Boundaries of The Beach
The Beaches is a beautiful neighbourhood and popular tourist destination in east-central Toronto. The boundaries of the neighbourhood run from as north as Kingston Road, all the way down south past Queen Street East to Lakeshore Boulevard East. It runs west from Coxwell Avenue, East to Victoria Park Avenue. The shorefront is divided into four sections: The lakefront is divided into four sections; Woodbine Beach to the west, Kew Beach and Scarboro Beach in the centre, and Balmy Beach to the east. It is four beaches which give the neighbourhood its name and defining characteristic.
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| a 1934 postcard of Kew Beach |
Origins of The Beach
Originally a forested area surrounded by swamplands and private homes, the currently beach shoreline and Kew Gardens private park grounds were obtained by the Toronto Harbour Commission in the early 1900s. The beach was enlarged artificially, and the famous boardwalk and surrounding facilities were officially opened in 1932. An iconic neighbourhood landmark and popular tourist destination was officially born.
Attractions, Landmarks & Culture of The Beaches
The Leuty Lifeguard Station is one of the most recognized landmarks on the beach - it includes a very tall lifeguard post and a dock that lifeguard motorboats can access easily.
The Boardwalk is one of the oldest and most useful landmarks in the
Beaches.
It is the pathway that leads on-foot tourists through the
entire vicinity of the beach, from east to west.
The Donald D. Somerville Olympic Pool, located at Woodbine Avenue and Lakeshore Boulevard East is a very popular summer attraction that features two massive swimming pools, and huge diving boards. It is literally steps from the beach!
The Beaches are known for their small but exclusive restaurants and bars (as seen above) - these wining and dining facilities attract many tourists and even other Toronto locals.
The Beaches have an array of small, family owned shops along Kingston Road and Queen Street East. The quaint nature of these shops are what give the Beaches its distinct culture and flair.
Dogs play a huge role in Beaches culture. Most residents have a dog, and can be seen walking them along Queen Street, at any hour of any day. There are many specialty pet shops in the Beaches, most of which have a complimentary water bowl for dogs outside on hot summer days.
Parks, Gardens & Memorials
The Beaches have many beautiful parks, gardens and memorials that add to the history and culture of the area. The grassy knolls are perfect for dog walking, jogging, or picnicking - there are several playground and a wading pool for children - and various monuments and war memorials scattered throughout the neighbourhood.
Local Issues Within The Beaches
The Beaches, being the relatively safe neighbourgood that it is, does not have much crime or poverty. One of the major issues in this area is environmental. Toronto has constantly struggled with pollution control in Lake Ontario. Factors accountable for high levels of E.Coli in this body of water include overflow of sewage during rainfalls, acidic storm water pollution and large amounts of solid waste materials being discarded into the water.
During more recent years, Toronto has been able to keep a more steady cap on bacateria levels in Lake Ontario and has seemed is safe to swim, on most seasonal days. Water is tested at the shoreline daily during the summer swimming season at the Toronto Beaches. If the water is not safe, certain colour coded flags will be flown, indicating the high bacteria levels, and Lifeguards will be posted on the shoreline warning visitors not to enter the water, as the possibility of rashes and infections are highly likely.
During more recent years, Toronto has been able to keep a more steady cap on bacateria levels in Lake Ontario and has seemed is safe to swim, on most seasonal days. Water is tested at the shoreline daily during the summer swimming season at the Toronto Beaches. If the water is not safe, certain colour coded flags will be flown, indicating the high bacteria levels, and Lifeguards will be posted on the shoreline warning visitors not to enter the water, as the possibility of rashes and infections are highly likely.
Below is a video in which a Lifeguard at the Toronto Beaches explains bacteria testing and the flagging system used as a safety indication to visitors...
Recent News Story
A heartbreaking story has gripped the tight-knit community this season, as Beaches-resident, two-year-old baby Stella, has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, and has been given three months to live. In the Fall, family members, friends and interested members of the public filled the Beaches Rec Centre to participate in a fund-raiser to support Stella and her family at a time of grief.
Stella's Memorial - http://www.stellabrunermethven.com/
Unfortunately, Stella passed away on October 22, 2012
♥ Rest In Peace, Baby Girl ♥
♥ Rest In Peace, Baby Girl ♥
Profile of Local Beaches Business Owners
Michael, Bridget & Adrienne Kassen - Royal LePage Realty
Whether you are looking for a Toronto Beach area home, townhouse, condo, or multi-unit investment dwelling, call the real estate agents who have been the providers of fine Beach properties for over 25 years!
“Connecting with the right agents can make all the difference for a positive real estate experience when buying or selling a home or condo," Michael said in a recent interview with Profiles of Success magazine.
If you are looking for a starter home in the Upper Beaches area of Toronto, or a home or condominium unit closer to Ashbridge's Bay along the waterfront Team Kassen has detailed award winning knowledge of the Toronto Beach area.
Michael and Bridget Kassen have been living and selling in the Toronto Beach Real Estate community extensively for well over two decades each.
”It is not often that I send letters of this kind, but recent events have motivated me to write. I am writing you to sing the praises of your agents, Team Kassen. Their role efforts in facilitating our real estate transaction were nothing short of extraordinary.” - Mr. and Mrs. Howard
Team Kassen has sold over fifteen hundred homes of distinction in the Beach and surrounding neighborhoods of the city of Toronto. More importantly, approximately 80% of the business generated by Team Kassen is through referrals from past clients or repeat business. These are the agents your friends recommend!
Team Kassen are active members in the community they reside in. Living in The Beach is something one never takes for granted. It really is such a unique and special place. Many of our worldly friends and clients who have traveled the globe agree without hesitation.
Michael’s background came through the University of Windsor where his strong personal skills were refined with a social science degree. His active participation in diverse business ventures prior to real estate laid a strong foundation for negotiating successful business transactions. Michael recently earned the prestigious "Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist" designation.
Bridget has been recognized "nationally" as a top producer in the real estate industry. Her accomplishments include being the top sales representative in the Royal LePage Beach office for many years and also that of membership in the renowned Royal LePage, National Chairman’s Club. This achievement has placed her in the top 40 of over 15,000 Royal LePage sales representatives across Canada.
Bridget is an active leader in fundraising for national and local charities. Some of which include sponsoring and organizing the Womens Beauty and Wellness Night held at the Toronto Hunt in support of the Toronto Covenant House and War Child Canada. Team Kassen is also prominent in raising money for The Red Door Family Shelter which provides housing and supports women and children fleeing abusive relationships.
Source: http://www.teamkassen.com/
