Any Emery stroll is good for the soul

As we start to see more light at the end of this pandemic tunnel, getting outside and enjoying the fresh air is a much-needed change and perfect for our mental health.

We have come so far - It’s more important than ever to keep focused on the positive and what is within our control.

Now that the weather has been getting warmer, it’s an opportunity to spend as much time outside as possible, which will undoubtedly help lift one’s spirits. Have you ever considered taking a walking tour around Emery Village with a purpose in mind? Perhaps educating yourself and your family on the rich history abound in our community. The City of Toronto has initiated a program called “Stroll TO” and it offers free self-guided exploration itineraries for all of Toronto’s 25 wards. It should be noted that the city is not currently promoting these walking tours due to our lockdown status, but following up to date heath protocols should help keep everyone safe when you do venture outside.

Neighbourhood Stroll:

Humbermede - This stroll includes the Emery Village BIA – Canada’s largest business improvement area. Along the way, you will see public art in the form of several Bell Box Murals Project pieces, several historical markers noting the history of the area, and plenty of fantastic greenspace such as Bluehaven Park, Lanyard Park, and Lindylou Park.

Main Streets: Weston Road and Finch Avenue

Note: Some neighbourhood strolls may cross over into more than one ward.

Melika Saeeda Art Box

East Side of Arrow Road, North of Sheppard Avenue West

An art box by artist Malika Saeeda that depicts a bird in a dramatic winter scene. It is part of the Bell Box Mural Project.

Emery Village BIA Road Mural & Historical Marker Sheppard Avenue West and Weston Road

The intersection of Weston Road and Sheppard Avenue West was reconstructed beginning in 2007 as part of a beautification project. Some of the new features from this project included a large interlocking maple leaf in brick form in the intersection itself, benches, banners, planters, a stone seatwall with the Emery Village BIA mural, and decorative LED lighting. There is also a historical marker which notes some local history close to the northwest corner of the intersection. This includes information about Carmine Stefano, who the nearby community centre is named after. It also notes some of the history of the origins of Emery Village originally settled by Europeans in 1796 as well as the Toronto Carrying Place trail and important Indigenous portage route both of which were situated in this area. It also notes the history of nearby Rivermede Cottage.

Carmine Stefano Community Centre

3100 Weston Road

Carmine Stefano Community Centre is located in the Sheppard Avenue and Weston Road area. This community recreation centre provides recreational programming opportunities for everyone from preschoolers to older adults. Carmine Stefano Community Centre offers a wide range of activities that include but are not limited to parent and preschoolers, fitness, art, music, dance, social, sports and after school programs. The building was named in 2007 for Carmine Stefano, a long-time community leader who founded the Weston Soccer Club and the Catholic Soccer League, providing an exemplary contribution to children and families in the area.

Natali Starikova Art Box

East Side of Weston Road, South of Damask Avenue

In the bustle of a city as large and modern as Toronto, we forget the farming and pioneer history of this landscape before our dense and complex network of streets, buildings, and infrastructure was developed. Like other urban animals, the humble, creative, energetic mouse reminds us. Painted by artist Natali Starikova as part of the Bell Box Mural Project.