Living in Islington Village
Known as “Toronto’s Village of Murals” Islington Village is located in the heart of Etobicoke. This residential neighbourhood boasts 25 mural “masterpieces”, enhancing the walls of over 15,000 square feet that span five blocks of the historic shopping distrinct on Dundas West. Painted by artist extraodinaire, John Kuna, the murals depict a cohesive history of the neighbourhood. A labour of love this project started over nine years ago and is still expanding.
Boutique style shopping, quaint dining spots, local services, an abundance of greenspace and parkland, convenient access to TTC and Go Transit stations make Islington Village is a great Downtown lifestyle alternative. The original older tradtional homes were built on generous lots and now are flanked by newer builds and developments. This neighbourhood is a great downtown lifestyle alternative, close to highways, and downtown Toronto, convenient access to TTC and Go Transit stations. The Mimico Creek and the Islington Golf Club wind their way through the centre of this picturesque neighbourhood. Today Dundas W. between Montgomery Road and Kipling Avenue is the location of the Village of Islington Business Improvement Area (BIA). Visit this link to see shops, services and amenities in this colourful neighbourhood.
Homes in Islington Village
Islington’s housing stock dates from the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s. The older houses in this neighbourhood represent some of the best examples of Georgian, Colonial, English Cottage and Tudor style houses in the city. There is also a nice mix of Cape Cod style houses, ranch style bungalows and split-level homes. Many of these houses are situated on premium size lots that either front or back onto the Islington Golf Course. Islington also has a growing number of custom built new homes. Most of these houses are well designed and blend in well with the older houses in the neighbourhood.
Lifestyle in Islington Village
The Village of Islington on Dundas Street West between Montgomery Road and Kipling Avenue has an upscale tone with a small town feel. Stores here include a gourmet food shop, a deli, two drug stores, a hardware store, several flower shops, coffee houses and over 30 pubs, restaurants and cafes. The area known for its art and history is home to Arts Etobicoke, Creative Village, The Music Studio and Montgomery’s Inn. Further west along Dundas Street in the Dunbloor area are a cluster of small retail plazas, family style restaurants, professional and medical offices, new condos and specialty stores including a lingerie store and many salons. This area participates in the City-wide Doors Open Toronto and Culture Days events showcasing local art and history and offering free walking and trolley tours.
Visitors are always welcome in the Village of Islington to enjoy a leisurely stroll along Dundas Street West where you will spot colourful murals painted on the sides of local buildings. The Village of Islington has earned the well-deserved reputation of having the best quality murals in the city. Some of the mural themes include: tributes to Islington’s past volunteer fire brigade and acknowledgement of local farmers and prominent residents. The murals also look at the area’s role in historical events including Hurricane Hazel and the War of 1812. And one of the area’s most beloved murals entitled “Briarly – Gone but not forgotten” showcases an original home in the village, that unfortunately is no longer standing.
Each mural is accompanied by an historical plaque which provides details about the subjects painted in murals. For groups of 10 or more contact the Business Improvement Area (BIA) for a free guided mural tour at info@villageofislington.comor 647 703-4802.
Recreation in Islington Village
The historic Montgomery’s Inn located at 4709 Dundas Street West, is now a museum. This Georgian Loyalist Inn with its handsome riverstone exterior is one of the most beautiful and alluring buildings in Toronto. Montgomery’s Inn hosts a number of year round festivals, a lecture series, and an afternoon tea in its cosy and comfortable tea room. The Islington Golf Club features a Par 72, 6400 yard course that was designed by renowned golf course architect Stanley Thompson. This private club has a friendly atmosphere and is geared towards families. If tennis is your game you will want to head to Rosethorn Park located just north of the Islington Golf Club. This park has three tennis courts and a children’s playground. The Islington Baseball League has been in operation since 1952. This club operates out of Rosethorn Park. Programs include Co-ed T-Ball, Boys and Girls Rookie Ball, Clinics and Rep teams.
Transportation in Islington Village
Bus service on Islington and Kipling Avenues connect passengers to stations on the Bloor-Danforth subway line. The Kipling station also provides service to the Go Transit Line. Motorists are approximately twenty minutes from downtown Toronto via Bloor Street. Commuters are within a ten minute drive of the Islington and Kipling Avenue on-ramps to Highway 401 which connects to all of Toronto’s major highways.
