Sunnylea stands out as one of the neighbourhoods in Toronto especially beloved by young families. Its quaint charm is accentuated by the absence of sidewalks on tree lined streets while the Humber River marks its perimeter and Mimico Creek winds through its heart. The lack of sidewalks adds to Sunnyleas appeal. Renowned for its top notch schools which are an attraction for residents Sunnylea features elementary schools, with specific enrollment zones catering to different parts of the neighbourhood. To determine enrollment areas it is advisable to reach out to the schools. Additionally Sunnylea boasts a ratepayers association.
History Of Sunnylea, Toronto
The Sunnylea neighbourhood’s history is intertwined with Alexander Thompson, who acquired two hundred acres of land in 1803 after leaving the Kings Rangers. Alexander Thompson resided in a home south of Bloor Street, at Royal York Road, known as “RoseBank Cottage.” His son Archibald lived in a country Georgian farmhouse named “Spring Bank Cottage,” which still stands today at 7 Meadowcrest Road. The Thompson property was famous for its apple, cherry pear and plum orchards. In the 1800s other families settled in Sunnylea.
Cultivated prosperous market gardens brimming with fruits and vegetables. Some of the Sunnylea farmhouses remain on Prince Edward Drive and Islington Avenue. In 1907 the first Sunnylea School was constructed on Prince Edward Drive—a quaint two room white brick schoolhouse. Edna G. Whitworth, a student, at the school won a contest to name the community “Sunnylea.” The old farms of Sunnylea were divided into lots during the 1930s and 40s to create the present day neighbourhood.
The increase in the number of families moving to this neighbourhood prompted the establishment of the Sunnylea school in 1942.
Lifestyle
Residents of Sunnylea delight in the access they have to the shopping haven of Kingsway Village on Bloor Street West. This designed retail hub exudes a pedestrian friendly ambiance adorned with inviting park benches, lush evergreen trees and elegant cast iron street lamps that exude a sense of luxury. Every detail is meticulously crafted, from the cast iron frames that wrap around the garbage bins to the abundance of metered parking spaces along Bloor Street and its adjacent side streets making exploration of this bustling shopping district a breeze.
The eclectic array of shops in Kingsway Village caters, to tastes ranging from high end fashion boutiques and childrens stores to cozy bookshops, specialty outlets, upscale dining establishments, fresh produce markets bakeries brimming with delectable treats and inviting coffee shops. Additionally an array of services can be found along this street scene with numerous travel agencies and real estate offices catering to the discerning clientele residing in this upscale neighbourhood.
Sunnylea, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The Norseman Community School, situated at 105 Norseman Street and the Park Lawn Community School, located at 71 Ballacaine Drive provide a range of activities, for kids, teenagers, adults and seniors. Norseman boasts a pool that sees use for aquafit classes and swim lessons. Meanwhile Park Lawn features a winter ice arena that transforms into tennis courts during the months. The outdoor pool at Park Lawn is popular for swimming sessions. Sunnylea Park and Laura Hill Park each offer two tennis courts and a playground for children. Spring Garden Park sits peacefully on the side of Mimico Creek with its playground area surrounded by plenty of mature trees providing ample shade.
The Brentwood Public Library can be found at 36 Brentwood Road, one block west of Royal York Road and one block north of Bloor Street. This library hosts programs throughout the year catering to children. For those aged fifty five and above the Fairfield Seniors’ Centre is located at 80 Lothian Avenue offering a seniors lounge, library services, workshops and support groups as exciting events, like fashion shows, “pub nights,” flea markets and summer barbecues.
Sunnylea, Toronto Transit
Residents in Sunnylea can access bus routes on Prince Edward Drive, Royal York Road and Islington Avenue that connect them to stations along the Bloor Danforth subway line. It takes fifteen minutes for drivers to reach Toronto’s downtown entertainment districts via Lake Shore Boulevard or the Gardiner Expressway, which also offer connections to all the main highways leading out of the city.
Sunnylea, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Sunnylea Elementary and Secondary School, a school rooted in the community and dedicated to excellence has a mission to help students reach their academic, physical and social potential, for lifelong learning. The school values safety and compassion fosters partnerships with the community and encourages engagement. Serving families for six decades, Sunnylea Junior School boasts a team of teachers who work together to establish student improvement goals ensuring each student achieves academic success.
Sunnylea, Toronto Homes
There are Sunnylea farmhouses, along Prince Edward Drive that have been carefully restored and cared for by the current homeowners adding a touch of whimsy and charm to the area. The bungalow, split level, one and a half story and two story houses in Sunnylea were predominantly constructed during the 1940s and 1950s. These homes are all structures with a thirty foot frontage and a private driveway. The Tudor style residences nearer to Bloor Street are among the oldest in this community.
Many of these properties showcase Riverstone exteriors, bay windows, stone chimneys, wrought iron railings and decorative front porches. Residents of Sunnylea living within the boundaries of Bloor Street, Royal York Road and Mimico Creek have taken steps by forming the Thompson Orchard Community Association. This organization has effectively worked with the city to implement zoning regulations aimed at preserving the ambiance of this area.