The Vibe

There's a distinct commercial vibe filled with the hustle of people looking to either earn or spend some money. There's never a dull moment as you can take the subway to work, drive to Sherway Gardens to shop or take in a flick at the new Cineplex VIP.

The Story

Islington City Centre is known as one of four central business districts located outside of the downtown core. Bordered by Rathburn Road to the north, Islington Ave to the east, Bloor Street to the south and Mimico Creek to the west, this commercial and residential mixed neighbourhood is located in the borough of Etobicoke. Etobicoke was officially incorporated as a township in 1850. Urbanization began in central Etobicoke in the 1950's,  post war boom, with growing residential areas in Islington to the north and industrial growth to the south. This led to Etobicoke's incorporation which separated from the County of York to form a part of the new Metropolitan Toronto in 1954.

In 1967, several plans were created to raise the level of commercial and residential density in Islington with the vision of creating a western "downtown" for Metropolitan Toronto.

To preserve its past, the Montgomery Inn which was built in the early 1800's has been preserved as the Etobicoke Community Museum and is open to the public. There is also a designated business improvement district known as the "Historic Village of Islington", which has commissioned a large number of historic wall murals along Dundas St. West.

The Convenience

To further improve and enhance the neighbourhood's access to Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, the Bloor-Danforth line was extended one stop west from Islington to Kipling with the convenience of Kipling's GO Station to service a broader area.

Other pleasures that residents can be sure to enjoy in this colourful neighbourhood include, Cloverdale Mall and Sherway Gardens which are the main malls in the neighbourhood, Islington Golf Club for the golfer in your family and ample parks and trails aplenty for those with young children or mature adults who enjoy Tai Chi in the park.

The Residents

The residents are predominantly working age residents (25 to 64), with a sizable number of seniors that speaks true to the established nature of the area. There are a large number of young families with children that inhabit this neighbourhood as the schools and community centres are easily accessible.

The Best Part

Excellent location! With proximity to Hwy. 427 and the QEW, as well as Kipling station where the GO Train connects with the TTC’s Bloor subway line, the Islington City Centre is convenient to get in and out of the city in a flash!

The Worst Part

Motorist traffic along the Queensway can test your patience at times, especially heading east during the morning rush hour. There is a heavy reliance on personal transportation as buses run only during certain times and if you miss it... you are guaranteed to wait awhile.

The Real Estate

Islington City Centre is an extensive area of neighbourhoods of single-family homes, bungalows, new mid-rise condominiums with retail expansion. Neighbourhoods are quiet, with large mature trees and nice lots, as well as plenty of rental options for those in the market.

Prices may be on the rise, but given the area's proximity to downtown and convenient transportation options, the price for convenience may be well worth every penny.

The Schools

Etobicoke Collegiate Institute is the area’s high school which was founded in 1928. You can find a number of schools from primary to College such as; Holy Angels Catholic School, Etobicoke Year Round Alternative Centre, music and art schools, St. Elizabeth's Catholic School, Bloorlea Middle School, Islington Junior Middle School and Kingsley Primary School.