Rexdale is surrounded by the West Humber River Valley to the north and an industrial area to the south. The neighbourhood features a mix of housing including single family homes owned by residents, in the area and subsidized or rental housing, on the outskirts.
History Of Rexdale, Toronto
Rexdale was primarily land back in the 1950s when developer Rex Heslop initiated the land assembly that eventually led to the establishment of this neighbourhood. Anticipating the construction of Highway 401 and the job opportunities arising from Toronto International Airport nearby Heslop foresaw a demand for housing in Rexdale. His foresight was proven right as all properties in the Rexdale subdivision were quickly sold between the mid 1950s and early 1960s.
The former Etobicoke Township made concessions to Heslop under the condition that he also develop the farmland surrounding what is now known as Rexdale Boulevard. Etobicoke aimed to convert this land into space to help alleviate the increasing residential tax burden in the Township. Heslop readily agreed to meet Etobicokes requirements, understanding that more industrial development would bring employment opportunities and consequently potential homebuyers for his properties, in Rexdale. Upon its completion the Rexdale industrial zone emerged as one of Toronto’s industrial areas.
Lifestyle
The Rexdale Plaza, situated at the intersection of Islington Avenue and Rexdale Boulevard is home to a supermarket and a variety of independent and franchise stores. Additionally you’ll find amenities like a womens health club, professional offices, a language centre for newcomers to Canada and the Northern Elms Public Library.
Heading down Rexdale Boulevard you’ll encounter a mix of outlets, car dealerships, a major retail store, a bowling alley and professional establishments. Traveling north on Kipling Avenue leads to fast food chain restaurants and two local shopping plazas that cater to the needs of Rexdale residents.
At the junction of Rexdale Boulevard and Highway 27 lies the Woodbine Centre with around two hundred specialty shops. This shopping destination is renowned for its amusement park featuring attractions such as a carousel, ferris wheel, train ride and children’s play area.
Rexdale, Toronto Parks & Facilities
There are activities for families to enjoy in Rexdale. Sunnydale Acres, Rexdale and Rexlington Parks offer wading pools while Falstaff Park boasts a swimming pool. Tennis courts can be found at Sunnydale Acres, Flagstaff and Rexlington Parks. In the winter the tennis courts at Rivercrest School transform into an ice rink.
The Rexdale baseball league operates in parks in the area. Provides T Ball and house league programs for children.
Esther Lorrie Park and Kipling Heights Park at the north end of Rexdale offer views of the West Humber River Valley. These parks connect to West Humber Parkland with a trail used by walkers, joggers and cyclists.
At 65 Hinton Road is the West Acres Seniors Centre hosting events such as birthday parties, dances, field trips, bowling and crafts. The centre is also home to the Rexdale Lawn Bowling Club.
For horse racing enthusiasts Woodbine Race Track near Rexdale Boulevard features racing during the day and harness racing in the evenings.
Plenty of fun awaits at the parks and recreational facilities here.
In Rexdale Kipling the parks offer playgrounds, for children, sports areas and places for skating. There are six parks in Rexdale Kipling with a total of 23 facilities. On average each park has three facilities.
Rexdale, Toronto Transit
Drivers in this area have access to a variety of commuter highways like the 401, 427 409 and 27 all a short drive away. These routes offer connections to Pearson International Airport, which is situated a brief distance from Rexdale.
Within this community there are a total of 78 transit stops for residents. The neighbourhood features transportation hubs such as Etobicoke North GO station. In Rexdale Kipling the majority of commuters rely on cars for their travels, within the city.
Rexdale, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
In Rexdale Kipling there are both elementary and secondary schools, with programs. The area is served by a total of 11 schools consisting of 7 schools and 4 Catholic schools. These schools provide programs such, as French Immersion, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and Gifted/Talented Programs.
- Public Schools: 7
- Catholic Schools: 4
Public
- Elmlea Junior School
- ÉÉ Félix-Leclerc
- Thistletown Collegiate Institute
- West Humber Junior Middle School
- The Elms Junior Middle School
- Rivercrest Junior School
- ÉS Jeunes sans frontières
Catholic
- St. Benedict Catholic School
- ÉÉC Saint-Noël-Chabanel-Toronto
- ÉSC Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel
- St. Stephen Catholic School
Rexdale, Toronto Homes
Rexdales streets. Turn under the shade of mature trees. The front yards are carefully tended, showcasing a variety of trees. The neighbourhood boasts an array of housing options, including raised bungalows, ranch style homes, modern bungalows with car ports, split level residences, semi detached houses and traditional two story homes.
The homes, in the part of the Kipling Heights subdivision were predominantly constructed during the mid to 1950s while those on the western side mostly date back to the early 1960s. Some properties at the edge offer views of West Humber River Parkland.
Additionally Rexdale features walk up apartment buildings and multiplex dwellings situated around Islington Avenue and Rexdale Boulevard. These buildings offer a mix of private units, at affordable rates.
The neighbourhood comprises a range of housing options attracting a population where 32% of households have relocated within the past five years and 9% within the last year. It predominantly consists of residences. Accommodates both homeowners and renters.