dating back to the mid 60s and late 70s along with some recent developments, in the northeast corner. Towards the end lies historic Port Union exuding a quaint charm with its history and some of Toronto’s most beautiful pine tree groves.
History Of Port Union, Toronto
In the 1800s Port Union thrived as a waterfront village boasting flourishing shipbuilding and commercial fishing industries along with two hotels, a commercial wharf and various small businesses. The Grand Trunk Railway station that opened in Port Union in 1856 further elevated the significance of this waterfront community.
By 1865 Port Union’s population had grown to around 100 residents leading to the establishment of its post office. During the village’s heyday the two hotels in Port Union were known for serving knock ’em whiskey and “40 Rod Whiskey.”
As the late 1800s approached Port Union’s shipping sector began to lose business to the railway. Eventually ceased operations. This downturn persisted until the 1940s when industrial revival sparked a housing boom in the area. In the 1990s a new housing development along Port Unions waterfront revitalized this neighbourhood by reconnecting it with its history.
Today Port Union Village is recognized as the region of Lawrence Avenue while neighbouring communities have flourished to its north. The area is now commonly known as Centennial due to its association with a street running through its heart from north to south.
Centennial Street got its name from Centennial Church established around 1891 that can still be found at the tip of Centennial Road, near Kingston Road. Initially the western side of Centennial saw the development of properties and houses. As time went on in the sixties and seventies Centennial East also grew in popularity as an area, with homes steadily being constructed.
Lifestyle
Centennial Plaza, situated at the intersection of Port Union Road and Lawrence Avenue, in the north west corner offers a variety of amenities such as a deli, bakery, hardware store, video store, flower shop, hair salon, travel agency, pet store with an animal clinic, coffee shop, beer and liquor outlets restaurants ranging from food to upscale options. Additionally present are convenience stores and professional offices.
The Lawson Road Plaza is a quaint shopping centre catering to the needs of residents in the northern part of this neighbourhood. Within this plaza are essentials like a grocery market, dining options including restaurants and banks for transactions. Other services offered include a hair salon for personal grooming needs along with cleaning services and access to a gas station, for vehicle refueling.
Port Union, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The Port Union Recreation Centre and Public Library located at 5450 Lawrence Avenue East offers a variety of amenities including gym spaces, for seniors activity rooms and a spacious banquet hall. Additionally there is a library housed in the section of the facility.
Colonel Danforth Park, found on the edge of the neighbourhood is a wooded area perfect for family outings such as picnics, bike rides, leisurely walks and hikes. You can access this park from Beechgrove Drive south of Lawrence Avenue or from Old Kingston Road west of Meadowvale Road.
Adams Park, positioned west of Port Union Road on Lawson Road is a spot for families in the community. This park features attractions like a wading pool, playgrounds for children, sports fields, baseball diamonds, beautiful flower gardens as numerous ideal spots for picnics.
Port Union, Toronto Transit
There are bus routes that run along Lawrence Avenue, Lawson Road and Port Union Road taking passengers to the Rouge Hill Go Train station located on Lawrence Avenue, west of Port Union Road. From there you can catch a train, to downtown Toronto’s Union Station. Connect to the Yonge University Spadina subway line.
For drivers, easy access to Highway 401 is available via the on ramp off Port Union Road or Highway 2, at Kingston Road. These major roads lead commuters directly to Toronto’s business and entertainment hubs.
Port Union, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Port Union, a welcoming neighbourhood, in the part of Toronto by Lake Ontario is known for its stunning waterfront, green spaces and strong sense of community. Offering a mix of beauty and city conveniences Port Union provides residents with a range of housing choices, recreational facilities and local amenities that cater to families.
The neighbourhood boasts access to institutions. Public, Catholic and private schools. Ensuring children of all ages receive a quality education tailored to their needs. With offerings and engaging extracurricular programs these elementary and secondary schools create a nurturing and fulfilling learning environment for students, in this charming area.
- Public Schools: 3
- Catholic Schools: 2
- Private Schools: 2
Public Schools:
- Centennial Road Junior Public School
- William G. Miller Public School
- Sir Oliver Mowat Collegiate Institute
Catholic Schools:
- St. Brendan Catholic School
- Pope John Paul II Catholic Secondary School
Private Schools:
- Blaisdale Montessori School
- Guildwood Village Montessori School
Port Union, Toronto Homes
This neighbourhood showcases a blend of styles incorporating English, Spanish and Swiss influences, into the fabric of its homes. Many of the residences in this area date to the 1940s and 1950s encompassing a variety of housing types including frame cottages, ranch style bungalows, split level homes and two story houses. Additionally there is a presence of custom designed homes interspersed throughout.
Centennial is situated north of Lawrence Avenue. Extends eastward to Port Union Road. The western section saw development prior to the 1960s characterized by properties with large homes. Subsequent development in the early ’60s through the late ’70s focused on the segment with lots and more uniform sized residences.
Port Union Village, an established community south of Lawrence Avenue offers an array of semi detached and detached houses along with townhomes inspired by waterfront living. These homes boast design features, like front porches, second story decks facing the front and charming turrets that maximize views overlooking Lake Ontario.