Kingsway
The delightful West Toronto neighbourhood of Sunnylea still radiates the same charm that it did when it was first settled by former King’s Ranger Alexander Thompson some 200 years ago. Though the thriving fruit orchards that once dominated the area have since been redeveloped to accommodate homes and families, the pleasant country atmosphere is still alive and well in the community’s numerous parks and green spaces, the serene Mimico creek that runs through the neighbourhood’s centre, and historic Spring Bank Cottage, the Thompson family’s original home, which still stands today at 7 Meadowcrest Road.
Between the 1930’s and 50’s, Sunnylea experienced a building boom, with bungalows, split levels, two storey houses and Tudor style homes, being constructed to receive the influx of young families, drawn to the area’s rustic beauty. Sunnylea’s family friendly, residential character is evident in its numerous elementary schools, high schools and recreational facilities, which include, tennis courts, pools and the Islington Golf Club. Also conveniently close is the Kingsway Village shopping district on Bloor Street West, replete with fruit and vegetable markets, bakeries, cafes, a variety of specialty stores and some of the finest restaurants in the city, such as Black Angus Steak House, The Green Mango Thai restaurant and La Veranda Osteria just to name a few. Despite its appealing suburban tranquility, a short drive down Gardiner Expressway or Lake Shore Boulevard quickly connects Sunnylea residents to Toronto’s active down town core and conveniently located bus routes provide fast access to stations on the Bloor-Danforth subway line.
Neighbouring Sunnylae, just east of Mimco Creek, between Bloor and Dundas, is the affluent Etobicoke community known as The Kingsway. Like Sunnylea, The Kingsway started out as part of the Thompson family farm but development began in earnest in the early 20th century when local lawyer Robert Home Smith purchased The King’s Mill, Toronto’s first sawmill, and its surround property. Inspired by the then popular Garden City movement, meant to increase green space and reduce urban sprawl, Home Smith oversaw the planning of the area, with numerous homes being built mostly in the Victorian Arts and Crafts Style. The Kings Mill, since renamed The Old Mill, still stands today, refurbished with a handsome Tudor façade and serving as a popular Inn and Spa.
Though The Kingsway is primarily a residential neighbourhood, with homes built predominantly in the single family detached style, there are also a number of apartments and condominiums. Between the Kingsway Village Shopping district on Bloor Street West and the Kingsway Mills outdoor shopping plaza on Dundas, the neighbourhood is a veritable consumer’s paradise. The area’s many parks and schools are a big draw for families with young children, as is the annual Taste of The Kingsway Festival, held on Bloor Street West every September, featuring samples of delicious cuisine, street performers, a fashion show and more! Walking distance from both the Royal York and Islington subway stations and only a 10 minute drive from the Toronto International Airport, Kingsway residents have easy access to transportation both local and international, though most would agree, there’s no place like home.