Todmorden Village is an established neighbourhood, with tree lined streets and sturdy brick homes perfect for families. Its charming rustic appeal is influenced by its position on the slopes of the Don Valley ravine. The abundance of greenery surrounding the northern edges of the area creates a serene and serene atmosphere making Todmorden Village a truly tranquil oasis in Toronto.
History Of Todmorden Village, Toronto
Todmorden Village flourished around a cluster of mills and a brewery that operated near the banks of the Don River starting in 1795. The original families of Todmorden such as the Helliwells and Eastwoods hailed from Todmorden Village in Yorkshire, England which inspired the name of their settlement. Today reminders of this pioneer community can be found at the Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum near Pottery Road and a workers’ residences east of Broadview Avenue.
The history of the Todmorden area above O’Connor Street is closely tied to the Taylor family, who arrived in the Don Valley in 1834. The Taylors held ownership over all land north of O’Connor between Broadview and Woodbine Avenues. Their business ventures in the Don Valley comprised paper mills, sawmills, grist mills and the renowned Don Valley Pressed Brick Works that supplied bricks for structures across Toronto.
In decades like the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s subdivisions were made on the Taylor estates leading to growth, at the northern tip of Todmorden Village.
Lifestyle
The shopping area, in Pape Village to the south of O’Connor Street is bustling with businesses that cater to the residents. This vibrant district offers a range of shops, including hardware stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, bakeries and eateries. At the junction of Broadview Avenue and Pottery Road there is a zone with a supermarket, dining establishments, a healthcare facility and office spaces.
On a summer day it’s nice to visit the Dairy Queen at the northwest corner of Broadview and Pottery Road for some cool treats. Behind this Dairy Queen is an observation deck that offers views of the Don River Valley. The Evergreen Brick Works nestled in the Don Valley ravine near Bayview Extension feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle of Toronto life. This eco-friendly initiative in Toronto attracts visitors of all ages from across the city who come here to shop at the farmers market, explore nature trails and discover green spaces.
A highlight at Evergreen Brick Works is its Saturday Farmers Market where various vendors sell plants, locally grown produce, fresh baked goods and organic meats.
In the morning and lunchtime market a known vendor charms customers, with their delicious crepes and breakfast burritos. Hungry shoppers also flock to enjoy waffles and refreshing organic lemonade, in the air market.
Todmorden Village, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Todmorden Village residents can enjoy the Central Don park network, which stretches across the West Don River and Taylor Creek valleys. These beautiful parks are linked by a nine kilometre trail that’s great for walks, picnics, jogging and cycling. You’ll find the Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre, on Pottery Road offering a variety of activities throughout the year for families such as art classes, lectures, nature programs, theatrical performances and pioneer festivals.
Don’t forget to explore the Lower Don Valley nature trail from Pottery Road or Beechwood Avenue. Make sure to check out the red brick house at 20 22 Beechwood Avenue built in 1840 by the Taylor family; it stands as Todmorden Villages privately owned residence.
For year round family options, head over to the East York Community Centre on 1081 and 1/2 Pape Avenue where you can enjoy facilities, like a swimming pool, gymnasium, weight room and a small public library.
Todmorden Village, Toronto Transit
Bus services on Broadview Avenue and O’Connor Drive connect passengers to the Broadview station on the Bloor-Danforth subway line, while the Pape Avenue bus connects passengers to the Pape station, also on the Bloor-Danforth subway line. Motorists can drive downtown in five to ten minutes via either the Bloor Viaduct or the Bayview Extension. Commuters are just a few minutes from the Don Valley Parkway, which connects motorists to a series of highways that span the Greater Metropolitan Toronto Region. The Bayview Extension and Don Valley Parkway can be accessed from Pottery Road.
Todmorden Village, Toronto Elementary, Secondary and High Schools
Todmorden Village, located in the part of Toronto is a well established community bordered by the Don Valley and Taylor Creek Park. Renowned for its charm the neighbourhood is enveloped by greenery, ravines and parks creating a serene suburban ambiance while providing convenient access to urban facilities. Offering a mix of housing options such as single family dwellings, low rise apartments and townhouses Todmorden Village is in proximity to shopping centres, dining establishments and public transportation services making it an appealing choice for both families and individuals.
The locality boasts a range of institutions including elementary and high schools as well as Catholic and private schools that deliver high quality education for children of all age groups. Todmorden Village in Toronto presents schooling opportunities tailored to meet the learning needs of its residents. Through access to institutions along with private schools families residing in this area can select an educational setting that ensures a top notch learning environment for their children within a tranquil and community focused backdrop.
- Public Schools: 4
- Catholic Schools: 3
- Private Schools: 2
Public Schools:
- Chester Elementary School
- Westwood Middle School
- East York Collegiate Institute
- SATEC @ W.A. Porter Collegiate Institute
Catholic Schools:
- Canadian Martyrs Catholic School
- St. John XXIII Catholic School
- St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School
Private Schools:
- Montcrest School
- Crescent School
Todmorden Village, Toronto Homes
The homes, to the west of Broadview Avenue feature a mix of Tudor and Cottage style brick houses built in the 1930s and 1940s. Among them you’ll find cottages and row houses dating back to the 1800s and early 1900s remnants of the old Todmorden Village. Many of these residences overlook the Don Valley Ravine offering views of the city.
Additionally there are a rise and high rise apartment buildings in this area. Real estate agents have dubbed the six streets of O’Connor between Pape and Donlands Avenues as “The Golden Triangle.” These charming Tudor style homes, constructed in the 1920s and early 1930s boast features like front porches, leaded glass windows, wood burning fireplaces, intricate wood trimmings and hardwood floors.
The northeastern corner around Four Oaks Park is home to some of the city’s stone and brick bungalows ideal for singles, couples or empty nesters seeking cozy living spaces.