When it comes to sheer size alone, Downsview is clearly one of the largest neighbourhoods in Toronto. In addition to a large Italian community, the Jewish community in the area has been growing for quite some time.

In addition to its size, Downsview is also well known for being home to a variety of landmarks including but the Allen Expressway and Yorkdale Shopping Centre.

Downsview is also home to Downsview Park, the only national urban park in Canada.

History
The name Downsview was given by John Perkins Bull, the first man to settle in the area who name his original farm “Downs View.”

For many years, Downsview was well known for being a farming community complete with a post office, school building, and general store.

Once the second World War came to an end, residential development in Downsview began and continued throughout the early 1970’s.

Homes
The majority of the homes in Downsview were constructed from the 1950’s throughout the 1960’s, and include a variety of styles such as: split level, detached, and semi-detached.

There are newer homes in Downsview as well, with many of these located in the Balmoral subdivision.