Local Resources

Here are some links to resources in the neighbourhood of East York

East York Historical Society

The East Yorker Newspaper

East York Hockey Association

Profile of a Resident

My father Greg McIlveen has been a resident of East York for almost his entire life. His family moved to Torrens Ave in 1956, when he was just 5 years old. All of his schooling was in East York, his grandfather built parts of the neighbourhood's roads, and he even had his first legal drink at the Wally (a fantastic bar restaurant that he still goes to regularly). Throughout his life he has moved around a few times, but still staying in his childhood community of East York.

Why did you choose to stay in East York?

"Familiarity. Also because all the services are so close at hand, stores, libraries, everything is all in the area".

Would you recommend living in East York to someone?

"Definitely. I actually have. A good friend of mine is now a proud resident of EY".

Would you consider it to be a good, safe neighbourhood?

"Yes, it is very safe". 

And when asked what the first thing that comes to his mind when he thinks of East York he responded with a simple yet heart warming "Home."

News

There was a fire at 75 Cosburn Ave on November 9, 2014. There were no reported injuries (Thank goodness)

There was not much info about this when I looked it up. So, I just wanted to talk about how scary this is. This apartment building is no more than a 10 minute walk from my home. I vaguely remember an apartment fire on this part of Cosburn a few years ago. I want to say it was the same building- but don't take my word for it. That's just insane. Enough said.




Footage of the fire can be found below.
http://www.citynews.ca/2014/11/09/raw-firefighters-arrive-at-east-york-apartment-fire/

Any problems in the area?

Nothing too major seems to be going on in this community. I find it to be an overall very calm neighbourhood. Growing up I don’t remember any crime or violence. However, recently while walking home on Cosburn Ave I witnessed a young man being chased by police across the road, and around the back of a building. (This is not something normally seen in this area). Also, just in my opinion, the rent in a lot of the buildings seem to be increasing. I can't speak for the prices of houses, as I live in an apartment building. But I do know that there always seems to be an increase in rent for one thing or another. I find there to be construction happening a lot- A condo has just been put up at Donlands and Cosburn. This is kind of bitter-sweet. I like that we are expanding the neighbourhood but the construction gets to be a little annoying. 

Landmarks in East York

Landmarks

East York Collegiate Institute 

Home of the Goliaths, East York Colligiate Institute has been around since 1927. It is located at the corner of Cosburn ave and Coxwell ave.

East York Memorial Arena

East York Memorial Arena is home to the East York Hockey Association as well as houses a great rink used for leisure skating, figure skating and of course the hockey league. 

(Side note, personal connection: My grandpa was a huge supporter and volunteer at this arena and his name as well as my grandmas name are on a big plaque in the arena.)

Geography & History

Geography

East York, Toronto is a neighbourhood that include the area south of Taylor-Massey Creek and the Don Valley, east of the Don River and West of Victoria Park Ave.

History

The Township of East York was incorporated on January 1, 1924. The residents were primarily employees of the Brick Yards and post World War I veterans.

East York was considered to be Canada's only Borough until 1998 when it was added into the distinction of the City of Toronto.

"The fact that East York chose to remain a Borough for so long rather than incorporate as a city speaks volumes for the neighbourliness and small town friendliness that has been an East York trademark ever since its formation in 1924." (http://www.torontoneighbourhoods.net)

Today East York is home to many sports teams, clubs and associations such as the East York Hockey Association, Curling Clubs, The Royal Canadian Legion, The East York Historical Society, and many more. 

Pape and Bee (now Cosburn) early 1900