Where is Liberty Village located in Toronto?

• King Street West / Railway Tracks to the North
• Gardiner Expressway to the South
• Dufferin Street to the West
• Strachan Avenue to the East

The area is known as Liberty Village and the real estate within is typically referred to as Liberty Village condos and Liberty Village lofts. The bulk of this neighbourhood’s residential structures are relatively new, but the historical significance and the industrial atmosphere pay homage to the roots and original purpose of this area. Many of the popular spots such as the Toy Factory Lofts, Liberty Market Tower and more all come from previous industrial buildings that have been transformed for today’s modern era. The great thing about this approach is that there is a unique atmosphere to the entire area where you can immediately distinguish once you’ve entered the community. A strong social aspect, younger demographic and super pet friendly approach brings this neighbourhood together and provides a perfect entry point into Toronto real estate and living.

Attractions and Outdoor Spaces

Liberty Village is a very urban area that itself doesn’t offer too many parks or green space, but it falls within close proximity to such options. Centrally located, you have Liberty Village Park along with Gateway Park and Bill Johnston Park closer to the Eastern boundary. These open spaces are popular for dog owners which is perfect since this neighbourhood has many pet owners as residents. This area does have many enticing attractions around. There are popular restaurants, bars and patio spaces such as Brazen Head, School, Local Liberty and more. You also have coffee shops such as Balzac’s and Starbucks along with prime brunching spots like Mildred’s Temple Kitchen.

The contrasting vibe at each spot and various offerings of food, drinks and social interaction attract not only residents, but many visitors from in and out of the city. Liberty Village has a collection of local entertainment options such as Exhibition Place. Here you’ll find amazing festivities and events such as the CNE. The BMO Field which is where vibrant Toronto FC games take place is just a short walk from this neighbourhood. You will also gain easy access to Toronto’s amazing nightlife, either within the community itself or if you’re looking for added variety, simply head to nearby Queen West or King West. This combination of different things to do in Liberty and the youthful feeling of the area craft a truly unique place to call home in Toronto.

Liberty Village Real Estate

There are some truly amazing Liberty Village condos for sale and Liberty Village lofts for sale depending on what inventory is available. The industrial nature of the buildings here has allowed for truly unique indoor spaces to flourish. The Toy Factory lofts provide spacious, sophisticated and treasured lofts steeped in natural daylight. If you explore the 5 Hanna Lofts, you’ll find yourself within units that boast soaring ceilings and exude a sense of airiness. These lofts do carry a premium over standard layout, single storey units due to the exclusive nature of them, however the price points are more affordable than lets say King West lofts or the Tip Top Lofts located on the Waterfront. Among these architectural gems, you also have taller towers offering more traditional, single story layouts. The beauty of these types of units are the sweeping views of the Toronto skyline.

These condos also offer entry level pricing when compared to other parts of the core city. Easy public transportation access via the GO Train lines and Streetcar system, this neighbourhood instantly connects you to the city while maintaining prices that correlate with not being right in the heart of downtown. This is the perfect balance for the area and is why so many students and younger people call it home. High rental demand in the area and strong rental rates combined with lower purchase price points mean this pocket is great for investors. The neighbourhood still receives property value appreciation which further adds to desirability for investor clients. The neighbourhood still sees a strong percentage of end-user demographics and doesn’t experience as much of a skewed owner to renter ratio as other parts of the city. This means there’s a certain atmosphere and community pride which is instilled in the local population and reflected through the characteristics of the area.

1) What is the centre’s track record? If you can, speak with other families whose children attend the center. What has their experience of the teachers and the centre been?Ask about staff. What’s the teacher to child ratio? Do the teachers have degrees in early childhood education? Does the centre provide ongoing education for its staff?

2) Research online reviews. You can gather valuable information—both red flags and enthusiastic recommendations—from people who have invested in writing about their experiences with daycares.

3) Another great way to get familiar with a centre is to go and observe. Do the teachers focus on play-based learning, or on more structured lesson plans? What about field trips and other enrichment programs? Does the centre offer these?

4) Ask how the preschool communicates with parents. Do they send notes home, or do they make use of more up-to-date communications via computer, the Internet, etc.? Which type of communication suits you best?

5) Ask about staff. What’s the teacher to child ratio? Do the teachers have degrees in early childhood education? Does the centre provide ongoing education for its staff?

Now, for some specific daycares. We consulted people who used data from the City of Toronto’s quality ratings for programs serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners. This data was from schools associated in some way with the city, so we also supplemented with information about some private centres.

OEYC Artscape Youngplace (180 Shaw Street)
Parents rate this daycare’s staff as highly experienced, trustworthy and welcoming. The space is generous and well organized. This location has excellent systems in place. According to parents, these systems bring another layer of safety and security. Extra caregivers or staff members are always visible and identified by badges. The centre is known for offering extra support to parents, as well as sponsoring free workshops for them.

BonAventure Child Care Centre (295 Dufferin Street)
BonAventure’s philosophy speaks for itself. They are committed to quality childcare for all children without bias. They understand every child as unique. BonAventure’s emphasis is on care for children’s physical, intellectual and emotional life. Children from all socio-economic backgrounds and a multicultural staff reflect the rich diversity of Toronto.

CityKids Early Learning & Child Care Centre (34 Bathurst Street)
This public early learning and child care centre takes children from infancy to age 4. Staff speaks a wide range of languages, so children from many cultures are welcomed and cared for. Food is catered and dietary needs are respected. Food options include halal, vegetarian, pork-free and peanut-free. CityKids consistently ranks at the highest scale for quality education and a safe environment.

Fraser School Community Day Care Centre (79 Manning Avenue)
With a staff that is committed to each child’s best care, Fraser School provides outstanding early education. The program is enriched by special events and celebrations. Parental involvement is considered an integral part of the school’s environment. As one parent says, “Everyday I go to work feeling confident my son is being very well taken care of, learning, socializing and having fun.”

Trinity Bellwoods Care Centre (155 Crawford Avenue)
Located in Trinity Bellwoods Park (west of Bathurst Street and north of Queen Street), CARE is a non-profit child care center licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Education. The governing board is comprised of parent volunteers whose children are enrolled in CARE and other community members. It serves families with children ranging in age from infancy to 12 years old. Housed in the Trinity Community Recreation Center, the school has great access to the park’s rich environment. Caring educators and an excellent staff to child ratio make CARE an excellent choice.