Windfields is a loved neighbourhood, among families in the upper middle income bracket. It boasts tree lined streets, spacious homes perfect for families, green spaces, top notch schools and easy access to Highway 401. The neighbourhood features a network of winding streets that lead to parks or main roads creating an atmosphere with minimal traffic. The residential roads have a vibe that invites children to play games like road hockey without much interference, from cars.
History Of Windfields, Toronto
The Windfields neighbourhood is situated where the Windfields Farm once stood, giving the area its name. E.P. Taylor, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, owned Windfields Farm, established in 1937. The name “Windfields’ ‘ was coined by Taylor’s wife Winnifred while they were strolling on their property on an autumn day. Windfields Farm was widely recognized as one of the premier racing stables in North America during its housing of notable horses like Northern Dancer, who made history as the first Canadian horse to win the Kentucky Derby.
In 1963 E.P. Taylor relocated his residence to Lyford Cay in the Bahamas for privacy reasons. Subsequently sold most of Windfields estate to developers in 1968. Additionally he generously donated thirty acres of land for what’s known as Windfields Park and gifted his magnificent mansion at 2489 Bayview Avenue to the city in 1968. This mansion in Colonial Revival style is currently home to the Canadian Centre for Advanced Film Studies since its establishment in 1988. E.P. Taylor passed away at his residence, in Lyford Cay in 1989.
Lifestyle
Leslie Street offers a variety of street side shops, for Windfields residents including a mix of restaurants, convenience stores, businesses and offices. Nearby shopping centres like Bayview Village Shopping Centre, York Mills Plaza and Don Mills Shopping Centre are a drive away. The transformation of the former outdoor Don Mills Shopping Centre into the Shops at Don Mills has brought back a retail experience for shoppers.
This unique shopping destination in Toronto follows the city’s Green Development Guidelines. Features a Town Square with a water feature that puts on a choreographed show every two hours.On the side of the Town Square stands a mesmerizing clock tower, which serves as a sculpture created by the Canadian artist and writer Douglas Coupland. The symbols featured on this clock tower depict houses reminiscent of those seen in the Don Mills community.
Windfields, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Windfields Park, located at the heart of this neighbourhood boasts a walking trail that meanders along Wilket Creek. This natural oasis is home to trees, a pond, marshlands and a variety of wildflowers, birds and wildlife species. It’s a spot for picnics during the summer and cross country skiing in the winter. Accessible from York Mills Park at the intersection of York Mills Road and Bayview Avenue Windfields Park also houses the York Mills Arena where people of all ages can enjoy ice skating.
Edwards Gardens, renowned as one of Toronto’s parks, borders Windfields Park to the south. Featuring Wilket Creek running through its core Edwards Gardens is known for its rock formations, gardens, rose beds and cascading waterfalls. Additionally it hosts the Civic Garden Centre—a public gardening resource in Canada.
Nestled in an environment backing onto Windfields Park is the Banbury Community Centre on 120 Banbury Road. This centre offers programs like Banbury Kids and Banbury Fitness alongside activities such as dance classes, yoga sessions and arts programs. The adjacent Banbury Tennis Club provides opportunities for community members.
Parks in this area offer plenty of fun with playgrounds catering to children’s enjoyment.
This neighbourhood has two parks, each offering a total of four facilities. On average each park provides two facilities.
Windfields, Toronto Transit
The bus, on York Mills Road takes passengers to York Mills station, which is part of the Yonge University Spadina subway line. This station also serves as a Go Transit bus station with service to Pearson International Airport. Limited bus service can be found on Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue. It takes twenty five minutes to drive downtown Toronto from here and five minutes to reach Highway 401 a key commuter route in the city.
This neighbourhood has 43 transit stops. In Windfields most residents rely on cars for commuting with many traveling to cities for work.
Windfields, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Windfields boasts high schools, along with specialized programs at both levels. The neighbourhood is served by a total of 10 schools and 4 Catholic schools. Special programs available in the local schools encompass offerings such as the International Baccalaureate, Immersion and Advanced Placement options. Windfields has great elementary schools, great secondary schools, elementary special programs, and secondary special programs. There are 10 public schools and 4 Catholic schools serving this neighbourhood. The special programs offered at local schools include International Baccalaureate, French Immersion, and Advanced Placement.
- Public Schools: 10
- Catholic Schools: 4
Public
- O’Neill CVI
- Elsie MacGill PS
- Sunset Heights PS
- Northern Dancer PS
- École Jeanne Sauvé PS
- Eastdale CVI
- Dr SJ Phillips PS
- St Anne Catholic School
- ÉS Ronald-Marion
- É Élém Antonine Maillet
Catholic
- ÉÉC Corpus-Christi
- St. John Paul II Catholic School
- ÉSC Saint-Charles-Garnier
- Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic HS
Windfields, Toronto Homes
The houses in Windfields were constructed during the 1970s and 1980s. They vary in size ranging from split level and ranch style bungalows to homes exceeding five thousand square feet. Many of these residences showcase details such as stone entrances, distinctive Tudor roof designs with half timbering elegant doric columns and occasionally a turret. Additionally Windfields boasts some examples of housing characterized by asymmetrical layouts, flat roofs and spacious picture windows. The neighbourhood also features townhouses on Leslie Street. A few high rise apartment buildings on York Mills Road.
In Windfields the majority of homes are detached properties. The area has a community, with 71% of households having relocated within the five years and 32% having moved within the past year. Most of the residences are constructions and are primarily occupied by their owners.