Westminster-Brandson is a Toronto suburb located approximately 10 minutes from downtown and the GO Train station. It is the perfect place to live if you are looking for a nice and quiet place to call home. The area is known for its many lakes and parks, as well as its proximity to the subway and Highway 401. But most importantly, it is home to some of the best people in the land. Being a suburb, the locals are very open and welcoming. And as you might expect, there is a strong sense of community and family here. This guide will give you an in-depth look at what you need to know about living in Westminster-Brandson, as well as the best ways to explore the community.
Why Man with a Wrench loves Westminster-Brandson Toronto
If you have always dreamed of living in a big city, but could never quite bring yourself to make the move – fear not! The perfect city is Toronto with a thriving, exciting nightlife and a plethora of nightlife options within walking distance of your house, you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy.
However, for those who was a bit of a more relaxed pace, check out the Westminster-Brandson neighborhood in Toronto.
Esther Shiner Stadium is a multi-purpose outdoor sports facility that can be used by secondary schools and numerous recreational clubs in the neighbourhood. The stadium is managed by the City of Toronto, which also has a branch in Centennial. In addition to these establishments, the local public library (Centennial) also maintains a store there.
The neighbourhood is home to several municipal parks as part of its infrastructure; G. Ross Lord Park, Finch Avenue Hydro Corridor, and West Don Parklands are among them. Municipal parks located in Westminster–Branson are managed by their respective divisions within the Toronto Parks system
Plus, you get all the benefits of living in a big city, like walking and public transit access, as well as a diverse and lively range of bars, restaurants, and nightlife options.
Westminster-Brandson Toronto History
The city of Toronto is vast and complex, and it is easy to get lost in its history. Fortunately, the history of the neighbourhood where you will soon call home is quite simple!
The area now known as Downtown Toronto was first inhabited by the Iroquois, who called the valley and hilltops surrounding Lake Ontario home. In the 1740s, the region was captured by the British and became part of York County, Upper Canada. During the War of 1812, the British burned much of the area, including the Great Lakes’ headwaters, in an attempt to stop the American rebels.
In 1819, the area was appended to the City of Toronto and became part of the Town of York. At the end of the 19th century, a group of progressive and forward-thinking merchants, including George Brandson and William H. Draper, formed the Toronto Home Builders’ Association to promote the area as a desirable residential location.
The region soon became known as the “New England of the North” due to its close proximity to Boston, and the name stuck.
Benefits of Westminster-Brandson in Toronto
If you’re looking for a place with a sense of community, a great mix of historic and contemporary architecture, and easy access to the ocean, then you’ve come to the right place.
The downtown core of Westminster-Brandson is home to many beautiful homes, many of which are open to the public as museums. If you’re lucky enough to get a look inside one of these beautiful homes, you will see that the level of engineering involved in the construction of these homes is truly impressive.
The neighbourhood is also regarded as one of the best places to live in all of Toronto. You’re likely to run into other local professional golfers, business people, or families just like yours. There is a large and active network of local community associations here, providing a range of services for the entire neighborhood.
Restaurants and Parks in Westminster-Brandson in Canada
As mentioned above, the neighborhood is known for its many lakes. But you’re likely to get your greens fees waived at one of the many golf courses in the area.
If you’re lucky enough to get a taste of local life, there are a number of parks in the area that you should make time to check out.
The best is of course Lakefront Park, which is located at the west end of the neighborhood.
What should I get inspected for repair if my home was built in the 1950s or 1960s
As mentioned above, many homes in the area were built in the 1950s and 1960s, and as such, are filled with lead-based paint. This is the most common type of paint found in homes built before 1978. The most commonly reported problem with lead-based paint is its tendency to flake, leaving a dull finish that is harmful to your skin. You should also be aware that some homes in this range have water heater units that are more than 40 years old.
Common Electrical issues for homes built in the 1950s or 1960s
Many of the electrical issues you will face as a homeowner will stem from the homes built in the 1950s or 1960s. If the home was built before 1980, there is a good chance that it uses old-fashioned light fixtures and wiring. As such, there are a number of potential problems that you may not be aware of.
Poor electrical design – If the lights won’t turn on, or stay on for a set amount of time, call your electrician and have them check out the wiring.
Overhead lights – If your overhead lights don’t work, or stay on for a set amount of time, you should get your electrician to check out the wiring.
Wiring in the basement – Basements did not exist in the earlier decades of home construction, so many homes in this range had to be wired for electricity. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, get your electrician to check out the wiring.
Common plumbing issues for homes built in the 1950s or 1960s
It’s likely that the plumbing in your home was not up-to-date when it was built. If so, you are likely to face a number of plumbing issues as time passes.
Faucets that won’t turn on – If your faucets don’t turn on, or stay on for a set amount of time, get your faucet installer to check out the faucet.
Toilets with no diverters – If you have no way to divert sewage from your kitchen to your backyard, you are likely to have unhealthy levels of bacteria and other harmful chemicals build up in your plumbing.
Wastewater from the kitchen and bathroom fixtures not draining – If you are constantly coming into contact with wastewater from your kitchen and bathroom fixtures, you are likely to develop bacterial infections.
Common electrical issues for homes built in the 1950s or 1960s
If the electrical issues that underlie the common electrical issues for homes built in the 1950s or 1960s didn’t exist, we would not be having this discussion. Unfortunately, these issues are often indicative of a larger problem.
If you are having issues with hot and cold water, major appliances, or other electrics in your home, it is likely that there is a larger issue that needs to be addressed.
If you are having trouble with your toilet flushing, or cannot flush a bowel movement for several days, it is likely that your toilet is not working properly.
If you are having trouble with your faucets or toilets, you should get them checked out as soon as possible. If your home is still under construction, it is very common for the electrical system to be low on parts. If the water in your home is not hot or cold enough for a few days, or you constantly have to switch from one type of hot water to another, call your electrician and have him check out the system.
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