Homes for Sale in Mimico, Toronto, ON

Oddly enough, Mimico is a neighbourhood named for a now-extinct bird; the passenger pigeon. Mimico comes from omiimiika, an Ojibwe word that translates to “abundant with wild pigeons,” and the passenger pigeon was the variety that happened to be prevalent at the time the neighbourhood was established.

The industrial town of Mimico dates back farther than other former municipalities in the area. Between 1911 and 1967 Mimico was a city of its own — separate entity from the city of Toronto. Prior to 1911 Mimico was part of the Township of Etobicoke, and the neighbourhood would again join forces with this suburb in 1967; when Etobicoke became part of the GTA — a result of the 1998 amalgamation — Mimico naturally followed suit.

Affluent buyers have been attracted to Mimico for over 100 years now. Wealthy individuals moved into the area once it became accessible by train, around the turn of the century. Located just west of Swansea, Mimico residents are within close reach of High Park and its 400 acres of green space.

Mimico is home to plenty of parks of its own, a couple of which are situated along the shore of Lake Ontario. Humber Bay Park features an artificial peninsula that juts out into the lake, and the wetlands in the park are home to various bird species like Swans, Mallard Ducks, and Red Winged Blackbirds. Mimico Linear Park and Humber Bay Shores Park are also great options for those who want to stroll along the waterfront. The Humber Bay Park Trail even connects with the Martin Goodman Trail to the east, which continues for 56 kilometres toward Toronto’s east-end beaches.

However, it’s not only the green spaces that attract active types to Mimico. Recreation facilities are abundant in the neighbourhood, including the Etobicoke Yacht Club, the Humber Bay Sailing Centre, and the Mimico Tennis Club. The serious sports culture doesn’t stop with boating and tennis: Mimico residents are lovers of both hockey and lacrosse. A handful of NHL players grew up in Mimico, and the neighbourhood’s Mastercard Centre for Hockey Excellence also happens to be the spot where the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Marlies train.

As for commercial offerings, most businesses can be found in one of two places in Mimico; along Royal York (known as the Mimico Village BIA) and Lake Shore Boulevard (home to the Mimico by the Lake BIA). Eastern European bakeries and delis are profuse in the neighbourhood, meaning residents always have access to treats like knishes, cheesecake, and apple strudels.

Its location just west of High Park is one of the reasons that Mimico condos are so desirable — the fact that Toronto condos for sale in Mimico are significantly lower than those in High Park & Swansea, only adds to this desirability.

With such a long and winding past, it’s no surprise that Mimico is home to a variety of homes, rather than a single, clear-cut style. Single-family homes in the neighbourhood range from early 20th century bungalows to Foursquare houses, which are unfussy counterparts to the more ornate Victorian homes popular at the time. Lakeside mansions and townhouses were built in the 1980s, while mid-century bungalows and low rises are also abundant.

As for multi-residential buildings, low and mid-rise buildings were constructed to attract new residents to Mimico after World War II. In recent years Toronto’s urban sprawl has resulted in yet another growth spurt for Mimico. The eastern part of the neighbourhood, formerly known as “Motel Strip,” is where the shiny new Mimico condos have been going up as of late. Mimico is now home to 55 condos, many of which are brand new, ultramodern, and glass-clad, including the Sky Tower at Eau Du Soleil Condos that soars to 66

storeys.

Mimico condos vary in terms of amenities, but generally feature extras that are in-line with most modern condos in the GTA.

While not the most walkable neighbourhood, Mimico condos do provide residents with a pedestrian friendly location, as they tend to be located in the eastern portion of the neighbourhood near Lake Shore Blvd W.

Buses along Royal York and Evans carry passengers toward Lake Shore Boulevard streetcars and the Bloor-Danforth subway line, both of which offer access to the downtown core. Mimico also has a GO Station of its own, which allows commuters to travel east to the city centre and west toward Hamilton.

Drivers living in Mimico likely rely on the Gardiner Expressway to get around; this busy highway is the best route for those heading right into the core of Toronto, while a transfer onto the 427 for those heading north is just minutes away.

The Locals: Torontonians fed up with Toronto prices.

Code of Conduct: No matter how busy life gets, there’s really no excuse for not taking advantage of Mimico’s lakeside parks.

What You’ll Find: Costco and natural wetlands – what more can one ask for?

What You Won’t Find: Luxury boutiques and hip cocktail bars.

The Homes: A diverse bunch reflecting the styles of each passing generation.

Sealing the Deal: The affordability factor.