NEIGHBOURHOOD

Stonegate-Queensway

Toronto

Introduction

As the neighbourhood’s name suggests, Stonegate-Queensway is an amalgam of a couple smaller neighbourhoods: Queensway (to the south) and Sunnylea/Stonegate, which sits atop the former. The neighbourhood is bounded by Bloor Street on the north, the Gardiner Expressway on the south, and is bookended by Islington and the Humber River.

Lifestyle

Although Stonegate-Queensway has outgrown its market garden community roots, it maintains its country charm thanks to its lush green spaces, many of which are untamed. This area is a mix of industrial, residential and retail strips, and so there’s really something for everyone from any walk of life. Shopaholics might prefer perusing the consignment goods at a Kingsway shop, while bargain hunters will opt for Costco.

The Vibe

Not only do both the Humber River and Mimico Creek wander their ways across this nabe, but Lake Ontario is also a mere stone’s throw away. Stonegate-Queensway is a nature lover’s paradise. If you’re lucky, you’ll spy some coyotes, herons, or even a deer while meandering down a wooded path.

Meet the Neighbours

Stonegate-Queensway households run the spectrum from low income (according to the 2011 census, 11 per cent of the residents live under the poverty line) to high income (20 per cent net over $125,000 annually). The area boasts a large number of European immigrants. Because the neighbourhood's housing stock is so diverse, it attracts a variety people ranging from singles to retirees to young families.

In the Area

If forest-reminiscent trails are a bit too much wilderness for you, Queensway Park is equipped with a baseball diamond, tennis courts and a playground. Indoorsy types can choose to frequent one of the libraries (there are two TPL branches). Stonegate-Queensway is serviced by public and Catholic elementary schools. The 73-acre Park Lawn Cemetery is one of Canada’s most historically significant graveyards.

Distance from City Hall

14 km

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Motorists can hop on the Gardiner Expressway and be downtown in 12 minutes (if there’s no traffic). At the foot of Royal York, there’s a GO Station, which you can access via to the 76 Royal York South bus that connects with the Bloor-Danforth Subway Line. The TTC bus that services Islington also connects to the subway. From Islington Station there is an express bus to Pearson Airport.

The Good, the Bad & the Rest

Down by the Gardiner there is still quite a bit of industrial land, which is being replaced piecemeal by big box stores like Costco, Winners and IKEA (located five minutes west of the neighbourhood’s boundary). While some people might be put off by the heterogeneous housing stock and potpourri of residents, this mix adds to the neighbourhood’s colour and to the dining options.

Dollars & Sense

There’s something for every price point here. Up on Bloor there are many pubs, bakeries, restaurants, and locally owned shops to peruse. On Bloor the price points tend to be higher (dinner for two at Merlot will set you back at least $100, easy), while down on the Queensway you can grab a meal that will feed a family of four for $17 at the Best Portuguese Chicken.

Neighbourhood Hotspots

Best Portuguese Chicken

The name says it all: rotisserie-roasted chicken that falls off the bone. Sides include potatoes (fried and baked), rice and salads. Fridays they serve traditional baccala (salt cod mixed with potatoes).

more info

Kings Mill Park

The star of this park isn’t the huge off-leash dog area, although that is a draw. Tommy Thompson Trail connects this park with other green spaces along the Humber and beyond!

more info

Scout

This consignment shop is a treasure trove of name brands at wallet-friendly prices. Whether you’re hunting for a Kate Spade dress or a new pair of Ray-Bans, they’re sure to carry something that thrills.

more info

The Pie Commission

Over 400 savoury butter-crusted pies are sold here daily. The most popular is the braised beef rib. Chunks of beef are braised for eight hours for optimal tenderness. Pies come hot or frozen.

more info

Bake Sale

A pretty display of cupcakes piled high with spires of butter cream is an Atkins follower’s nightmare. The delicate macarons, almost too pretty to eat, come in range of pastel hues.

more info

Street Corner

Demographic Data

Stonegate-Queensway
Housing
Neighbours
Habits
Cheers!
Wheels
Commute