Welcome to the Beach, a popular neighbourhood in Toronto’s east end. Known worldwide for the Boardwalk and of course its sandy Lake Ontario shoreline, it is also a great all season spot for a cup of coffee, a great dining experience, some fun shopping – or just a nice stroll! This is why so many people buy condos in the Beaches, they want a piece it for themselves!

This community is situated between Victoria Park and Coxwell Avenues, and it is south of Kingston Road. Many would call the area north of Kingston Road the Upper Beaches, but that is offensive to the purists. While we tend to agree that the neighbourhood ends at Kingston, we are including condos to the north because too many people think that way.

There are innumerable beautiful condos in this neighbourhood, and despite the variety of tastes out there, we’re sure you’ll agree that these condos add greatly to the look of the area. You are immediately aware of the quiet and private quality. Like almost all streets in the Beaches, the sunlight is dappled by the towering trees of all shapes, sizes and descriptions.

Ashbridges Bay is a park, a marina, a natural habitat, a sports venue (softball) and one of Toronto’s best places to be in the warmer seasons.

Call Laurin at 416-388-1960 or or email him today if you are interested in any of these Beaches Condos! And please be sure to let us know if you think a condo is missing.

The Beach Condominiums – 1733 – 1863 Queen Street East Built in 5 phases ending in 2006, this large complex near the lake was completed by The Pemberton Group. Only 5 stories tall, this low rise condo stretches along Queen Street East for a number of blocks between Kingston Road and Woodbine Avenue. Most of the condos are one and two bedroom layouts, though there are some three bedroom penthouses. Every condo has a balcony or terrace, with south-facing units on higher floors having a lake view. Just on the western edge of the popular Beaches neighbourhood, there is every convenience imaginable nearby. Minutes to the beach, the boardwalk and stores such as Starbucks, Sauvignon Restaurant and Zane Bakery. With the Queen streetcar just outside your door, you are minutes to downtown as well. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

The Boardwalk – 9 & 35 Boardwalk Drive With two buildings in each phase, there are 4 total in this east waterfront condo complex. Another low rise of only 5 floors, it fits well into the residential neighbourhood. The condos are all one and two bedroom floor plans, each with balcony or terrace. The southern end of the eastern building is literally feet from the beach, just the other side of Lake Shore Boulevard. Woodbine Park is to the west, The Beaches to the east, the lake to the south – what more could you want? Many condos have been upgraded with granite and stainless and hardwood – they can be gorgeous. Only minutes to Bay Street, The Boardwalk condos are close to restaurants, shops, sailing and canoeing clubs, golf clubs, tennis clubs and more. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Battenberg Towns – 41 & 50 Battenberg Avenue A small condo townhouse complex near Queen and Coxwell, you are just outside of the hectic Beaches neighbourhood. Not your standard stacked towns, these are the full house, making them a great opportunity for first time buyers to own in The Beaches. Some have two bedrooms, some have three, most with only one washroom though. Each has parking, plus a nice little backyard. The condo fees are high for a townhouse, though not too bad by condo standards – and they include everything. Skylights highlight the third-floor master retreats. Some have been updated with all the latest goodies, while others may need a little love. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Upper Beaches Condos – 716 Kingston Road Just north of The Beaches proper, the Upper Beaches condos are located at Kingston and Main. One and two bedroom condos all have balconies or terraces, plus parking. This small boutique condo offers fireplaces and great views, all within walking distance to the subway, with streetcars at the door. Only 5 stories tall, the Upper Beaches condos blend into the existing low rise residential neighbourhood. While some units are upgraded, others may still be dated and in need of some renovation. But since they are pretty much the lowest-priced condos in the area, you will be able to afford to decorate. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Woodbine Beach – 123 Woodbine Avenue An older building, built in the 1970s, located on Woodbine Avenue between Queen Street and the beach. All of the condos are bachelors, all small but all very affordable. Even with Toronto condo prices, these can be had for not much more than $200,000. It is a boutique low-rise with only 3 stories, so even being so close to the lake it might be hard to see it over the houses nearby. All have parking and some have balconies. Maintenance fees are very low and there is a great reserve fund. Many buy for investment, or to use as a pied-a-terre. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Estonian House – 2378 Queen Street East Right at Neville Park, across from the RC Harris Plant, this building is perched on a small hill with a fantastic view of the lake. Right at the far east end of The Beaches, there is still tons to do within a short walk. All units have 2 bedrooms and one washroom, each with a balcony. Tremendously affordable, prices are not much over $300,000 as of 2013. The units are dated though, heated with radiators. Only four floors high, this is a fairly exclusive boutique building in a great part of the city. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Lawlor Condos – 1 Lawlor Avenue Near Kingston and Victoria Park, this four-storey low rise condo is another hidden gem near The Beaches. As with many of the area buildings, there is great value for the money. You will not have trouble finding huge 2-bed/2-bath units in the low $400s (as of 2013). Built in the early 2000s, there are some one-bedroom condos but mainly 2 bedroom units. All have parking and all have outdoor space – ground floor units with massive terraces that are more like backyards. Being a newer building, the finishes are all top quality, as you would expect. Condo fees may seem high, but when the average unit is in the 1,100-1,350 square foot range, you realize you are getting a lot for your money. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Glen Manor – 15 Glen Manor Drive Located at 15 Glen Manor Drive, directly beside the boardwalk in the beach, this superbly located site originally was occupied by a three-storey apartment block, that had settled so badly (over a foot out of plumb) that the City had it condemned and demolished. This vacant land was purchased and rebuilt with a new, period style eleven-unit all masonry and concrete condominium structure, constructed on steel piles socketed into bedrock over fifty feet below the ground. One of the few condos built by Bob Mitchell that is not a loft, it still has the cachet that his name brings. Buy yourself a south-facing condo and look across the street at the sand and water, this is as close as it gets. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

The Hammersmith – 2112 Queen Street East Completed in late 1991, this four-storey low rise condo overlooks a quiet stretch of Queen East, between Balsam and Spruce Hill. Toward the eastern end of The Beaches, this 38-unit condo is still close to all the amenities of the neighbourhood. Only one block to the boardwalk & lake, with all sorts of restaurants, shopping, and cafes nearby. Wonderfully cared for building with a lovely garden & fountain in the courtyard. Sit on your balcony and watch the parade or the Jazz Festival. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Edgewood Towns – 90 Edgewood Avenue Best kept secret in The Beach – exceptional value situated on the west side of The Beach. Feels like a house and set 75 meters from the nearest street. In a park-like setting, these townhouses back on to a ravine and front on to treed and floral courtyard. A model of urban living in a natural setting. The townhomes of Edgewood Avenue offer 3 levels of living space with picture windows looking over the ravine from the living room. Large master bedrooms have ensuites and walk-in closets. There are entrances from the units to private underground parking. Short stroll to the trendy shops, bistros, and restaurants on Queen and the famous boardwalk. Great schools nearby. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Fallingbrook Place – 4A-6C Scarborough Road Custom built executive townhomes on a gorgeous tree-lined street at the quiet end of The Beaches, near Queen and Fallingbrook. There are mature 200-foot trees that surround the 500-square-foot roof decks. Upgrades abound: stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, slate flooring, cornice mouldings and 9-foot ceilings, Silent Joist System floors under hardwood, glass showers and more. Good things come in threes here, with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on 3 floors. Completed in 2006, these beautiful homes have been known to spark a bidding war or two. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

60 Kippendavie Avenue Completed around 1989, this low-rise condo looks more like townhouses than a traditional condo building. In the heart of The Beach, the location south of Queen Street is perfect. Hardwood floors, wood burning fireplaces, skylights and more. Large bay windows reveal a canopy of mature trees and morning sun only half a block to the boardwalk and beach. One of the more established and desirable streets in one of Toronto’s most desirable areas. This boutique building has only 18 units, and is well-managed with low maintenance fees. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

90 Kippendavie Avenue Built around the same time as 60 Kippendavie, in 1986, these townhouses offer the best in Beaches living. The 14 units all have 3 bedrooms and 2 washrooms, plus a finished basement. Most have parking and many have terraces. Condo fees are a tad high for townhomes. These Victorian styled homes offer hardwood floors and wood burning fireplaces. Just a few houses up from the boardwalk, these gems do not come up for sale very often. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

61 Main Street Located on Main Street just north of Kingston, this 4-storey low-rise condo was completed in 1986. Offering great value, one bedroom condos can still be had for around $250k, while two bed units are closer to $300k (as of 2013). Exceptional location, just a 10 minute walk to the amenities of Queen St. Excellent TTC accessibility. This is an ideal condo/investment for an entry level buyer or empty-nesters thinking of downsizing. Party room, roof top deck and recreation room. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

1666 Queen Street East Another condo townhouse project from 1986, these townhomes are fairly common to see for sale (with 8 sales in 2 years). It is near Coxwell, at the western edge of The Beaches. Most have 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, most with parking. Some units have 2 bedrooms, the larger ones have 3. Most have 2 washrooms, though some have 3. Terraces are common in the larger units. With prices in the mid-$300s (2013) they are a great value for the area. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

120-122 Glen Manor Drive Some say this is the best condo complex in The Beach! As with many in the area, these multi-level condos are centered around a central courtyard, with upper floors overlooking Queen street and the lake. These condos tend to be quite large, with open concept designs. There are skylights and lots of cupboards and storage space. Likely completed in the late 1980s. Some units have 2 bedrooms, the larger ones have 3. Most have 2 washrooms, though some have 3. Terraces are common in the larger units. Located on the corner of Queen and Glen Manor. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Kew Beach Place – 1941 Queen Street East A 3-storey 12-unit boutique building above retail space, just west of Kew Gardens. Built in 1992, these condos at Queen and Kennilworth range from one to three bedrooms and have one or two washrooms. Not all have parking, but many that do have two spots. Many of the units are spread over two floors, some have multiple walkouts to balconies and terraces with lake views. A rare and award-winning condo right in the heart of The Beaches. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

2366 Queen Street East These 3-level townhouses are located in a small Beach complex with Lake views and backing into a natural ravine. Nestled in the trees, these one-of-a-kind homes are across from a park and the boardwalk. Very bright with 2 level atrium. Featuring fabulous third floor master retreats with ensuite bath and walk out. Many have large terraces and decks. Imagine a cottage environment in the city. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

101 Glen Manor Drive Yet another Beaches townhouse completed in 1986 (what a year for townhomes in the Beach!), this one also has prime location south of Queen. They tend to be rather groovilicious, with sunken living rooms and brick wood-burning fireplaces. There are units with 2 bedrooms or 3 bedrooms, some with 2 washrooms and others with 3. Balconies or terraces are the norm. Almost all have parking. The complex has been well-kept, with roofs and exterior paint in 2007. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

South Beach Condos – 2371 Queen Street East This small 14-unit building is on Queen, between Beech and Balsam. Completed in 1997, the builder offered fine finishes such as gas fireplaces and pot lights as standard. Watch life go by on Queen Street from the north units, while south-facing condos see trees and the lake. All units have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, except for unit 201, which has only one of each. All have balconies or terraces, and most have parking. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Ashbridges Bay Condos – 325 Kingston Road A somewhat recent condo, completed in 2000. It is quite small, only 4 floors and only 2 condos per floor. Right near Kingston and Woodbine, it is just a wee bit north of Ashbridges Bay. Nicely by finished the builder, original finishes included Jacuzzi tubs and gas fireplaces – and 10 foot ceilings. All of these condos have two bedrooms, with one or two washrooms. All have two balconies – a small one out front and a big one at the back, facing south. All have parking. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Fallingbrook Place – 2286-2292 Queen Street East Completed in 2005, these new townhouses are at the quiet end of Queen Street, at Fallingbrook. These executive townhomes are a short walk to the lake, boardwalk, beach, restaurants & shopping. Enjoy the sun from the fabulous 500-square-foot roof top terraces – great outdoor spaces with north and south views. These towns are a fantastic opportunity to own a newer house in The Beach. Features include stainless steel kitchen appliances and hardwood, slate, limestone and marble flooring. Granite counter tops and silent floor systems complete the luxury finishes. Nine-foot ceilings, ensuite bathrooms, master retreats, open concept main floors. Trust me, these are nice! Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

155 Woodbine Mews A small complex of townhouses at the bottom of Woodbine Avenue. All have 3 bedrooms and 2 washrooms. Each has its own private garage. They have two parking spots and all have a balcony. They have backyards as well. Master bedrooms are on the top floor, with spa-like ensuites. All brick, these Beach area townhomes have cathedral ceilings and skylights in the master bath. Dating from the early to mid-1980s, the towns are almost 2,000 square feet. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

10 Buller Avenue One of the very early condo town complexes in The Beach, dating from the early 1980s. These Victorian Style Townhouse offer Maintenance Free Living In The Heart Of The Beach. Steps To Boardwalk, Lake, Shops On Queen & TTC. Skylights, fireplaces, backyards. Kew Beach school district and close to the Kew Beach Tennis Club. Well-maintained, the windows were replaced in 2002 and the parking garage repaired. While they are only two storeys tall, they have finished basements to make for three levels of living. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Llewellyn DeLaplante House – 2357-2359 Queen Street East The original building was constructed in 1905 and is on the City’s list of heritage properties. Right in the heart of The Beaches, at Spruce Hill, just north of Balmy Beach Park. Only 8 large units, townhouse in style, around 1,200 square feet each. Underground parking, wood burning fireplaces, private terraces. An amazing little boutique building that almost no one has ever heard of! Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Beach Hill Residences – 763 Woodbine Avenue Coming soon to Woodbine & Gerrard, in the Upper Beaches. To be built at the crest of a hill overlooking the charming Beaches neighbourhood, this will be a building that definitely doesn’t blend. Contemporary architecture by RAW Design and a high-contrast black and white exterior will be punched up with bright green accents that bring youth and playful colour to the area. There will be 7 storeys with 64 units ranging from 483 to 1,009 square feet. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Beach Club Lofts – 303 Kingston Road The windows at the front of the building will be subtly angled to create a curving ripple effect that evokes the gentle play of waves on water. The Beach Club Lofts is a new condo / loft project by Zen Homes at 303 Kingston Road. The project was completed in 2014. The project has a total of 50 units, with sizes from 457 to 1,375 square feet. Ceilings will range up to 17 feet in some units. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

North Beach Lofts – 601 Kingston Road The North Beach Lofts were built by Namarra Developments in 2006, near Kingston and Main. Upper Beaches, North Beach, the name is just market. North Beach Lofts is walking distance to the vibrant Beaches strip and top floor south-facing lofts have views of the lake. This is a soft loft building with ceilings of 9 and 10 feet on the top floors. Expect the same exposed concrete and duct work as in other soft loft buildings, as well as laminate floors, terraces and floor to ceiling warehouse-style windows. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Cornerstone Terrace Lofts – 323 Kingston Road Cornerstone Terrace Lofts will blend modern design and classic finishes to achieve a timeless living environment. There are only 8 units in the 4-storey building, including seven 2-storey lofts and one 1-storey studio loft. The 2-storey lofts are available in 1 and 2 bedroom designs and range in size from 576 to 980 square feet. Four of the suites have private roof terraces which increase their living area by almost 250 square feet. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

75 Scarborough Road Like many other co-op buildings, 75 Scarborough Road has fairly large suites, with big bedrooms – unlike most new condos. An older building, there is no laundry in the units (laundry room) and parquet floors are common. Taxes are included in the maintenance fees. Perched atop a hill, the upper floors enjoy views of the lake and lower floors enjoy beautiful streetscapes. The 75 Scarborough Road co-op is just a short stroll to Queen East shopping and restaurants. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Upper Beaches Lofts – 214 Main Street Not much is left of the old fish market that used to be on this site. Now housing 16 lofts, the Upper Beaches Lofts is a lovely brick, two-storey building with lofts ranging from 795 to 1,268 square feet. All of the lofts are two levels – and all feature beautiful hardwood floors and cozy gas fireplaces. Located in the Upper Beaches area near Danforth Village, restaurants, grocery stores and box stores are close at hand. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Modern Beach Lofts – 952 Kingston Road 952 Kingston is a unique 24 unit building which marks the first loft conversion project in this area of the city. This property is steep with history beginning life as a movie theatre in the early 1940’s. When you look at the upper level of the building you can see the Art Deco influences in stone details and linear motifs. The residential entrance of the building recalls the sense of the original theatre grand entrance. Upper levels house distinctive curves, glass facades and terraces. The conversion of the 1940 movie theatre into 24 modern Art Deco loft residences is a landmark in the upscale north beach neighbourhood. Stainless steel appliances, 10 ft. ceilings and polished concrete floors are some of the many features that 952 Kingston has to offer. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

21 Benlamond Avenue Smaller boutique condo in the Upper Beaches in a prime area, close to ravines and parks with Kingston Road nearby. Each of the condos has 2 bedrooms, but only half have parking. There are only 11 units, so you will get to know your neighbours if you live here. Some owners have added laundry, but don’t expect them all to have ensuite facilities, though there is a laundry room. Being a co-ownership, there are higher down payment requirements, but the condo fees tend to be on the low side – and they include property taxes! You might still find one for less than $400k, but don’t hold your breath. With only 3 sales since 2007, they don’t come up very often. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

49 Benlamond Avenue Just up the road from 21 Benlamond Avenue is another, even smaller, boutique Upper Beaches condo. This one used to be co-ownership as well, though the owners converted it to a condominium proper back in 2001. Carved from a 1927 mansion, the units retain much of the charm of yesteryear. Expect to find hardwood floors, fireplaces and raftered ceilings. With only 1 sale in the past 6 years, these 6 two-bedroom units do not move very often. From mansion to rentals, then co-ownership and now condo, this old house has seen it all. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Glens Of Benlamond – 47-57 Benlamond Avenue Tucked in behind and beside 49 Benlamond is the last in our group on Benlamond Avenue. This is a collection of townhouses, all fairly large, with very low fees. Fairly recent, they were built in 1996. Many consider them to be freehold, but there is a common element fee paid to maintain the grounds. Also rare, as everything on this street seems to be, the 2012 sale was the first since 2007. Located off the street and backing on to the ravine, this is pretty close to country living in the city. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

70-80 Coxwell Avenue Almost like stacked townhouses, these are more honest in being a simple low-rise condo. Only 10 units in 5 buildings, two per building, one to a floor. Prices are very affordable for the size. A bit loud, as Coxwell can be quite busy here, at Dundas. The police station kitty corner makes for a safe area to live, that is for sure. Finishes are decent, though not luxury, but better than most. Condo fees are extremely low, even if they don’t include much. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Kew Beach Living – 76 Kippendavie Avenue At the centre of one of the largest developments fights ever in The Beaches, Kew Beach Living got the green light and is being built. Kew Beach Living is a new soft loft project by Worsley Urban Partners currently under construction at 76 Kippendavie Ave in Toronto. The 58-unit project is scheduled for completion in 2013. Located South of Queen Street in the heart of the Toronto Beaches. Live where most can only dream of… Toronto’s Beach community, literally steps to the sandy shores of Lake Ontario. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Two Hundred The Beach – 200 Woodbine Avenue Two Hundred will be the landmark residence of the community offering stellar suite layouts, stunning kitchens and zen inspired baths. Two Hundred Condos is a new condo project by The Riedel Group currently in pre-construction at 200 Woodbine Ave. Two Hundred will be the landmark residence of the community offering stellar suite layouts, stunning kitchens and zen inspired baths. With a limited collection of only 24 residences, the intimate boutique residence will transform the corner of Queen and Woodbine and create a grand entry to Toronto’s most desirable community, The Beach. The project is scheduled for completion in 2015. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Lakehouse Beach Residences – 1960 Queen Street East No, it won’t smell like hamburgers… Going up on the old Lick’s site at Queen Street East and Kenilworth, close to the lake and Boardwalk, Lakehouse echoes the eclectic urban spirit of its surroundings. This intimate, boutique residence will be home to remarkable, open concept living spaces ranging from 550 up to 1,880 square feet. Each will have a terrace or balcony, with charming neighbourhood views and notable appointments. Without question, this is condominium living with a decidedly different point of view. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Beachview Lofts – 517 Kingston Road Soft lofts near The Beach, on Kingston Road between Lee and Waverley, built around 1995. This unassuming building contains only 8 lofts, 4 single-level units on the main floor and 4 multi-storey lofts above. Each loft is unique and ranges from 1,000 to 1,200+ square feet. Ceilings range from 8 feet up to 23 feet in some spots. They all have wood floors, gas fireplaces and open kitchens. Upper level lofts have huge roof terraces with views of the lake and the lower units have private patios. Not the most attractive building, but the lofts themselves are incredible. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Waterworks Lofts – 2362 Queen Street East These soft lofts are located on the north side of Queen Street, almost across the street from the RC Harris plant. Built in 2001, it is known as the Waterworks Lofts because of this location. The 10 lofts have both south and north views, and feature state-of-the-art wiring, fireplaces and hardwood floors. The south facing two-level units at the front offer a terrific lake view from their large roof top terraces. Living in the exclusive Neville Park area of the Beaches, you would be but steps from the beach or fine shopping and dining. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Williamson Garden Townhomes – 1 Bastedo Avenue A low-rise building / stacked towns, whatever you want to call it, this 16-unit boutique complex is small and rare. Each unit has 2 bedrooms, some have 2 washrooms while others have 3. Almost all have parking. Condo fees are low, though they don’t include much. Located at the quiet dead-end south part of Bastedo, it is a quite place to live. Both the Coxwell and Woodbine subway stations are nearby. All are a good size, 1,500-1,600 square feet, though the lower level units have the bedrooms in the basement. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Executive Beaches Townhomes – 101 Hammersmith Avenue A block from the beach, you can smell the water as you sit on the Starbucks patio having your morning latte. Large 2 and 3 bedroom units with parking, built in 1989 at the corner of Hammersmith Avenue and Queen Street East. There are some great cathedral ceilings and lofty levels overlooking rooms below. Many have large private terraces, perfect for enjoying the sun. Electric heat and high fees that include nothing can make for large monthly bills. Large multi-level units in a great location. Contact us today if this condo interests you. –Lakehouse Beach Residences – 2000 Queen Street East———

Waterfront on the Beach – 15-21 Glenfern 15 – 21 Glenfern Avenue is located on the south side of Glenfern, directly on the beach. Literally you can walk out the backdoor and onto the sand! This boutique waterfront co-ownership building features only 20 suites. The land was originally part of the Eaton’s family estate and used as a summer retreat for store managers. Many of the units have wood burning fireplaces, original wood trim, crown molding and hardwood floors – and incredible lake views. As with most co-ownerships, the maintenance fees include property taxes. Converted from a 1915 rental building in 1988, it is part of the Balmy Beach Heritage Conservation District Study Area. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Swanwick Heritage Lofts – 21 Swanwick Avenue The Swanwick Heritage Lofts at 21 Swanwick Avenue have been converted from the former Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, a designated heritage property. The church is a local landmark in the East Toronto neighbourhood and provides a terminus for the view to the south end of Enderby Road. First established in 1888, the present church was built in 1893. Only 10 units were carved from the Gothic Revival church building, many with outdoor patios, all with parking. Most have 3 bedrooms, some only 2, while washrooms range from 2 to 4 in the larger units. Fees are low. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Academy Lane Lofts – 1852 Queen Street East Named for its location on the former site of the Academy Lane Bowling Alley, old meets new in the Academy Lane Lofts. This four-storey 12-unit boutique loft building at 1852 Queen Street East was developed in 2003 by Street Car Developments, one of their first projects. Enjoy the beautiful exposed beam construction, or gaze out the over-sized windows as you prepare for entertaining in your state-of-the-art kitchen with high ceilings. Enjoy Beaches living in a building that won a 2009 Toronto Urban Design Award. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Beach House Lofts – 1842 Queen Street East Another of Streetcar’s early projects, next door to the Academy Lane Lofts. No elevator turns some people off, but the building is not that tall. Beach House is one of the more upscale lofts in Toronto and located in the popular Beaches area, just west of Woodbine Avenue. These lofts feature 12 – 20 foot ceilings, and sizes ranging up to 1,748 square feet Massive windows for maximum natural light exposure. The automated stacked parking system is something to see! Some brick feature walls give authentic loft atmosphere. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Balmy Beach Towns – 16 Balmy Avenue Buried in the trees at the end of Balmy Avenue, you can are about 300 feet from the beach. A very unique and small complex of only 6 units, they are almost Tudor in style, blending in with many of the historic homes in the neighbourhood. All have 3 bedrooms, except unit 5, which only has 2 – but they all have 2 washrooms. Built around 1985, prices have escalated and due to their rarity and exceptional location, they tend to sell in the $700s. Fees can be rather high, at $500, but there just aren’t many units to share the costs. If you want low maintenance, timeless architecture and near-waterfront location, then these are for you. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Bellefair Kew Beach Residences – 2 Bellefair Avenue This is the one everyone was talking about! Sold out in a weekend, this is a hot project. Reserve Properties retained a heritage architect to adapt the Late Gothic architectural style of the former Bellefair United Church into a five-storey condominium structure to house 23 one to two bedroom + den lofts and two storey rooftop penthouse suites. Tucked behind the carefully articulated façade are six three storey townhomes united by an elevated landscaped courtyard that provides elegant walkway access to the homes. Buy here, live in a Beaches landmark! Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

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The Beaches is a neighbourhood and popular tourist destination located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is located on the east side of the “Old” City of Toronto, from Victoria Park on the east to Kingston Road on the north, Eastern Avenue to Leslie on the west, south to the lakeshore of Lake Ontario. The Beaches is part of the east-central district of Toronto.

Back in the 1790s, Alexander Aitken, working for Lieutenant Governor SImcoe divided the land in what is now East Toronto area into large lots. The new owners developed roads – and soon stagecoaches and trains were connected.

Villages grew and some local owners developed recreational areas and offered the public access. Over the next 100 years, the Beaches became a summer haven for Toronto residents.

The communities would eventually become towns and would become part of Toronto around 1900. The local government bought up the land over the next 30 years and in 1932 Beaches Park opened. It spanned from Nursewood Road to woodbine Avenue.

The name of the community is the subject of a long-standing dispute. Some long-time local residents believe that The Beach is the proper historical name for the area, whereas others are of the view that “The Beaches” is the more universally recognized neighbourhood name, particularly by non-residents. All government levels refer to the riding, or the ward in the case of the municipal government, as Beaches-East York.

The dispute over the area’s name reached a fever pitch in 1985, when the City of Toronto installed 14 street signs designating the neighbourhood as “The Beaches”. The resulting controversy resulted in the eventual removal of the signs, although the municipal government continues to officially designate the area as “The Beaches”. In early 2006 the local Beaches Business Improvement Area voted to place “The Beach” on signs slated to appear on new lampposts over the summer, but local outcry caused them to rescind that decision. The Beaches Business Improvement Area board subsequently held a poll (online, in person and by ballot) in April 2006 to determine whether the new street signs would be designated “The Beach” or “The Beaches”, and 58% of participants selected “The Beach” as the name to appear on the signs.

Ironically, the two names have been used to refer to the area since the first homes were built in the 19th century. In his book, Accidental City: The Transformation of Toronto, Robert Fulford, himself a former resident, wrote: “the historical argument for ‘the Beaches’ as a name turns out to be at least as strong as the historical argument for ‘the Beach'”. “Pluralists” hold that since the area had four distinct beach areas, using the singular term is illogical. Those preferring the singular term “Beach” hold that the term has historically referred to the area as the four distinct beach areas merged.

Historically, there are or were a number of institutions that used the term “Beach” in the singular, including the original Beach telephone exchange (1903 – 1920s), the Beach Hebrew Institute (1920), the Beach Theatre (1919 to the 1960s), and the Beach Streetcar (1923 – 1948). The singular form has also been adopted by the local historical society, which is called The Beach and East York Historical Society (from 1974). There are also numerous examples of early local institutions that use the plural form “Beaches”, such as the Beaches Library (1915), the Beaches Presbyterian Church (1926), the Beaches Branch of the Canadian Legion and a local war monument in Kew Beach erected post WWII by the “Beaches Business Men’s Association”.

Despite the naming controversy, most Torontonians recognize either name as referring to this particular neighbourhood, even though there are numerous beaches located elsewhere in the city.

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Contact Laurin Jeffrey for more information – 416-388-1960

Laurin Jeffrey is a Toronto Realtor with Century 21 Regal Realty. He did not
write these articles, he just reproduces them here for people who are
interested in Toronto real estate. He does not work for any builders.
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