For more than a century Rosedale has been known as Toronto’s prestigious neighbourhood. Numerous affluent and influential individuals call Rosedale their home. What sets Rosedale apart is its surroundings of ravines and green spaces creating a tranquil oasis that seems distant from the city life even though it’s just a short drive away from Toronto’s main business, entertainment and shopping hubs.
History Of Rosedale, Toronto
Rosedales origins trace back to the 1820s when Sheriff William Botsford Jarvis and his wife Mary settled on the land. Mary, inspired by the abundance of roses that adorned the hills of their estate, named it Rosedale. Her frequent strolls and horseback rides in the area laid the foundation for the winding streets that define Rosedale today. In 1864 the Jarvis family sold their homestead leading to the development of South Rosedale through subdivision.
North Rosedales growth started in 1909 with the construction of a bridge over Park Drive ravine. Before becoming an area, North Rosedale housed St. Andrews College, Rosedale Golf Club. Served as a sports ground where the first Grey Cup game was played by the Canadian Football League.
The heritage conservation district status of South Rosedale was championed by the South Rosedale Ratepayers Association established in 1931 – Toronto’s association. The association aimed to safeguard the neighbourhood’s Garden Suburb features and historic homes. Thanks to their dedication South Rosedale received heritage conservation district recognition in 2003.
In 2005 North Rosedale also embraced the heritage conservation district status mirroring the steps taken by South Rosedale.
Lifestyle
Residents in Rosedale living to the west of Mount Pleasant Road can easily walk to the high end stores and dining spots along Yonge Street in the Summerhill district. On the other hand those residing in North Rosedale, east of Mount Pleasant Road have access to all their essential items within a small commercial area on Summerhill Avenue, at the northern tip of Rosedale. View homes currently for sale in Rosedale Moore Park, Toronto
Rosedale, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Rosedale boasts a series of age ravines, such as the Vale of Avoca, Moore Park, Park Drive and Rosedale Valley ravines. These picturesque trails in the ravines are popular among both nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts. Various access points to these ravine trails can be found at locations within the neighbourhood.
Rosedale Park, situated on Schofield Avenue features eight tennis courts, a sports field, an artificial ice rink and a wading pool for activities. Ramsden Park on Yonge Street offers four tennis courts, an ice rink and a wading pool well. Operating under the Rosedale and Moore Park resident associations, Mooredale House at 146 Crescent Road serves as a community hub. Membership at Mooredale incurs a fee but provides access to sports, fitness programs as well as arts and music classes, for both adults and children.
Rosedale, Toronto Transit
Rosedale buses operate along South Drive, Crescent and Glen Roads as Summerhill, Maclennan, Highland and Elm Avenues. These buses link up with either the Rosedale station, on the Yonge University Spadina subway line or the Sherbourne station, on the Bloor Danforth subway line. Drivers can easily reach the Don Valley Parkway in a few minutes.
Rosedale, Toronto Elementary, Secondary, High Schools
This area boasts elementary and secondary high schools, along with specialized programs for both levels. It is home to a total of 11 schools, 5 Catholic schools and 4 private schools catering to the community. The unique programs available at these institutions encompass offerings such as the International Baccalaureate, French Immersion and All Female programs.
- Public Schools: 11
- Catholic Schools: 5
- Private Schools: 4
Public
- Leaside High School
- Whitney Junior Public School
- Bennington Heights Elementary School
- Rosedale Junior Public School
- Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School
- Collège français secondaire
- Jesse Ketchum Jr and Sr Public School
- Deer Park Jr and Sr Public School
- North Toronto Collegiate Institute
- ÉÉ Gabrielle-Roy
- Jarvis Collegiate Institute
Catholic
- St. Anselm Catholic School
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School
- ÉÉC du Sacré-Coeur-Toronto
- ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
- Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
Private
- The York School – Junior
- Gradale Academy
- Linden School
- Branksome Hall
Rosedale, Toronto Homes
Rosedale boasts a mix of Victorian, Georgian, Tudor and Edwardian style mansions constructed from 1860 to 1940. Many of these properties in Rosedale are included in the Toronto Historical Boards list of Heritage Properties. Additionally, South Rosedale features condominiums, co-operatives and co-ownership apartment buildings that offer affordable housing options for those looking to settle into the area. The neighbourhood’s appeal lies in its Garden Suburb street layout, ravines, majestic old homes and classical architectural styles that collectively contribute to Rosedales charm.