Summerhill is a neighbourhood in Toronto, known for its century old houses, picturesque tree lined streets and ample green spaces. Situated along the Yonge Street corridor Summerhill offers its residents access to the downtown business and entertainment hubs of Toronto.
History Of Summerhill, Toronto
The Summerhill area takes its name from ‘Summer Hill’ mansion, a Regency style house constructed in 1842 by Charles Thompson, a figure in transportation. Positioned atop the hill this magnificent abode now sits on a street known as Summerhill Gardens. Thompsons expansive Summer Hill estate, spanning two hundred acres, extended from Yonge Street to Mt. Pleasant Road back in the day. At this location he established the Summer Hill Spring Park and Pleasure Grounds, an entertainment hub featuring attractions such as rides, games, swimming facilities and a popular dance pavilion housed within the Summer Hill residence.
In 1866 Larratt William Smith. A lawyer and entrepreneur. Acquired the Summer Hill property. Transformed it into a private sanctuary for his large family. Following its annexation by the City in 1903 Smith passed away in 1868. By 1911 faced with expansion encroaching upon their doorstep Smiths heirs opted to sell off Summer Hill to real estate developers. Marking the end of an era.
Before the 1910s era saw development in this locale beyond the Summer Hill estate itself; only Victorian row houses and labourers’ cottages could be found at the southern end of the neighbourhood near the railway tracks. These dwellings provided lodging for workers at North Toronto Railway station. A passenger rail hub in Toronto, during that time.
In 1929 Union Station took over from the North Toronto station as the terminus, in the city. Despite this change the railway continued to hold significance in Summer Hills history. By 1954 Summerhill was designated as a stop on the Yonge Street subway line. Forward to 2003 and the North Toronto railway station underwent a transformation restoring its clock tower and impressive architecture to become one of Canada’s largest liquor stores. It’s worth noting that the historic Summer Hill Coach House dating back to around 1865 still stands today behind 36 Summerhill Gardens. This charming house features a slate roof that can be spotted from the end of Rosehill Reservoir.
Lifestyle
Residents of Summerhill can easily walk to the boutiques and dining establishments located along Yonge Street and Summerhill Avenue. Additionally, the shopping areas of Bloor Yorkville and Yonge and St. Clair is conveniently reachable, from the Summerhill area.
Summerhill, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Rosehill Reservoir Park can be found on the side of Yonge Street accessible via Summerhill Gardens. The lower area of the park features a pathway with walkers, runners and cyclists. On the corner of this path lies David A. Balfour Park, a nature trail that meanders through the Vale of Avoca Ravine. Moving up to the section of Rosehill Reservoir Park you’ll discover amenities like a kids playground, wading pool, waterfall and serene reflecting pools. Lionel Conacher Park, located near Birch Avenue serves as a tribute to Lionel Conacher, a celebrated athlete from the 1900s. Hailing from Summerhill neighbourhood Conacher was part of two Stanley Cup winning Toronto Maple Leaf teams. Excelled in other sports at an elite level while also holding positions, in both the Ontario Legislature and House of Commons.
Summerhill, Toronto Transit
The Summerhill subway station, situated on the Yonge University Spadina subway line is conveniently close to all residences in the area. Positioned along Yonge Street, Summerhill offers drivers effortless entry to the city centre and key highways.
Summerhill, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Summerhill Estates boasts elementary and secondary high schools, along with specialized programs at both levels. This neighbourhood is served by a total of 7 schools and 9 Catholic schools. The local educational institutions offer a variety of programs such, as Advanced Placement, French Immersion and International Baccalaureate.
- Public Schools: 7
- Catholic Schools: 9
Public
- Terry Fox PS
- Crossland PS
- Aurora Heights PS
- Clearmeadow PS
- Sir William Mulock SS
- Poplar Bank PS
- ÉS Norval-Morrisseau
Catholic
- St John Chrysostom Catholic ES
- ÉÉC Saint-Jean
- St. Maximilian Kolbe HS
- Sacred Heart Catholic HS
- St Nicholas Catholic ES
- St Paul Catholic ES
- St. Joseph Catholic ES
- ÉSC Renaissance
- Our Lady of Grace Catholic ES
Summerhill, Toronto Homes
In Summerhill you’ll find a mix of detached and detached Victorian houses along with Edwardian style homes dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of these homes lack driveways. Residents can obtain street parking permits from the city for a yearly cost. Additionally, Summerhill features townhouses. A few upscale low rise condo buildings were constructed mainly in the 1980s and 1990s.