Elms-Old Rexdale

About Elms-Old Rexdale

Elms-Old Rexdale is a neighbourhood in northwest Etobicoke that carries the legacy of one of Toronto's most storied suburban communities. The area was developed rapidly in the 1950s and 1960s as part of the post-war suburban boom, originally attracting working-class families from across Ontario and later becoming home to significant Somali, Caribbean, South Asian, and Filipino communities. The housing stock — mostly modest detached bungalows, semi-detached homes, and apartment complexes along the main arterials — reflects this working-class heritage. The neighbourhood is centred around Kipling Avenue and Rexdale Boulevard, where strip malls and plazas serve the daily needs of a community that is as culturally rich as any in the city. Woodbine Racetrack and the adjacent entertainment complex sit at the southern edge, bringing economic activity and employment to the area. The Elms community has produced notable athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs who maintain deep ties to the neighbourhood, and that homegrown pride is palpable. While Elms-Old Rexdale has faced challenges common to many of Toronto's inner suburbs — aging infrastructure, limited transit, and underinvestment — the community's resilience and cohesion are its greatest assets. Local organizations run youth programs, employment training, and cultural events that bind the neighbourhood together. As the city invests in transit improvements and community infrastructure, residents are hopeful that Rexdale's best days are still ahead.