Community Spotlight: York Mills

Barry Cohen

A River Runs Through It


York Mills, full of grand residences and palatial homes, is one of the more affluent neighborhoods in Toronto. Although the neighborhood originally got its name from York, which Toronto originally went by, and the saw and grist mills, which operated here along the Don River from 1804 to 1926. Those days are far in the past, and office buildings and high-end shopping centers have long replaced the tannery and blacksmith shops that once filled the area, though the river still flows through the community. 

Reminders of the riverside past remain a part of York Mills charm, such as The Jolly Miller Tavern, which was built in 1857 and operates today as the Miller Tavern, along with the St. John’s Anglican Church, built in 1816. After the closing of the mills in 1926, York Mills began to transition throughout the 1930s from its rural and industrial roots into the well-to-do neighborhood that we know today. 

Luxury condos, high-end townhomes and custom-built houses rest on large lots, which are lined with mature landscaping and tall trees.  With many public, private, and Catholic schools in the area, York Mills is an ideal neighborhood for families, and parents, kids and teens make up the largest demographic.

The naturally integrated and protected greenery that winds throughout neighborhoods is a primary attraction, but there are ample parks for recreation as well. With a baseball diamond, tennis courts, walking trails and a nearby golf course, there is no shortage of outdoor activities for residents to enjoy. The York Mills Arena has several different organized hockey leagues, and also offers opportunities for pleasure and power skating. Major parks, like Saint Andrews, also give residents a gorgeous green space perfect for picnicking. The integration of nature within the neighborhoods is a distinct feature of York Mills, and is one of the reasons why this toney Toronto neighborhood is so sought after. 

All of this may paint the picture of an idyllic suburban scene, but York Mills still maintains its connectivity. Well-served by Toronto’s public transportation, York Mills has three subway stations and bus routes that keep the community connected. Since the 401 highway runs along the area of York Mills, commuting, even by car, is easy. 

With plazas, restaurants, and cafes spread throughout the neighborhood, York Mills offers everything from diverse and upscale shopping centers, to large malls, international restaurants, and convenience services. 

Despite all of the changes that York Mills has undergone in its over two-hundred year history, it has still remained true to its roots, tranquility, and greenery, which is why the area remains so desirable. 




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