Leslieville is a neighbourhood in Toronto, Ontario, Canada east of the Don River bounded by the Canadian National railway line and Gerrard Street to the north, Empire Avenue to the west, Eastern Avenue to south, and Coxwell Avenue to the east.

In 2005 when the New York Times proclaimed Queen East as the new Queen West we knew we were heading in the right direction and when Starbucks landed on the corner of Logan and Queen we knew we were there. A fast and furious gentrification ensued. Leslieville is continually labeled as “The next big thing” but we would rather it not be. We’re happy just the way we are

Leslieville is an artistic community housing a lot of the artistic and creative types including photographers, graphic designers, painters, and musicians.

Its home to a diverse mix of vintage furniture & retro shops, fashion and design stores,cafes and its the hippest place to dine in the city, with reservations now requires at all the cool spots.

From a historical perspective, Leslieville began as a small village in the 1850s, which grew up around the Toronto Nurseries owned by George Leslie and sons, after whom the community is named. Most of Leslieville’s residents were gardeners or were employed at one of the brick-making factories in the area.

Alexander Muir, the composer of The Maple Leaf Forever, was the first principal of the Leslieville Public School, one of the first buildings in the village. Muir was inspired when a brilliant maple leaf fell on his jacket from a Leslieville tree. That tree is still standing today and has become a famous landmark in the community.

For decades, South Riverdale was home to light industry, particularly along Eastern Ave. south of Queen St. Metal processing and tanning were notable industries which, along with other industrial activity, left Leslieville and South Riverdale with a legacy of contaminated land. In 2000, the A.R. Clarke Tannery went up in flames, burning for days and unleashing toxic ash on the surrounding neighbourhood. Almost all these industrial areas have now been abandoned and are awaiting redevelopment.

The departure of most local factories have drastically changed the area. The reduction in air pollution have made it much more appealing to home buyers. It is,However, still a largely working-class and middle-class neighbourhood. Adding to the cool factor is that in the former industrial areas (south leslieville),large film studios have opened, including Cinevillage,Showline Studios and Pinewood film studios. Famous hollywood actors are sited on Queen East picking up a latte.

If your a current Leslievillian we hope you enjoy it! And if your considering joining our family then welcome!