Guildwood Area

History of Guildwood

The history of Guildwood revolves around The Guild Inn which was founded in 1932 by Rosa and Spencer Clark as a retreat for artists and craftsmen. "The Guild of All Arts," as it was then known featured workshops and studios, in a picturesque setting atop the Scarborough Bluffs.

During World War II, The Guild Inn was used as an official naval base called "HMCS Bytown II, and then later as a specialized military hospital known as "Scarborough Hall." After the war, The Guild Inn was returned to the Clarks and its popularity rose to new heights.

In the 1950's rising taxes forced the Clarks to sell 400 acres of their property to the developers who built the present day Guildwood neighbourhood. In 1978 the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority purchased the remainder of the Guild Inn estate, thus preserving its beauty for future generations to explore and enjoy.

Overview

Guildwood is one of Toronto's most beautiful and exclusive neighbourhoods. The main entrance to the Guildwood neighbourhood is marked by a formal stone pillar and cast iron gateway, situated at Kingston Road and Guildwood Parkway.

The major landmark in this neighbourhood is the historic Guild Inn, located at 201 Guildwood Parkway. The Guild Inn is situated on ninety acres of property overlooking the Scarborough Bluffs. Tourists and local residents come to the Guild Inn to enjoy its historic architectural walking tour and rustic woodland nature trail.

Guildwood has an active community association that produces its own newsletter as well as sponsoring various neighbourhood events. One of these events is Guildwood Day, which is held in June and features a pancake breakfast, games, races, crafts, a parade along Guildwood Parkway and an evening barbeque.

Guildwood Homes

 Guildwood Village features an excellent mix of houses, including bungalows, split-level and detached two-storey homes built in the 1950's and 60's, and newer custom designed homes . Many Guildwood Village houses feature front porches that look out onto the tree-lined streets and lush gardens that are trademarks of this neighbourhood. Also noteworthy are the many houses situated on the south side of Guildwood Parkway that command a spectacular view of Lake Ontario.

When Guildwood Village was developed a bylaw was in place stipulating that tall tress were not permitted to be removed from properties. So while the housing stock generally dates from 45-60 years old, many of the trees in the neighbourhood are much older, which accounts for the picturesque beautiful tree canopy found throughout the neighbourhood.

The stretch of Guildwood Parkway west of Livingston Road contains a mix of townhouses, multi-plex dwellings, and low-rise apartment buildings. There is also a luxury condominium apartment building just south of Kingston Road, at the entrance gates to this neighbourhood. 

Schools in Guildwood

Guildwood Junior Public School -  http://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/guildwood/​

Jack Miner Senior Public School -  http://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/jackminer

Elizabeth Simcoe Junior Public School - http://www.elizabethsimcoe.ca/cms/index.php/index/​

Poplar Road Junior Public School - http://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/poplarroad​

St. Ursula Catholic School - https://www.tcdsb.org/schools/stursula/Pages/default.aspx​

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute - http://www.sirwilfridlaurierci.ca/

Guildwood Village Montessori School - http://www.gvmontessori.ca/​