What if street names could tell a story? In Bendale, they do.
Bendale, also known as Cedarbrae and Midland Park is a residential neighborhood. It sits in eastern Toronto. More specifically, it’s in the former suburb of Scarborough. The heart of Bendale is at Lawrence Avenue East and Brimley Road.
Let’s explore Bendale’s interesting past. Bendale got its name in 1881. It was shortened from Benlomond. The name Ben Lomond comes from a mountain.
Take a walk around and observe the homes. About 39% are single detached houses. Around 42% are apartments. In 2011, Bendale had 27876 people. Bendale is ethnically diverse.
Look around. Do you notice the streets with names starting with Ben? This area north of Lawrence Avenue is unique. It’s between McCowan and Bellamy Roads. Streets like Benleigh, Benshire, and Ben Nevis Drives add character. You’ll also find Benfrisco and Benhur Crescents. Don’t miss Benadair and Benprice Courts. Ben Stanton and Ben Doran Boulevards complete the picture. Ben Stanton built the “Ben Jungle.” He celebrated his 90th birthday with his neighbors.
Bendale has many schools. Two public school boards operate here. They are the Toronto Catholic District School Board and the Toronto District School Board. Bendale Junior Public School is one of the elementary schools. Others include Charles Gordon Senior Public School and Donwood Park Public School. Highbrook Senior Public School and Edgewood Public School serve the community too. Knob Hill Public School has been around since 1956. St. Andrew’s Public School was built in 1959. It honors David and Mary Thomson’s Scottish roots.
In 2019, Bendale Business and Technical Institute merged with David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute. The new school building now stands on the former race track. The Bendale Business and Technical Institute was the first vocational school in Scarborough. It helped students gain life skills.
The story of Bendale goes back to the 1950s. Most residents had English or Scottish roots. As the suburbs grew, new families arrived. These included Greek and Italian immigrants. They liked Bendale’s affordable homes. Immigrants from India, China, and the Philippines also chose Bendale. They enriched the community.
In the early days, Bendale had a post office. It was south of Lawrence Avenue near a Shell station. The post office served the area. That’s why the streets east of McCowan began with “Ben”.
Today, Bendale continues to evolve. It embraces its diverse cultures. This neighborhood in Scarborough remains a special place. Bendale blends history with modern life.