The Toronto Island neighbourhoods can be found spanning Wards and Algonquin Islands boasting a total of 250 homes and around 650 inhabitants across the two islands.
Islanders on the island own their homes. Rent the land from the government of the province they live in. There is currently a waiting list of more than three hundred buyers eager to secure a lease on the islands, in the future.
The Toronto Islands stand out as the neighbourhood in Toronto where cars are not permitted, making walking and cycling the means of getting around in this area.
History Of Toronto Islands , Toronto
The Toronto Islands came into existence in 1858 following a storm that divided Toronto’s peninsula from the mainland of the city itself. Upon their formation the Islands quickly evolved into a summer destination, with hotels, entertainment venues and vacation homes.
During World War Two’s housing crisis prompted the winterization of cottages on the Toronto Islands. Sparking the transition to year occupancy there was a shift towards year round occupancy on Toronto Islands due to efforts to winterize the cottages during World War Two. After the war ended, Metro imposed a requirement for all Island houses to be demolished as part of ensuring that Toronto Islands were designated for parkland use.
The neighbourhoods of Wards Island and Algonquin Island were the ones to withstand the city’s demolition efforts until 1994 when the province approved a long term lease agreement with the residents of Toronto Island to ensure the stability of the “Islanders” and their community, for 99 years.
Lifestyle
Islanders primarily shop on the mainland. Have the convenience of grocery deliveries as well, as twice weekly milk deliveries to their doorstep. Farm Boy located in the Queens Quay Terminal building along Toronto’s Harbourfront is a loved spot for shopping. Living on the island is laid back with a ban on cars encouraging community interaction as both residents and visitors explore the islands by foot or bicycle.
Situated on the Wards Island within reach of the ferry terminal lies the Island cafe. A delightful spot to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or indulge in a leisurely brunch or lunch, with homemade treats and perhaps even catch a beautiful sunset during dinner time. The cafe offers counter service as a take out bar and ice cream options, for those looking to grab a quick bite while enjoying the fully licensed garden patio atmosphere. Prefer to plan ? They’ll happily prepare a Picnic Basket for your island day excursion!
The Rectory Cafe, on Wards Island remains open throughout the year. Offers a setting, for brunches or lunches and even for romantic dinners as well.
Toronto Islands, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Wards Island offers a range of facilities such, as tennis courts and a baseball diamond along with a children’s playground and soccer field in addition to one of the beaches in Toronto city. The island also features a clubhouse and snack bar for visitors to enjoy and relax. Likewise the winterized clubhouse located at Algonquin Island serves as a venue for hosting community gatherings and events. Island residents take pleasure in tending to their gardens which are renowned for their beauty, in the city of Toronto.
The Toronto Islands offer opportunities for cycling and jogging in the summer months along with swimming and water activities like kayaking and paddle boarding On the hand in the winter season you can enjoy cross country skiing and ice skating activities, at Lake Ontario.
Toronto Islands, Toronto Transit
The Toronto Island Ferries run every day of the week. Are in service throughout the year to transport Island residents back and forth from the mainland regularly. The ferry trip from the mainland to Wards Island dock typically lasts ten minutes. Additionally some owned water taxis provide services at Yonge, Bay and York Quays well.
Toronto Islands, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
The Toronto Islands form an charming community nestled in Lake Ontario with breathtaking scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. Because of its location, elementary and secondary high school are scarce there so residents usually depend on schools located nearby the mainland for their education.
- Public Schools: 4
- Catholic Schools: 3
- Private Schools: 3
Public Schools
- Ward’s Island School
- R.H. King Academy
- Central Technical School
- Jarvis Collegiate Institute
Catholic Schools
- St. Michael Catholic School
- St. Joseph’s College School
- Monsignor Fraser College
Private Schools
- The York School
- Branksome Hall
- Royal St. George’s College
Residents living on the Toronto Islands can easily reach schools on the mainland using the ferry service to them. The close distance to a variety of facilities allows families to access high quality learning opportunities while savoring the lifestyle that island living provides.
Toronto Islands, Toronto Homes
The Toronto Island Residential Community Trust oversees the transactions involving homes, within the island community allowing residents to pass down properties and leases to their descendants without profiting from the sale of homes or lease transfers.
The property values in the Islands are determined by taking the construction cost and subtracting depreciation from it. The land lease prices may vary slightly over time. Currently stands at $39k for Wards Island and $49k for Algonquin Island. Algonquin Island has lease rates due to its larger lot sizes.
The houses, on Toronto Island mostly have exteriors that seamlessly fit in with the quaint surroundings of the neighbourhood. Nestled within each Island dwelling are an array of embellishments that enhance the enchantment of these homes.