The Township of East York was incorporated on January 1, 1924. Area residents voted overwhelmingly the previous year to separate from the York Township, believing their community needs would be better served as a geographically smaller, independent municipality.
At its founding, East York had a population of just under 20,000 people. There were few roads and schools, no sewers or sidewalks, and most dwellings lacked electricity and indoor plumbing.
The municipality grew quickly with the construction of new homes. This led to the establishment of schools, infrastructure, a hospital, police and fire services, a hydro electric commission and a local transit line which supported the growing population. Even in its earliest years, East York residents fostered a strong, proud community identity that was strengthened by the Second World War and the post-war prosperity that followed.
This exhibit tells East York’s history through key buildings and structures that have served as landmarks of community formation.