Hillcrest
History:
Hillcrest is situated on the Davenport escarpment which was formed during the last ice age over 10,000 years ago. First Nations trails followed the ancient Lake Iroquois shoreline that is now known as Davenport Road. From trails to tracks Hillcrest is situated on the site of the former Toronto Transit Commission streetcar repair barns which were located on a 4.3 acre site between Wychwood Avenue and Christie Street, south of St. Clair Avenue. The TTC repair barns were built between 1913 and 1921 and encompassed 60,000 square feet of space. This wonderful collection of industrial architecture was given a new lease on life by Artscape a not- for-profit urban development organization that revitalizes buildings, neighbourhoods, and cities through the arts. In 2007 Artscape began a massive restoration on the Barns. It was Artscape’s vision for the reuse of the The Wychwood TTC barns that spearheaded the restoration of the five attached brick buildings on this site which are now collectively known as the Artscape Wychwood Barns.
Overview:
Hillcrest is a mature established neighbourhood with quiet tree-lined streets and whimsical looking houses, that make you feel as if you are far away from the bright lights of the big city. The focal point in this neighbourhood is Artscape Wychwood Barns ; the name is catchy, but what does it all mean. Is it an art studio ? Is it an urban farm ? Is it a community hub ? If you answered all of the above you would be correct. Hillcrest residents enjoy convenient access to the newly constructed St. Clair streetcar line which has led to a revitalization of the Hillcrest Village and Wychwood Heights shopping corridors.
Lifestyle:
Hillcrest Village is blessed with not one but two business improvement areas stretching along St. Clair Avenue West. There is Wychwood Heights east of Christie Street and Hillcrest Village west of Christie Street. Both of these business improvement areas host a variety of shopping events throughout the year.
Artscape Wychwood Barns located at 601 Christie Street hosts a variety of arts related events throughout the year. Foodies will love The Farmers’ Market at Wychwood Barns which is considered one of the largest and best farmers markets in Toronto. This market features 35 – 40 vendors selling organic foods including the likes of wild strawberry jam, honey, dried chestnuts and Ontario black walnuts just to name a few of the tantalizing treats offered each Saturday from 8am to 1pm in the summer.
Homes:
Hillcrest’s original housing stock was built in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. These semi-detached and detached houses are loaded with turn of the century charm and character, and are a wonderful mix of shapes and sizes. The streets are narrow and most of the cars are parked on the street making for an intimate streetscape with a cascading tree canopy. The lots are narrow so many of the renovations and new homes in the area incorporate a more modern look with lots of windows to capture as much sunlight as possible.
Recreation:
The Hillcrest Community Centre is located in the Hillcrest Public School on Bathurst Street. This facility includes an indoor pool and a gymnasium. Just north of the Hillcrest Community Centre is the Wychwood Public Library, which offers year round programs for the neighbourhood children. Hillcrest Park, perched atop the Davenport escarpment at the south perimeter of this neighbourhood, offers a spectacular view of the city skyline and Lake Ontario. This park has a wading pool, a children’s playground, and four tennis courts. Hillcrest residents have been instrumental in donating their time, money and resources to the development of the Artscape Wychwood Barns, which involved the conversion of the historic Wychwood TTC streetcar repair barns on Christie Street south of St. Clair. Artscape Wychwood Barns is a 60,000 sq. ft. multifaceted community meeting place that encompasses live/work space for artists, as well as seasonal festivals, a farmers market, a greenhouse and a community bake-oven. The park’s greenspace includes a natural ice rink, playing fields, a stage, chess tables, beach volleyball, a water play area and children’s swings and climbers.
Transportation:
Hillcrest is well served by public transit. The streetcar runs along St. Clair Avenue West, while regular bus service runs along Oakwood Avenue and Bathurst Street. Davenport Road also has a limited bus service. Motorists are just minutes from downtown. It is approximately a fifteen minute drive from this neighbourhood to the Allen Expressway, which connects commuters to Toronto’s major highways.
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Hillcrest Stats
Walkability:
High
Bikeability:
Medium
Public Transit:
High
Affordability:
Low
Greenspace:
High
Recreation:
High
Legend: Low, Medium, High
Commute Times
* All commuting times provided are approximate times only. Commute times may increase or decrease depending on where you live within the neighbourhood and the time of day i.e rush hour versus off hour commutes. Time estimates to public transit are based on walking distance or bus line connection whichever is quicker. All other commute times on the chart above are based on drive times.
School Guide
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Toronto School Resources

Editor’s Note. BEFORE MOVING INTO, BUYING OR RENTING A HOME, PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL YOU ARE CONSIDERING BY PHONE to ensure your home is within the designated boundaries and that your child is age appropriate. WE CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MISINFORMATION REGARDING SCHOOL ENROLLMENT SO DO NOT ASSUME that your child can automatically attend a specific school or specialized program until you have official confirmation from that school. Please visit the school board web sites for more information.