Leaside is a most comprehensive look at the people, significant events and built heritage, all of which contributed to the creation of this distinctive community. Named after John Lea, a successful farmer, whose house, built in 1829, is believed to be the first brick house in York County, Leaside grew from a railway settlement into a prosperous urban town. With its roots embedded in the history of three railways, Leaside has a unique industrial heritage that played a key role in the war effort during both World Wars, including its being the site of munitions plants, a wooden plane factory, and a base for the Royal Flying Corps. Leaside was also home to the Durant Motors of Canada, and later the Nash cars, Canada Wire and Cable, and the popular Thorncliffe Race Track. Did you know that Canada’s first airmail delivery touched down in Leaside and that an Olympic calibre ski jump once operated in the Don Valley? Jane Pitfield’s Leaside represent a nostalgic journey into the heritage of a most remarkable neighbourhood, still proudly retaining its identity as part of Toronto.

The East York Foundation was originally created in April of 1965 by an Act of the Provincial Legislature. Prior to this, municipal administrators and politicians had worked together to establish a not for profit body to assist in preserving and protecting the cultural assets of East York. This initiative was spearheaded by Reeve True Davidson. The mission of the East York Foundation is; “To contribute to the historical, cultural and recreational enrichment of the people of East York, which encompasses the communities of East York and Leaside”. The East York Foundation is dedicated to the promotion of community institutions, associations and organizations. To help do this, the Foundation assists these groups in fundraising campaigns for both capital and non capital projects. As an Ontario Registered Charity, income tax receipts can be issued by the East York Foundation to qualified donors. The East York Foundation is operated by an elected, volunteer Board of Directors. After more than 50 years, the East York Foundation continues to liaise and work co-operatively with local residents, businesses, institutions and organizations. To find out more about the East York Foundation, and to make donations to it, please contact Gord Piercey. He can be reached at [email protected] or send mail to 850 Coxwell Avenue, East York, Ontario M4C 5R1. The East York Foundation is proud to support the publishing of Alan Redway’s East York 1924-1997: Toronto’s Garden of Eden. This is yet another tangible example of how the East York Foundation meets its mandate and community responsibility, and continues to play a part in the history of East York.

The Toronto Neighbourhoods bundle presents a collection of titles that provide fascinating insight into the history and development of Canada’s largest and most diverse city. Beginning with histories of Canada’s longest street and the early days of what was once called York (The Yonge Street Story, 1793-1860; A City in the Making; Opportunity Road), the titles in the bundle go on to examine the development of particular unique neighbourhoods that help give the city its character (Willowdale, Leaside). Finally, Mark Osbaldeston’s acclaimed, award-winning Unbuilt Toronto and Unbuilt Toronto 2 go beyond history and into the arena of speculation as the author details ambitious and possibly city-changing plans that never came to fruition. For lovers of Toronto, this collection is a bonanza of insights and facts. Includes A City in the Making Leaside Opportunity Road Unbuilt Toronto Unbuilt Toronto 2 Willowdale The Yonge Street Story, 1793-1860