Shhh listen closely. Can you hear the whispers of Humber Valley’s past? Humber Valley Village is more than just an affluent neighbourhood. It is a place with a rich history. It is a story etched into the very land we stand on.
Welcome to Humber Valley. We are about to take a step back in time. We will uncover the layers of Humber Valley’s fascinating story.
Once, this area was mostly farmland. It was laid out in farm lots by 1805. But development was slow. Most lots were purchased by landowners who lived elsewhere. Royal York Road saw few homes from Dundas to Eglinton. The Humber River carved out this valley. It created the unique landscape we see today.
Enter Robert Home Smith. He was a visionary developer. At the turn of the century, he purchased land overlooking the Humber Valley. He named his home “Edenbridge”. It was named after a village in southern England. Smith slowly developed the area. His company called it “Humber Valley Surveys”. Construction began in the mid-1930s. It continued until the 1960s.
This long span of development shaped Humber Valley. Different home styles emerged. Georgian, Tudor, and English Cottage designs appeared. Cape Cod, ranch bungalows, and contemporary styles added variety. The result was a unique mix. It was different from what Smith originally envisioned.
Humber Valley was planned as a wealthy suburb. It was intended to be like the Kingsway. This vision largely came true. However, apartments were later built west of Edenbridge. This happened during Etobicoke’s rapid growth in the 1960s. St. Clair Avenue was extended and became Anglesey. It featured winding streets lined with apartments.
Humber Valley was mainly residential. So there were few institutions. The rapid growth of Edenbridge created a need. Humber Valley Village public school opened in 1951. The Humbertown Shopping Centre followed. It became a heart of Humber Valley Village.
The intersection of Royal York and Dundas was redeveloped in the 1950s. It was designed as a highway-style interchange. This divided Humber Valley from older neighbourhoods to the south. Today, some high-density development is occurring. It is along Royal York Road near Humbertown Shopping Centre.
Parks define Humber Valley. Five golf courses lie within one kilometre of its borders. Large green spaces surround the Humber River. This connects to the Martin Goodman Trail along Lake Ontario. James Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden. It was built around Fred James’ home. Metro Toronto acquired it in 1955.
The Humber Valley Sharks are a local hockey team. The Humber Valley Hockey Association was formed in 1953. Stafford Smythe, Jack Stafford Jr., and Ray Picard were the founders. Ken Dryden, a Hockey Hall of Famer, played in the league.
Humber Valley Village Junior Middle School opened in 1951. It sits in the Humber River valley. Humber Valley United Church was built in 1953. The congregation was established in 1952.
Today, Humber Valley is a vibrant community. It blends history, nature, and urban living. As we leave Humber Valley remember its journey. From farmland to wealthy suburb, its story continues to unfold.