The charms of energized Weston are an open secret
Suzanne Wintrob, March 01, 2008
Suri Weinberg-Linsky wouldn't trade her old house in Weston Village for her old life in Forest Hill for anything.
It's not because the 1928 home she shares with her husband, Mike, is just a few blocks from Squibb's Stationers, the book and office-supply store that her late parents bought in 1980 and that she and Mike now run. Nor is it because "it's 10 minutes away from anywhere" or because the houses are much more affordable than other parts of the city.
Rather, it's the century-old trees, heritage homes and lively neighbours that keep Ms. Weinberg-Linsky so connected.
"I live, breathe and eat Weston," she admits.
While she has lived in the 'hood for only 11 years, her enthusiasm for her adopted area is right up there with the true old timers. She can spout its history even while shovelling her car out of a snowbank, and is among the first to knock on doors and sign petitions when developers come after the little cottages and post-war split levels to make way for modern digs.
The most recent squabble was over 96 Queen's Dr., where an 85-year-old bungalow and 200-year-old elm tree now stand. When a developer threatened to build on the property, residents took their fight to the Ontario Municipal Board. They lost but they're now canvassing to have the neighbourhood designated as a Heritage Conservation District to stop the bulldozers from rolling in.
"A lot of people hadn't given a lot of thought to the heritage quality of this neighbourhood, but now that we've lost 96 Queen's Dr. and we think developers will just swarm in here to begin to change the community, we've energized the neighbourhood," says resident Philip Keirstead as he hands out flyers to drum up support. "People who didn't care before are now quite worried about Weston."
In 1792, some years after the Ojibwa people called the area home, John Countryman mapped the Humber River and was so pleased with the oak and pine bush that he built a sawmill on the west bank. More settlers followed, including brothers who opened a general store and dubbed the area Weston after their home in England. Next came the railway, turning the area into a thoroughfare for businessmen and travellers. Village status was granted in 1881.
Today, it's a sought-after pocket for professors, politicians (Gerard Kennedy lives here), artists and young families looking for something affordable, kid-friendly and close to downtown.
"It's a great neighbourhood to raise kids," says agent Anita Merlo of Bosley Real Estate. "Young couples love the older homes for their character. They share babysitting, go to mom groups and raise each other's children."
First-time buyers can grab a small two-bedroom bungalow on a 40-foot lot for just $260,000, with renovated digs fetching $425,000. Three-storey, five-bedroom, 2,000-sq.-ft. homes with character on 50-ft. lots on popular King Street or what they call "cute" Queen's Drive average $550,000 (a similar house in the Annex or Bloor West Village would fetch well over $1-million). There are also townhouses and condos, most built on old factory lots.
The Go Train is steps away, as are parks and the Humber River's cycling paths. Schools are plentiful, too, with public and Catholic schools within walking distance. Weston Collegiate Institute, alma mater of TVO host Elwy Yost and B.C. Finance Minister Carole Taylor, just celebrated its 150 anniversary.
Community spirit is everywhere. Neighbours band together for the summer farmers' market and the Queen's Drive Garage Sale in June. Every September they tie pink ribbons to trees and cheer as the Walk for the Cure winds through their streets. They host an annual Santa Claus parade and then head to St. John's Anglican Church to sing carols. They even open their doors for the annual fall walking tour.
Still, not everything is rosy, particularly the shopping and dining scenes. Residents distance themselves from Lawrence Avenue West -- "the great divide," as they call it -- where they say crime is rampant. Weston Road, the village's main drag, is an eyesore of dollar stores, cheque-cashing outlets and optical shops, forcing residents to head for the big box Crossroads Plaza or flee for chicer Bloor West Village.
But they take care of their own. Ward Funeral Homes on Weston Road dates back to 1914 and is still going strong, as is Squibb's Stationers. P&M Restaurant, with its homemade souvlaki and fish 'n' chips, is always full, as is Sardinha the King of BBQ Chicken and the popular Central tavern. Caldense Bakery and Starfish fish market are also busy. Residents support the Frontlines centre for at-risk youth run by the Weston Baptist Church and the Y-Arts storefront arts centre.
While residents admit that unique stores like Allen's Scottish Butcher, known for its superb haggis, and World of Cake Decorating raise Wes-ton's profile across town, what they really hunger for is caffeine.
"We're begging to walk down the street for a good cup of coffee," says Ms. Weinberg-Linsky. "We just need someone willing to take that chance. People took a chance on Leslieville and Parkdale. When you look through our community, everyone is blown away. We're the best kept secret in Toronto."
