North York has a colourful history. The Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837 had many supporters in North York especially in the villages of Lansing, Willowdale and Newtonbrook. Some of the leaders in these communities were charged with high treason and fled to the United States for many years before returning home.
The Don River which runs through North York led to the establishment of hamlets such as York Mills, Don Mills and Hoggs Hollow which sprung up around successful saw and grist mills that once operated on the banks of the Don. These neighbourhoods have all kept some of that original charm with many stately and exclusive residence.
North York was a municipal City prior to amalgamation with Toronto in 1998. Former North York Mayor Mel Lastman was elected the first mayor of the newly minted “Mega City” Toronto in 1998. Mel Lastman Square the largest civic venue in North York is named after this popular former Mayor and is home to many important annual community events. The square itself is flanked by the impressive North York Public Library, shops, offices, restaurants and its own North York Centre Station on the Yonge-University Line.
