When it comes to choosing what Toronto neighbourhood you want to live in, there is an overwhelming number of options to pick from, ranging widely in everything from price to convenience to character. One neighbourhood that seems to have the best of all worlds — and continues to grow in popularity among buyers and renters alike — is Leaside.

Nestled northeast of downtown Toronto, between Davisville Village and Flemingdon Park, the residential neighbourhood of Leaside was once an independent town, but was amalgamated into the City of Toronto in 1967. Its history as a growing suburb, however, dates back nearly 100 years to the construction of the Leaside Viaduct — a crucial piece of infrastructure that made the area accessible and encouraged more people to settle on the traditionally industrial lands.


Leaside has seen a dramatic shift from its industrial roots over the years, and these days, is best known as a charming, peaceful neighbourhood with an abundance of tree-lined streets and single-family houses. It's rightfully earned a reputation as a sought-after place to raise a family, with its high-ranking schools, a plethora of parks, and an endless stream of family-friendly neighbourhood amenities amenities — from pools to skating rinks to a library, and even a trampoline park. The Science Centre is nearby (for now, at least) and the area is surrounded by some of the best walking trails and green spaces in the city, including the Beltline Trail, Evergreen Brickworks, and Sunnybrook Park.

Big box stores like Costco, Sobeys, and Canadian Tire have also set up shop in Leaside, making running errands a breeze for any busy local. And with Eglinton Avenue East running right through the neighbourhood, easy access to the future Eglinton Crosstown LRT will be a major perk for residents. Meanwhile, for those who prefer to travel by car, the neighbourhood is just off the Don Valley Parkway, and is a short drive from Highway 401.

With all that to offer, it's no wonder the neighbourhood has become so in demand in recent years — in fact, it was recently named one of the top 10 neighbourhoods in Toronto after being ranked across a number of different criteria, from safety to transit to housing.

READ: A Rare Rental: New Leaside Development Redefines The Tenant Experience

Now, Leaside may be best known as a place for families to settle down and buy a home (which, in that area, is typically a major endeavour), but the neighbourhood has seen a major change on the housing front as of late, with a brand new purpose-built rental building opening its doors.

Dubbed 36 Brentcliffe, the new premium tower, located just a few steps south of Eglinton Avenue, is shaking up Leaside’s rental market. Now renting, it offers an extremely enticing alternative to the typical single-family home lifestyle — one that the developer, Camrost Felcorp, says is desperately needed in the neighbourhood.

36 Brentcliffe (model suite)

“It just makes sense,” Joseph Feldman, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Camrost Felcorp, says of introducing 36 Brentcliffe to the neighbourhood.

“Leaside is a beautiful, vibrant area with incredible lifestyle draws. The area has almost everything — the only thing it’s been missing is an exclusive and premium rental opportunity, and that’s where 36 Brentcliffe comes in.”

An example of what purpose-built rentals could (and should) be, 36 Brentcliffe cuts no corners. The rental offers spacious units and a slew of high-end amenities. Residents can enjoy access to over 20,000 sq. ft of amenities, including a state-of-the-art gym, indoor pool, yoga studio, outdoor sun deck, fire pits, and more. For ease of convenience, there's a concierge, porter services, and even an online portal where residents can pay rent or book services.

One- and two-bedroom units are available — the perfect size for a young professional, budding family, or someone looking to downsize.

36 Brentcliffe (model suite)

Every unit is meticulously designed, with thoughtful floor plans, luxurious finishes, floor-to-ceiling windows, and beautiful Italian kitchens consistent throughout. (But do take note: if cooking isn't your thing, the Leaside neighbourhood is packed with well-loved restaurants serving up just about any kind of cuisine you could be in the mood for.)

“Residents’ day-to-day experiences were our top priority as we brought this purpose-built rental to life,” Feldman says. “We’ve partnered with Forest Hill Kipling — an incredible property management company — to provide residents with front-of-house concierge and porter services, as well as back-of-house support. Rent payments and service bookings can even be completed online. It’s these little things that add up to make a lifestyle feel luxurious.”

Whatever someone's reason may be for renting, whether they're looking to lay roots in a new neighbourhood, are saving up to buy, or simply prefer the ease that renting can offer, purpose-built rentals like 36 Brentcliffe coming to neighbourhoods like Leaside are more important than ever. It's a move that introduces some much-needed variety into Toronto's housing stock, with units that tenants can be — and, in the case of 63 Brentcliffe, will be — excited to come home to every day.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This article was produced in partnership with STOREYS Custom Studio.

Renting