Swansea Real Estate Neighbourhood Guide
Swansea village, otherwise known as just Swansea, is the only remaining Toronto neighborhood that has its own community run town hall. It is also the only Toronto neighborhood to have a pond, river, and lake in its natural boundaries. Its name originated from Swansea, Wales due to its hilly terrain and winding road topography. It is located north of Bloor St and a short distance from High Park. It is also in close proximity to Lake Ontario, which is located south from the neighborhood. Swansea is part of a middle-class family oriented neighborhood with various types of homes, consisting mostly of bungalows and semis. Larger homes are found closer to High Park or Riverside Drive; close to the Humber River.
Swansea was originally incorporated as a village in 1926, but carries history long before that. Back in 1615, Etienne Brulé was the first European to set foot on what is now known as Swansea. He is now pictured on the official Swansea Seal, along with a First Nations Member; acknowledging their presence in the village before europeans took the land. The seal also includes water; representing the Lake Ontario, Grenadier Pond and the Humber River, and the rolling hills throughout the neighborhood. It wasn’t until 1954 that Swansea had become urbanized. Apartment buildings were being built and the area grew with the development of The Queensway streetcar route. In 1967, Swansea was one of the final independant villages in Toronto to be amalgamated with the city, along with Forest Hill.
The only school directly in the neighborhood is Swansea Junior and Senior Public School. Just outside the neighborhood is Runnymede Junior and Senior Public School, St Pius Catholic School, and Humberside Montessori School. While these are the closest elementary schools, the secondary schools are a further walking distance, located in the High Park area. There are three preschools in the neighborhood; Swansea School-Age Day Care, Windermere Kids Inc, and La Petite Ecole; a french language based preschool.
There are a number of recreation based facilities in the Swansea area. The Swansea Town Hall offers numerous programs, for both children and adults. Older demographics can take dance, art and life skill programs, such as Pilates, Zumba, Yoga, Salsa, Singing or even Meditation. There are family courses too, like mother and baby activities, and toddler time. The Swansea Community Recreation Centre has drop-in, and registered programs. Along with fitness centre memberships. This community centre supports art, dance, music, camps, fitness, cooking, sports, and swimming courses for the community to take part in. All courses range in age from young children to adults. In very short walking distance from the community centre is Rennie Park; a public park with a hockey rink, skating rink, tennis courts, playground, and wading pool. The neighborhood is also very close to High Park, which supports a large sum of recreational activities too. There is also Swansea Memorial Public Library, located inside the Swansea Town Hall. It is a small library with a large section dedicated to children’s books. They offer regular programs like Family Time and Swansea Book Club.
Shopping is available on Bloor St West; one of Toronto’s most popular shopping districts. There, you are able to visit all types of bakeries, restaurants, clothing shops and other independent retailers. Bloor st includes larger chain stores as well, like Shoppers Drug Mart and No Frills Grocery. The Shoppers Drug Mart on the southwest corner of Bloor and Runnymede was once the Runnymede Theatre. It has been modified, yet still possesses some of the beautiful 20th century architecture both on the outside and inside. There is still a neighborhood theatre; The Humber Theatre. It is community run and located on Bloor St, west of Jane St. There are also a number of banks, veterinary clinics, and medical facilities to suit the community’s needs.
Public transport is readily available as Windermere and Morningside Ave have a ttc bus route, leading to the Bloor-Danforth subway line and or Queen St streetcar line. Jane station and Runnymede station are the closest subway stops on Bloor st. The neighborhood is only minutes away from Lakeshore Boulevard, leading to the Gardiner Expressway.
This neighborhood full of lush trees and rolling hills holds great history as one of Toronto’s last villages to be annexed. It is suitable for families, and is even pet friendly. There is a public school in the heart of the neighborhood, and many recreational services to take advantage of. Shopping and transport are easily accessible from anywhere in the area. Swansea is a great neighborhood for families looking to settle down in a quiet and peaceful setting.
