Historically significant and currently sought-after, the community of Leaside is a Toronto original. Straddling Eglinton Avenue East east of Bayview Avenue and stretching south down to the CP Railway tracks, Leaside is one of Canada’s most desirable, self-contained neighbourhoods. Although it lies on the west side of the Don Valley, it is considered part of East York.

The area takes its name from the founding Lea family. John Lea, from Pennsylvania, purchased the land here in 1819. His son William built a large octagonal brick house just south of his father’s land and named it “Leaside”. He later became a local magistrate and operated the regional post office from his home. Over the next century the area would play host to many significant links to the outside world, including rail, communications links and was also the landing site for Canada’s first airmail delivery.

Physically, the neighbourhood is attractive with many old trees and historical houses. The area lies on the Iroquois Plain, a glacial plateau surrounded on three sides by river valleys.

Today, as property values increase, many Canadian entertainment, sports and political celebrities are calling the area home. Many families are attracted to Leaside’s schools and recreation centres. Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper was born and raised in Leaside.

You can get Leaside news from Streeter online by neighbourhood or via the Leaside edition. Residents also receive the Leaside print edition of Streeter.