Overview
The Elms is a diverse community with people from all walks of life. It’s located next to the beautiful Humber River Valley, offering lots of parks, mature trees, and varied terrain. While it’s usually peaceful, the calm is occasionally interrupted by planes flying to Pearson International Airport.
History
The Elms, named after the former Elms Golf Club, sits between Islington and Albion, with Pine Point Golf Course just south. After Pine Point was sold in the ’50s, developers built Rexdale, and the Elms course came in the ’60s. The Elms Ratepayers Association blocked a Wilson Avenue extension in the ’70s and successfully lobbied for the Northern Elms Public Library, which opened in 1995.
Lifestyle
Rexdale Plaza, at Islington and Rexdale Blvd., has an Asian supermarket, discount stores, sports and kids’ wear, offices, a women’s health club, and the Northern Elms Library.
Both Islington and Albion have small plazas packed with food shops and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.
Homes
The Elms has a mix of well-kept homes, mostly from the 1950s and 1960s, many with ravine or parkland views. Styles include ranch bungalows, split-levels, Georgian Revivals, and some newer custom builds.
East of Albion, around Summerlea Park, the area blends similar homes with low-rise rental apartments and townhouses managed by the Metro Toronto Housing Authority.
Recreation
The Elms Community School offers programs for all ages and hosts a June “Fun Day” with games and a BBQ. Elms Park has a trail and playground, while the West Humber Parkland Trail leads to the Humber Arboretum and Summerlea Park, which has sports facilities.
Pine Point Park features the Pine Point Arena, tennis courts, a pool, and a trail with bridges over the Humber and Berry Creek. The Humber Valley Golf Course is also nearby.
Transportation
Buses on Islington and Albion connect to Islington Station on the Bloor-Danforth subway. Drivers are just five minutes from the Islington and Weston Road on-ramps to Highway 401, connecting to Toronto’s highways.
The Elms Stats
Neighbourhood content from neighbourhoodguide.com