What if I told you that Rexdale was once synonymous with suburban blight? Today, we will explore this neighbourhood in Toronto. Rexdale is found northwest of the city’s core, in Etobicoke. Rexdale defines several official neighbourhoods. These lie north of Highway 401 and east of Highway 427.
Originally, Rexdale was a post-World War II residential area. Today, the name applies to a large area. It stretches from Malton and Toronto Pearson International Airport in Mississauga. It runs to Highway 401 in the south. Steeles Avenue marks the northern boundary. The Humber River is on the east. Rexdale is centred on Rexdale Boulevard and Islington Avenue.
The area’s history is quite interesting. Rexdale is named after Rex Heslop. He was a local real estate developer. In 1955, Heslop bought farmland for $110,000. He installed water mains, streets, and sewers. Houses were then listed for $9,000 or $10,000. These homes sold quickly. Soon, 330 families called Rexdale home.
In 1956, Heslop opened Rexdale Plaza. It once housed Eaton’s and Towers Department Stores. By then, Rexdale had 70 industries and 3,600 homes.
Rexdale’s first residents were mainly English, Scottish, and Italian. Over the years, it evolved. It became a multicultural neighbourhood. People from the Caribbean and the Indian subcontinent moved here. The 2006 Census counted 94,469 residents in 30,238 households.
Back in 2006, a Toronto Star journalist described Rexdale. He called it “shorthand for suburban blight”. He cited social breakdown and gang violence. However, Rexdale has transformed significantly since then.
Notable institutions are here in Rexdale. They include the Canadian Standards Association and the Toronto Congress Centre. You’ll also find the Woodbine Centre and Woodbine Racetrack here.
Several schools serve the Rexdale community. These include North Albion Collegiate Institute and West Humber Collegiate Institute. Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School is also here. Humber College’s North Campus is in Rexdale. It also hosts the University of Guelph-Humber. The Rexdale branch of the Toronto Public Library serves the area.
Rexdale has produced many notable people. These include professional athletes like Dalano Banton and Carlo Colaiacovo. Hip hop artists such as Ghetto Concept and K’naan also hail from here. Actor Dean McDermott and film director Bruce McDonald are also from Rexdale.
Rexdale’s story is one of transformation. From farmland to suburb, it became a diverse community. Rexdale overcame challenges. It continues to evolve. It is a testament to the changing face of Toronto.