High Park
History
The High Park neighbourhood contains a wealth of history. The area north of Bloor Street was formerly part of the Town of West Toronto Junction, which was annexed by the City of Toronto in 1909.
The historical house at 191 High Park Avenue was built in 1888 for D.W. Clendenan, the first mayor of West Toronto Junction.
The High Park property south of Bloor Street, was purchased in 1836 by John Howard † Toronto's first surveyor. Howard named his estate High Park because of its magnificent view of Lake Ontario.
In 1873 Howard deeded his beloved High Park estate to the City of Toronto. John Howard's former residence † Colborne Lodge † is still situated on its original site in High Park, where it is now a museum.
Overview
The High Park neighbourhood is home to a wide range of people. Its highly regarded schools including Humberside Collegiate attract many families with school age children to this neighbourhood.
High Park contains numerous rental opportunities that are popular with singles and couples. There are also a handful of seniors accommodations within this neighbourhood.
The topography of the High Park neighbourhood features gently rolling hills, winding streets, and towering Oak trees that enchant and delight all those who live here.
The beauty of this neighbourhood emanates from High Park which is one of Toronto's largest and most popular parks.
Homes
High Park's winding tree-lined streets are lined with impressive Victorian, Edwardian, and Tudor-style homes.
These captivating houses were built largely during the late 1800's and early 1900's. Several of these houses have been divided into multiple-family dwellings.
High Park's distinctive brick homes feature a variety of architectural details that vary from house to house. These features include leaded and stained glass windows, lush wood trims, french doors, hardwood floors and fireplaces.
The High Park neighbourhood also features a selection of condominium apartment buildings along Quebec Avenue, north of Bloor Street. These apartments are in the entry level price range. They include balconies, some of which feature south views that overlook High Park and Lake Ontario.
Shopping
High Park is conveniently located within walking distance of 'Bloor West Village', one of Toronto's most popular shopping districts. The 'Village' is known across the City for its European bakeries, delicatessens, specialty food shops, cafes and restaurants.
High Park's other major shopping area is the 'Junction Gardens', along Dundas Street West. This recently revitalized retail district has gone back to its roots as a railway centre by incorporating a railway lantern into the heritage street signs along Dundas Street.
Recreation
High Park encompasses 399 acres of public parkland. This city park includes a fishing pond, an outdoor theatre, an animal paddocks, picnic grounds, playgrounds, a restaurant, an historic museum, flower gardens, an adventure playground and a trackless train.
High Park's sports facilities include tennis, baseball, soccer, lawn bowling, swimming, and skating, as well as walking, jogging and cycling paths found throughout the park.
You can read all about the rich history of High Park at the Runnymede Public Library on Bloor Street or the High Park Public Library on Roncesvalles. Both these libraries offer a myriad of programs for neighbourhood residents.
Schools
Please Note: Prior to buying or renting , you should phone the school you are interested in enrolling your child, in order to confirm that they will accept children from the address you are considering moving to.
High Park Alternative Jr., 265 Annette St., (416) 393-9040
(Public School)
Keele St. Jr., 99 Mountview Ave., (416) 393-9035
(Public School)
Mountview Alternative Jr., 99 Mountview Ave., (416) 393-9037
(Public School)
Runnymede Jr. & Sr., 357 Runnymede Rd., (416) 393-9055
(Public School)
Annette Jr.& Sr., 265 Annette St., (416) 393-9040
(Public School)
Humberside Collegiate Institute, 280 Quebec Ave., (416) 393-0000
(Public High School)
Western Technical Commercial School, 125 Evelyn Cres., (416) 393-0500
(Public High School)
St. Cecelia, 355 Annette St., (416) 393-5218
(Separate School)
Montessori High Park School, 35 High Park Gdns., (416) 763-6097
(Private School)
Montessori Humberside School, 411 Clendenan Ave., (416) 762-8888
(Private School)
Legend:
(P) Public School
(PH) Public High School
(CA) Catholic School
(PR) Private School
(PC) Private Catholic School
(PJ) Private Jewish School
(C) College
(U) University
The Toronto neighbourhood text profiles, sketches and maps displayed on this website were originally published in "your Guide to Toronto neighborhoods", are © Maple Tree Publishing Inc. and have been reproduced by Toronto Real Estate Board under license.
