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Neighbourhood Profiles

Etobicoke is more than just a former township in a large metropolis.  It is a collection of towns, villages, and special places that have evolved over the years to become one of Toronto's most dynamic places to live, work and play.  Discover the rich history of Etobicoke's neighbourhoods and hidden villages here.

Read about the History of Etobicoke From Township to Amalgamation.

Read about a Brief Overview of Etobicoke's Historic Communities.

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Alderwood

Alderwood, one of Etobicoke's historic settlements and part of the old Colonel Samuel Smith Tract.

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Claireville

The “Father” of Claireville is considered to have been Jean du Petit Pont de la Haye - born in France in 1799.

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Eatonville

Eatonville was a farming area and it is said that its "Swamp School" brought the community together.

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New Toronto

A community established by the "New Toronto Manufacturers' Company" late in 1889. 

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Highfield

Highfield was a post office village at the intersection of what is now Rexdale Boulevard and Highway 27.

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Humber Bay

Humber Bay began on the shore of Lake Ontario, growing westward from the Humber River to Mimico Creek, and north to today’s Berry Road. 

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Humbervale

Humbervale was a busy farming area, bound by the Humber River, Royal York Road and Leggett Avenue.

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Islington Village

The heart of current-day Etobicoke where Burnhamthorpe Road meets Dundas Street West.

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Lambton Mills

The village of Lambton Mills straddles the Humber River and was once a bustling milling community.

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Long Branch

The first owner of the waterfront land that would one day be called “Long Branch” was Captain Samuel Smith. 

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Markland Wood

In 1958, Marc Cavotti purchased 400 acres from the Silverthorn family for a new community, Markland Wood. 

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Mimico

Mimico began with John William Gamble and the Parish of Christ Church.


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Rexdale

The area east of Islington Avenue and north four blocks from Highway 401 was the original Rexdale, or “Old Rexdale”. 


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Richview

Richview received its name in 1852 when a post office opened on the Sixth Line of Toronto Township. 

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Smithfield

At Martin Grove and Albion Roads lay the village of Smithfield, which was named after the local family of Robert Smith and  his three sons. 

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Summerville

The small village of Summerville was located along Dundas Street on both sides of Etobicoke Creek.

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Sunnylea

Most of this area was originally set aside by Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe by 1796 as the King’s Mill Reserve.

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The Kingsway

Robert Home Smith had the idea for creating residential developments that became "The Kingsway".

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The Queensway

The Queensway was originally called Queen Street West as it was considered an extension of Queen Street in Toronto.

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Thistletown

In 1833, John Grubb arrived from Scotland & settled here.  Today, Albion Road and Islington is the heart of old Thistletown.

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Westmount

Milling began in the area now called Westmount in 1792 when John Countryman built a saw mill.


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