Homeowner’s Guide to Living in Newtonbrook

Newtonbrook is a small rural town in the north end of Toronto with a rich history and beautiful homes. Newtonbrook is known for its orchards, farms, restaurants and shopping.

Why Man with a Wrench home repair loves Newtonbrook Toronto

Located in the heart of the ‘burbs, near Downsview and Lawrence Avenue, Newtonbrook is “The Place to be” in the Toronto area. With a population of just over 4,000, it is also a very affordable place to live, especially when you include the value of working within close proximity to nature. The most popular attraction in Newtonbrook is definitely the orchards. There are several fruit orchards in the area and they make a great backdrop for many outdoor events. You’ll also find Maple Leaf Orchards right around the corner from your house.

History of Newtonbrook Toronto

The oldest structure in Newtonbrook is a beautiful two-storey clapboard house built in 1856. It was owned by Henry and Hannah McLane, whose son, William, built the house. It was later called McLaughlin’s Grove and was home to several prominent residents, including Chief Justice Usher, who held court there for many years. The McLaughlin’s Grove is now a private residence. The second oldest structure in Newtonbrook is the Congregational Church, which was completed in 1866.

Newtonbrook was once part of a much larger agricultural community.

In the 1880’s, a church was built in the small hamlet of Newton, Ontario. The small village of Newton soon grew around the church, as people began looking to it for social and cultural activities.

The first school was opened in 1884, and in 1887, the town site of Newton was officially incorporated.

With the growth of the Church and the school, the orchard and the businesses, it became apparent that the name of the village was too limiting.

When the Town of Newton was incorporated in 1892, the name of the town was changed to reflect its new status, becoming the Town of Newtonbrook.

1950s and forward in Newtonbrook

Newtonbrook was subdivided in the 1950s for a massive residential development. The only remnants of Drewry Avenue are the Newtonbrook Schoolhouse and the Newtonbrook General Store. From what can be seen, most of Drewry Avenue is missing- except for one house from its original subdivision that still stands.

As of the end of 2006, Newtonbrook was one of the northernmost areas in Toronto to be affected by infill development. Homes from the 1950s have been demolished and replaced with new custom-built homes in this neighbourhood. There is also an increasing number of new low-rise condos being built on the northwest corner of Yonge and Drewry.

Restaurants in Newtonbrook Toronto

Rising from the bottom of the orchard, a small group of trees, the now-famous Newtonbrook Orchards has been a part of the charm and beauty of the neighbourhood for generations. In fact, there are many picturesque orchards in Newtonbrook. The Groves, the Nesbitts, and the Blowons are just a few of the orchards in Newtonbrook. You’ll also find the Freeborn Orchard just a short drive away on the other side of the city.

Shopping in Newtonbrook Toronto

Just a quick drive away, the attractive shopping area of Long Branch is home to a variety of stores and restaurants, making it an ideal place to shop or dine. There are several interesting boutiques and an independent shoe store in Long Branch, as well as a variety of unique shops in the neighbourhood.

Common electrical issues in older homes found in Newtonbrook Toronto 

As well as in newer homes, older electrical systems can be tricky. A simple tri-violet light will often flicker when a baby is placed in the crib. Luckily, there are multiple ways to troubleshoot common electrical issues in old homes.

Testing circuits 

One easy way to test if a circuit in an old home is working properly is to use a continuity tester. Simple Wiring Devices is a good place to start.

Resistors and capacitors 

Common issues with old electrical equipment such as old TVs, VCRs, and fluorescent lights often result from a short. A continuity tester can test for short circuits.

Switches and outlets 

Old light switches and outlets occasionally have a hard time keeping up with the growing number of bulbs that are required. A simple continuity check can help in both old and new homes.

Common repair issues in older homes found in Newtonbrook Toronto

While most homes have a maintenance schedule, many older homes don’t. Water leak issues, broken pipes, and other mechanical problems often go unaddressed. If a home is 15+ years old, it’s likely that the plumbing and mechanical systems may need some work. If so, a plumbing inspector is worth his or her weight in gold.

Leaks in water lines when water flow is slow, look in the exterior wall for an opening between two layers of material. If you see a gap, a leak exists. If the leak is in the house, it’s likely that a pipe running below ground is leaking as well. A plumber can easily discover these leaks with a simple water leak detection device.

Wiring problems A common theme in old homes is poor wiring. If the wires are frayed or broken, it could result in small electrical issues. If so, take the wires out of the walls, run them through the conduit, and connect them with a splicer.

FAQs about Man with a Wrench in Newtonbrook

What is Man with a Wrench?

Man with a Wrench is a full-service home repair company that specializes in installing energy-efficient appliances and renovations in homes.

We offer top-quality services that are tailored to meet your needs. Whether you’re a small business or a large organization, our team of experts can help with everything from property maintenance to repairs. No matter the size of the project or budget – we have you covered!

Man with a Wrench can help you with:

  • Power Repairs
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC Services

Rich History!

Newtonbrook is a small rural town in the north end of Toronto with a rich history and beautiful homes. Newtonbrook is known for its Orchards, Farms, Restaurants, and Shopping.