Thistletown is located in the surroundings of the Humber River Valley boasting a community with people from various cultural backgrounds. The neighbourhood’s unique charm has attracted families who have been living here for generations.
One notable landmark in Thistletown is “Anga’s Farm” on 89 Benfield Drive, a spot where residents often visit during the summer to purchase fruits, vegetables and homemade honey. Another iconic location is the “Village Green” behind the Thistletown Multi Service Centre on Albion Road which was gifted to Thistletown residents back in the 1890s by Jonathan Farr. The Village Green hosts the Thistletown Fair every Saturday of June featuring a flea market, live performances, baking competitions, a children’s carnival and a BBQ organized by the Thistletown Lions Club.
History Of Thistletown, Toronto
Thistletown was first called “Coonats Corners” in honor of the Coonat family who settled there in the 1800s. The next prominent landowner, John Grubb established his riverstone residence in 1832, which still stands today amidst a woodlot, at 19 and 23 Jason Road.
John Grubb, an entrepreneur, was responsible for constructing roads in the area including Albion Road. In 1847 when a post office was set up on Albion Road it was initially named St. Andrews as a tribute to Grubbs birthplace in Scotland. However due to confusion with another St. Andrews, in New Brunswick the post office was later renamed Thistletown to honor Dr. William Thistle, a member of the community. His son John Thistle served as Thistletowns postmaster.
During the 1900s some summer cottages and permanent homes were erected in Thistletown. Despite these developments Thistletown remained predominantly agricultural until the real estate boom of Toronto during the 1950s and 1960s led to its urbanization.
Lifestyle
The shopping area, at Islington Avenue and Albion Road in Toronto is known for its offerings. It features a variety of East and West Indian, African Middle Eastern and Asian food stores and restaurants. Additionally you can find convenience stores like supermarkets, pharmacies and banks at the Thistletown Plaza, on Albion Road.
Thistletown, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The Thistletown Multi Service Centre, found at 925 Albion Road provides a range of activities for families to enjoy. These activities include basketball, for men and women ballroom dancing, jazz, ballet, painting and gardening. Within this centre is the Thistletown 55+ Seniors Centre that offers programs such as “Fit For Life ” computer classes, woodworking, shuffleboard, bridge, euchre, ceramics and badminton.
Situated in a woodlot setting overlooking the Humber River Valley is the Franklin Carmichael Art Centre at 34 Riverdale Drive. This art centre offers watercolor, oil painting classes for both children and adults. Additionally artists can utilize studio time during hours.
Located off Albion Road is the West Humber Parkland which features a 5.5 kilometer trail for walking and cycling that connects to the Humber Arboretum—a sprawling botanical garden spanning over 100 hectares showcasing diverse plants, trees and wildlife. Thistletown also boasts parks like Albion Gardens and Beaumonde Heights with amenities such as tennis courts and baseball diamonds.
Thistletown, Toronto Transit
Bus routes along Finch Avenue West and Albion Road link travelers to stops on the Yonge University Spadina subway line while the Islington Avenue bus offers a route to Islington station on the Bloor Danforth subway line.
Drivers can easily access Highway 401 via the Islington Avenue and Weston Road on ramps allowing for connections to Toronto’s network of commuter highways that lead in and out of the city.
Thistletown, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Thistletown is a vibrant neighbourhood situated in the part of Toronto. It is renowned for its knit community, green spaces and convenient amenities. Thistletown provides a range of housing choices from single family residences, to apartment complexes making it an attractive option for families. Residents have access to parks, recreational facilities and shopping centres making it an ideal location for those with children. The neighbourhood boasts a variety of institutions, including Catholic and private elementary and secondary schools ensuring that kids receive a quality education tailored to their needs. Families in Thistletown have access to schooling options that cater to preferences and provide a supportive learning environment with robust academic programs and extracurricular activities, for students of all ages.
- Public Schools: 4
- Catholic Schools: 3
- Private Schools: 2
Public Schools:
- Thistletown Collegiate Institute (also serves as a middle school)
- Daystrom Public School
- Beaumonde Heights Junior Middle School
- Thistletown Collegiate Institute
Catholic Schools:
- St. John Vianney Catholic School
- Venerable John Merlini Catholic School
- Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic Secondary School
Private Schools:
- Kingsway College School
- Rowntree Montessori Schools
Thistletown, Toronto Homes
“Located in the area known as Old Thistletown, nestled between Islington Avenue and Albion Road you’ll find a neighbourhood with a forest backdrop. Many of the homes in this area boast premium ravine lots that offer views of the Humber River Valley.
One of the standout properties in Old Thistletown is ‘Elmbank’ , a house dating back to 1832 that belonged to John Grubb, one of the pioneers of Thistletown. You can find Elmbank at 19 23 Jason Road. Additionally the Century houses at 32 and 34 Jason Road were once part of the Grubb farm.
Old Thistletown also showcases summer cottages from the early 1910s alongside bungalows from the 1940s and 50s as well as some recently constructed custom homes.
In contrast the newer sections of Thistletown, near Albion Gardens Park and Beaumonde Heights Park were developed in the 1950s and 1960s. These areas feature a mix of ranch style bungalows, split level houses and story and a half homes.”