By Diti Dumas
“Bennington Heights” is one of Toronto’s most desirable, sought-after and exclusive neighbourhoods. Over the years it has been the home of many influential Torontonians, including author Margaret Atwood, whose novel “Cat’s Eye” is based on her childhood growing up in Bennington Heights. Bennington Heights is bounded on two sides by the bluffs of the Don River Valley ravine and on the north by Mount Pleasant Cemetery. These geographic barriers have helped to preserve the tranquility and the uniqueness of this neighbourhood.
This small enclave of homes, situated at Bayview Avenue and Moore Avenue is home to “Bennington Heights Public School”. This “small, private-like” school landed a perfect score on all 3 Rs in the Grade 3 provincial testing for many years in a row – many families buy into the neighbourhood to enroll their children into this exceptional school.
Community spirit is evident by its’ many street parties, barbeques, and annual street sale. Many residents, including myself, share the thinking, “Once you’ve lived in this unique community, you don’t move out quickly” and “now I can’t imagine living anywhere else – it’s like country-living in the city!” “Many breath-taking views can be captured moments from your front door by walking on the amazing nature trails directly behind many of the homes” they also stated.
The outdoor trails and paths lead to areas such as Rosedale, Moore Park and right down to Bloor Street. Close to parks, schools, neighbourhood tennis courts, TTC, shops, restaurants on Bayview and minutes drive to Front or King Street – this neighbourhood is definitely one of “Toronto’s best kept secrets”.
Neighbourhood Factoid: The first resident of this neighbourhood was Thomas Weatherhead, a lawyer for the East York School Board. In 1925, Weatherhead purchased 30 Rosemount Avenue but he had Rosement Street name changed to Bennington, which was his wife’s maiden name. The Bennington name was also adopted by the school – Bennington Heights School when it opened in 1950.
Diti Dumas is a Sales Representative with Royal LePage R.E.S.Ltd./JOHNSTON & DANIEL DIVISION, Brokerage. Diti is a regular contributor to the Muddy York BLog. Diti’s Website is located at www.ditidumas.com
