OLD MILL

OVERVIEW
Old Mill is an historic neighbourhood in west Toronto bordering the Humber River parklands. It is located just north of Bloor St, west of Jane St and east of the river.

HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE
The Humber River and valley have long been part of Canadian heritage. The area was first a major thoroughfare and meeting place of Native Canadians and was later discovered by Etienne Brule on a mission for Champlain in 1615. In 1793, the King’s Mill was built on the banks of the Humber River to process lumber for the proposed town of York, Upper Canada, now known as Toronto. The mill became Toronto’s first industrial building and the first settlement in the area was around the King’s Mill. The ruins of the King’s Mill now form part of the site of the Old Mill Restaurant & Tea Garden, first opened in 1914 by Home Smith to serve, in part, as sales office for the fine homes being built in the area by Home Smith & Company during the 1920s and 30s.

SHOPPING & RECREATION
Residents of this neighbourhood can choose between the shops, services and restaurants of Bloor West Village and those of the Kingsway. For a special occasion, the Old Mill Inn, Restaurant and Spa is only steps away. A highlight of the Old Mill neighbourhood is the Etienne Brule Park, situated just north of the historic Old Mill Bridge. It runs alongside the Humber River (a Canadian heritage river) and is perfect for walking, jogging, cycling and in the winter cross-country skiing. The park is also a popular spot for picnics and for fishing in the Humber River. Across the street from the park is the Old Mill Tennis Club.

SCHOOLS
• Humbercrest Jr & Sr. (french immersion offered) 14 St. Marks Rd.,
(416) 394-2370
• St. Pius X, 71 Jane St.,
(416) 393-5237
• Runnymede C.I., 569 Jane St.,
(416) 394-3200

TRANSPORTATION
Both the Old Mill and Jane subway stations are within walking distance. By car, this area is about twenty minutes away both from downtown Toronto and Pearson International Airport.