As one of the fastest-growing neighbourhoods in Toronto, West Island has undergone a lot of changes in recent years. To get a feel for what this neighbourhood is like now and how it has evolved, check out this blog post.
In it, we will discuss the history of West Island, its current population and growth, as well as some of the things that make this neighbourhood so popular. So, whether you are looking to move to West Island or just want to know more about it, read on!
Contents
All About Of West Island
History
West Island was originally inhabited by the First Nations people who lived on the island long before European settlers arrived. The first Europeans to set foot on West Island were probably French explorers in the early 1700s.
However, it wasn’t until 1820 that a British settler, Alexander Moore, purchased land on West Island and began farming it.
Moore played an important role in the development of Toronto as he was one of the city’s earliest merchants and finan ciers. Moore Road, on which West Island is located, was named after him by his daughter in 1828.
Climate
As one of the fastest-growing neighbourhoods in Toronto, West Island has seen a lot of change over the years. Initially, it was just a rural area with farms and woods on either side of Moore Road.
However, as the neighbourhood continued to grow, new businesses and homes were built along Moore Road which led to an increase in population.
Today, West Island is home to some of Toronto’s most popular neighborhoods such as Sherbourne Village and River dale. The neighbourhood has also been transformed over the years and is now firmly established as one of Toronto’s most prestigious neighbourhoods.
Culture
West Island is home to a diverse population of people who come from all around the world. This makes it one of Toronto’s most lively neighbourhoods, with plenty of things to do and see. There are also several popular restaurants and bars located in West Island which contribute to its vibrant culture. Transportation
West Island is easily accessible via several public transit options. It has easy connections to the TTC’s Yonge subway line which connects it directly with Union Station and Downtown Toronto in under 30 minutes.
Should you need bus or streetcar transportation while visiting West Island, take advantage of the many routes available on Moore Road such as # 205 Sherbourne Streetcar , King St Bus which runs along its entire length, or 501 Dundas streetcars.
Politics
West Island is a stronghold of the Liberal Party in Toronto. The neighbourhood has been represented by Liberal MPs since 1997, and is currently held by Scott Brison.
The Liberal Party official riding office is located at 4000 Bathurst Street, West Island. Provincially the area is represented by Michael Prue and Marie-Claude Johnston. Holidays
Canadian Thanksgiving and many other Canadian holidays are celebrated throughout the Toronto area. In West Island, Catherine Messiter Park acts as one of several public spaces which act as places for community events during these celebrations like “Parade Eve Parade” on November 23rd and Olde Town Dickens Village Stroll or Santa Claus parade in December.
Demographics
According to the 2011 national census, West Island is home to 40.3% of all visible minorities in Toronto.
Additionally, 80% of the neighbourhood’s population identify as having English and/or French ties with only 14 per cent identifying themselves as speaking a language other than those first two mentioned (West Islands ethnic profile).
The city reference for cultural diversity statistics was therefore 1.87 out 5 among visible minority representation while Western Ontario had a value if ” C” out of 10.
For the topics of immigration and integration, West Island residents were ranked as having a “D”, therefore they did not fulfill expectations set forth in Toronto’s official cultural diversity plan –
The city referenced 6 to 7 as representing high representation rates among foreign origins and culture percentages occurred lower than expected at 5 for both categories.
Government Services
West Island is represented by local councilors in the Toronto borough of YorkRegion. The neighbourhood falls within Ward 7 of the City of Vaughan, and Councillor Lynne Brown is its representative on York region Council.
The area also falls under municipal jurisdiction for infrastructure services like garbage collection, Streetscaping maintenance and public library service delivery. The RCMP’s West Hill Detachment is located in the Kingston Road area, as is Halton Regional Police Emergency Operations Centre.
Tourism
Attractions in and around West Island include Thornton Beach Village, the Wellington Cottage Museum, Dundas Valley Conservation Area and Mount Sinai Hospital.
The neighbourhood is also home to a number of restaurants including Givens Avenue Thai Cuisine and La Poudriere Bistro.
It is within a short driving distance of major employers including school boards and hospitals in the city and region. Transit service to West Island is provided by both York Region Transit’s rapid transit network extending beyond Toronto along Highway 7, as well as GO Transit’s rail service at Union Station.
Tourism
West Island is serviced by both public transit and roads. The neighbourhood is located adjacent to Highway 7, which provides easy access to downtown Toronto as well as the wider Greater Toronto Area.
GO Transit’s Union Station offers rail service across southern Ontario, while York Region Transit operates a number of bus routes that serve the area including Parc Downsview Park and York University.
Taxi service is also plentiful in the York Region, with over 60 taxi companies operating within an 18-kilometre area. West Island’s leash laws are enforced by Halton Regional Police and Toronto municipal police services.
Cuisine
West Island is home to a variety of restaurants, including some specializing in French and Mediterranean cuisine. Givens Avenue Thai Cuisine features delicious dishes such as Pad Thai and Red Curry Noodle Soup, while La Poudriere Bistro offers mouth-watering Montreal-style bagels with toppings such as bacon, cheese and sour cream. Museums
West Island is home to the Wellington Cottage Museum in a restored Georgian house that stands on one of York’s oldest streets. The museum houses thousands of exhibitions exploring township history, art and architecture from its inception as York Township throughout today.
Conclusion
West Island is a peninsula located in southeastern Montreal, Quebec, between the Saint Lawrence River to the south and the Lachine Canal to the north. The island is elongated, with an average width of about 2 km. The highest point on the island is Mount Royal at 553 m.
FAQ
1.What Is The Population Of West Island?
Ans: The latest census shows that there are approximately 41,000 people living in West Island. This number has been growing steadily for the past decade, and it is estimated that by 2031, the population will reach an astounding 63,000 residents!
2.How Long Has West Island Been Around?
Ans: West Island first appeared on historical maps in 1535. However, due to its isolation from Montreal until 1825 and from Lachine until 1913, its early history is rather unknown.
3.Who Were The First Inhabitants Of West Island?
Ans: This is unclear, however a possible origin could be settlers that moved from the lower mainland during French colonial rule.
4.How Many Different Ethnic Groups Live In West Island?
Ans: No definitive list exists at this point, but some of the most prominent ones include: Hispanics, Chinese-Canadians (with over 6300 residents in just 20 blocks), Koreans and Italians/Italians.
5.What Is The Density Of West Island?
Ans: West Island averages about 17,500 people per square km. Considering that many parts today merely measure over 2 , 5 and 10 blocks for as far north as Stanley Avenue or west to Parc Lafontaine/Gore Park, this gives some idea on how concentrated the population was in Victorian times.
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