Woodbine Gardens

Woodbine Gardens is a beautiful, smaller neighbourhood situated in the greater area know as 'East York'. I live to the south of Taylor Creek Park, and Woodbine Gardens is situated north of this expansive, rustic greenspace. The reason I mention this fact, is that I once had clients looking in the area for a condominium, and it was my pleasure to actually walk through the valley from my house, to show them several units in a particular building they were interested in. It was mid- summer, and once amongst the trees, you didn't even feel like you were in the city. That's the beauty of Woodbine Gardens. The neighbourhood has lovely homes, generally on large lots, and if one is fortunate enough to purchase a property that overlooks the ravine, then the added view will impress family and friends alike.

 Boundaries

This neighbourhoods boundaries are: Dawes Road to the East; Taylor Creek Park to the South; St. Clair Avenue East to the North, and finally O'Connor Drive to the West.

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What's Making The News?

Woodbine Gardens, is a place with many interesting stories and some very unique people. All the news on this varied neighbourhood and beyond can be found in The Mirror newspaper. It is delivered by volunteers every Friday to your door and is jammed packed with up-to-date news stories, opinions and local goings on. I myself has been featured in its pages for my environment initiatives in the East York neighbourhood, and the Greater Toronto Area.

Recognize This House?

You would if you were a devoted film buff - and I am certainly one! This home, located in Woodbine Gardens, was used in the film 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'. The movie starred - and was written by - Nia Vardalos. When the film first came out, many of my friends wanted me to drive them by the house so they could see it for themselves. Additional interior, and exterior scenes used in the film were shot in spots along Danforth Avenue between Pape and Broadview. 

 The Actress 'Mary Pickford' Connection To The History Of The Neighbourhood

'Americas Sweetheart' or 'The Girl With The Curls' was actually born in Toronto in 1893. Her family moved the the United States early in her life, and once there she became not only a great actress, but a legend. In point of fact, she, along with D.W.Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, and Douglas Fairbanks Sr., formed 'United Artists'. Some of her major screens credentials include: Rebecca Of SunnyBrook Farm (1918); Pollyanna (1920);  Rosita (1923). Miss Pickford won an oscar for her first talking film in 1929 entitled 'Coquette'. Interestingly enough, her 1914 picture called 'Tess Of The Storm Country' was so popular with fans when it was released, that the studios at that time paid her over one million dollars for her next two years of work. (back then no one paid taxes either) This was unprecendented at the time, and the only other actor making more was Charlie Chaplin. (the 'Little Tramp')

Mary Pickford, was not born in the Woodbine Gardens area of East York, but had a great hand in its early beginnings. The area became easily accessible in 1932 once the 'Woodbine Bridge' was built across the ravine, at a staggering cost (back then) of $275,000. At the time, the area was a noted golf and country club for the upper class. With this new access point in place, the area began to take shape. The first house to be built there was called 'The Mary Pickford Bungalow', and was built in 1943 to raise money for the Canadian effort regarding World War II. Miss Pickford herself donated her time, money, and extensive resources to aid in this effort. A raffle of the home, which is still there, raised much needed funds for the troops. Tickets were sold for $1 a share. It was the lotto 649 of its time. The home was indeed won, and the Woodbine Gardens area was put on the map.

 Price Ranges For Properties In Woodbine Gardens 

Woodbine Gardens, is a neighbourhood filled with homes that provide a lot of  property for your hard-earned dollars. It's historic character has remained mostly intact, as owners take pride in their homes, and provide maintenance where needed. However; as with everything, select older homes have been torn down, and newer ones erected in their place. If Mary Pickford were alive today, and held a raffle for one of these newer properites, just think of the money she would raise! As with most neighbourhoods in Toronto, price ranges vary, especially with detached properties. Overlooking the ravine is always a mitigating factor in price. New infill townhomes have been built along Dawes Road, adding to the revitalization of the area.

Detached                                               $280,000 - $800,000

Semi-Detached                                     $340,000 - $420,000

Condominiums                                     $150,000 - $250,000

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 Schools

In a massive comparison of school systems from around the globe, Canada ranked high amongst the world's leaders in educational performance. Some 470,000 fifteen year old students from 65 countries, were tested in reading, science and math, and Canadian students achieved top-ten results in all categories, according to the Organization For Economic Co-operation And Development.

In the Woodbine Gardens geographical area there is only one elementary school. Just outside of its boundaries there are several which serve the area, and which many resident's children attend. It is always best to call the school itself to see what its catchment area is. To view all schools in the area of greater East York click here. 

Elementary School

George Webster Elementary School 

Public Library

The Toronto Public Library system is an excellent one, and its many branches throughout the city offer much to its patrons. The 'Dawes Road' branch is no exception. This branch offers books and videos, in several languages, as well as having a lecture space for rent that comfortably seats 30 people. Whatever event you are planning they can be of help providing all chairs, tables (if necessary), screens, microwave, and even a refridgerator to keep your snacks and drinks cool. As well, for those with challenges it is wheelchair accessible.

History:    This particular branch has the distinction of being the first public library in Canada, that is part of a condominium. Its present location opened to great fanfare back in 1976, and is known as the 'Dawes Road' branch.  Prior to  that, the building was located just down the street on Gower, and known as the 'Woodbine Gardens Branch'. This earlier version of the library, located in 'Harmony Hall', officially opened its doors in 1969, by the then East York Public Library Board.

Transportation

The Woodbine Gardens neighbourhood is accessible via a variety of bus lines such as: Dawes Road, O'Connor Drive, and Victoria Park Avenue. These buses connect with several stations along the Bloor/Danforth subway line. Two such stations are: Main Station ( I use this particular one), and Victoria Park station. From either of these stations one can be at Yonge and Bloor in as little as 20-25 minutes. As well, at Main Street is the Go Transit station, which can have you downtown to Union station in as little as 15 minutes, as there are no stops in between. Or, you can take its trains further east to, say, Pickering.

For the motorist, accessibillity to major arteries is key and time always a factor. The Don Valley Parkway is but a short drive away, as is the 401 by travelling North up Victoria Park. To get downtown, simply travel south on Victoria Park to Kingston Road and then west. From there, the cities core is about 20 minutes away, depending on traffic of course!

Parks/Creek

East York is noted for the number, size and multifunctionality of its parks, and one of the largest of these is Taylor Creek Park, which forms the southern boundry for the Woodbine Gardens neighbourhood. It is an extensive park, and connects to many others. I have bicycle ridden from Dawes Road all the way to Edwards Gardens (at Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue), without ever leaving the park system itself! As well, Taylor Massey Creek - which is a tributary of the Don River and 16 kilometeres long - runs through the park system. The creek was so named after the wealthy families of Taylor and Massey (of Massey/Ferguson, which manufactured farm equipment). Both families owned rather sizeable estates in the area at one time.

Other parks in the immediate area also include Webster Park, and Donora Park.

Neighbourhood Restaurants/Shops/Malls

The Woodbine Gardens neighbourhood does not have any large malls or big box stores within its boundaries. There are some strip plazas, and a commercial district - especially along St. Clair Avenue, but within close proximity there is an interesting mix of malls, numerous strip plazas, and independantly owned retail shops and restaurants. These are predominately in the Clairlea/Oakridge neighbourhood which is directly adjacent to Woodbine Gardens. Certainly, the largest indoor mall in the area is 'Eglinton Square'. This more than 80 store mall (including anchor tenants the 'Bay' and food giant 'Metro') opened it's doors in 1954, and was one of the first malls located in Toronto. In its beginings, it was considered a very prestigious mall, so much so, that Queen Elizabeth herself made an official visit in 1959. While there, she also visited the 'Golden Mile' plaza, which is located directly across the street on Eglinton Avenue and Victoria Park. This 'Golden Mile' neighbourhood area, has had a massive resurgence in the past couple of years, and many big box stores (like WalMart) and restaurants (like East Side Marios) have positioned themselves there, drawing business away from the Eglinton Square shopping centre itself. Another plaza/mall (which I frequent regularily) is located a short distance to the south of the Woodbine Gardens neighbourhood. It's called 'Shoppers World On The Danforth', and it's main anchor tenents are: Zellers, Metro Groceries, and Shoppers Drug Mart. 

 So, Ready To Move To Woodbine Gardens?

Woodbine Gardens, is a small neighbourhood nestled in the larger area known as 'East York', but as you have seen it is not only teeming with greenspace, but unique properties as well. The area has much to offer for the discriminating buyer, and much to offer that same buyer's pocketbook.

So, ready to move to Woodbine Gardens?

Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me with any queries you may have regarding this neighbourhood, or the current supply of homes and condominiums, for sale or lease.

I bring you home.