Introduction
West Rouge is a cozy residential neighbourhood tucked into the southeast corner of Scarborough. It’s bordered by Lake Ontario to the southeast, Port Union Road to the west, Highway 401 to the north, and Pickering to the northeast. In addition to being primarily residential, West Rouge is also home to part of the Rouge Park system and to Rouge Beach.
Lifestyle
West Rouge’s combination of parks, natural trails, public transit, and an abundance of detached housing makes it an attractive choice for new and growing families. Take into account its local community centres, schools for all ages, and the nearby Port Union library branch, and its appeal becomes even more apparent. Plus, the expanded Waterfront Trail along the lakeshore is perfect for bikers and joggers.
The Vibe
The West Rouge neighbourhood is perfect for families: it’s close to a number of schools, public transit, major highways, and a public library, plus some small retail plazas. However, its suburban lifestyle and cul-de-sac-style layout means that there aren’t as many funky, independent shops as more downtown-centric residents may prefer.
Meet the Neighbours
West Rouge is part of Ward 44 in Toronto, where 51.1% of all families are couples with children, and a high proportion of residents are adults between 40 and 64. Although the majority of residents speak English as their first language, there are growing populations of people who speak Tamil, Tagalog, and Urdu at home.
In the Area
West Rouge has William G. Davis Jr Public School and Joseph Howe Sr Public school – an elementary and a middle school respectively – within its borders. Sir Oliver Mowat Collegiate Institute is just on the other side of Port Union Road. Just west of Rouge Beach is the West Rouge Community Centre.
36.6 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
This neighbourhood has good access to public transit as well as highways – the 401 forms the northern border with Highway 2 also close by. Plus, there’s Rouge Hill Go Station, a commuter hub that connects the GO train line, three TTC bus routes (the 38 Highland Creek, the 54 Lawrence East and the 85 Sheppard East), and one route from Durham Region Transit.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Since this is a strictly residential neighbourhood, there are only a few restaurants and shops nearby. You’ll have to travel further afield for major commercial and business centres. Plus, when going down for a walk to the lakeshore along the Waterfront Trail, the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station is clearly visible in the distance.
Dollars & Sense
Although this neighbourhood is more expensive than others in Scarborough, residential prices here are very reasonable compared to more well-known and sought-after neighbourhoods in Toronto. The majority of housing stock in West Rouge is single detached homes; what rentals there are often cater to students attending the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Port Union Village Common
This park next to the Waterfront Trail, with its combination of rolling green land, playgrounds, splash pads, and the occasional ice cream truck, is the perfect place for families, dog owners, and bikers.
more infoBikram Yoga Toronto East
Founded in 2007, this is the only official Bikram Yoga studio in Scarborough. Classes happen at least twice a day, with extra ones on weekday evenings. There’s also a sunlit meditation room in the back.
more infoThe Black Dog Pub
This British-style pub has been in the neighbourhood for over 20 years. Come by for classic pub food, live performances, weekend brunch, and an intimate garden patio perfect for private events.
more infoRouge Beach
Tucked away in the southernmost reaches of Toronto is this sandy beach. Nearby are wetlands and marshes where wild birds flock. Here you can canoe through the marshes or even go fishing.
more infoWest Rouge Community Centre
Home of the West Rouge Sports & Recreation Association, this community centre was formerly the clubhouse for a golf course. Now its banquet hall can be rented out for receptions, dances, and rec events.
more infoLake Ontario Waterfront Trail
The Waterfront Trail stretches across Lake Ontario, but this neighbourhood is home to the Chesterton Shores section, with abundant bike trails, piers, and wildlife like foxes, rabbits, geese and snakes.
more info