Overview
The Markland Home Association is one of Toronto’s most active resident groups, with about 85-90% of local homeowners on board. They host community events like the annual Christmas Caravan, organize All Candidates Nights, and even offer scholarships for students heading to university. Plus, their monthly newsletter, The Marklander, keeps everyone in the loop on neighbourhood happenings.
History
Markland Wood’s roots trace back to 1810 when John Silverthorn built saw and grist mills along the Etobicoke River, serving local farmers. By 1870, the mills shut down, and the family turned to farming, even supplying tomatoes to Campbell Soup. In 1958, they sold the land to developer Mark Cavotti, and the neighbourhood was named in his honor.
Lifestyle
The Markland Wood Plaza is at the southwest corner of Bloor Street and Mill Road. It has a national supermarket, a McDonald’s (designed with input from the Markland Homes Association), a drug store, dry cleaner, pastry shop, bank, hair salon, flower shop, and even a vet clinic.
Over at Burnhamthorpe Mall (666 Burnhamthorpe Drive), you’ll find a popular food market, a post office, a pet store, medical and dental clinics, plus a family-friendly restaurant.
Homes
Markland Wood homes, built between 1960 and 1962, feature a mix of two-storey Georgian and Regency revival designs, along with contemporary bungalows and split-level houses. These homes sit on spacious lots with private driveways, double garages, and mature trees, with some backyards having apple trees from the old Silverthorn farm. Homes on Markland Drive back onto the Markland Wood Country Club and the Etobicoke River Valley
Recreation
Bloordale Community School, at 10 Toledo Road, offers programs for both kids and adults. Bloordale Park, next door, hosts the Bloordale Baseball League and has tennis courts. Millwood Park, off Bloor, has tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and a new playground coming soon. The Markland Wood Country Club, by Markland Drive, offers golf and social memberships, with the Etobicoke River Valley adding a natural boundary to the neighborhood.
Transportation
Buses along Mill Road, Markland Drive, and Bloor Street connect you to Kipling TTC and Go Transit stations.
Drivers can easily hop on the Burnhamthorpe on-ramp to Highway 427, which links to other major Toronto highways. Pearson International Airport is just a 5-minute drive away for those traveling out of the city.
Markland Wood Stats
Neighbourhood content from neighbourhoodguide.com