Village Green Is Etobicoke’s Oldest Park

Few people are aware that Thistletown is home to Village Green Park, the oldest park in Etobicoke. In 1895, resident James Farr applied to buy an unused road allowance on the south side of his property. Initially council agreed, until a petition from local residents asked that, in exchange, Farr be required to donate land for a public park. Farr agreed to give one hectare of his land, and in 1896, the first public park in Etobicoke opened between Islington Avenue and Albion Road. Since then the park has been used for countless community events, including agricultural fairs, sporting competitions, a skating rink, community picnics, Victory Gardens, wedding receptions, and an annual Village Green Festival. In the above photo from 1952, the Thistletown Volunteer Fire Department is giving a public demonstration in the park.  Courtesy: VINTAGE TORONTO

​Researched & Written by Denise Harris, originally published by the Etobicoke Guardian and reprinted with permission.