Our Haus, Your Neighbourhood – North York Edition: Sheppard Ave

Welcome back to our series showcasing the neighbourhoods that Workhaus calls home! In this edition, we’re venturing north of the downtown core to showcase some of the exciting highlights of the dynamic Yonge-Sheppard neighbourhood in North York. Rooted in rich history, this North York neighbourhood strikes the perfect balance of convenience, culture, and community. Enjoy seamless access to transit, a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, and the rare combination of urban energy with nearby green spaces.

In this neighbourhood, Workhaus proudly operates from the Yonge Sheppard Centre. Our office occupies the entire 20th floor of this landmark North York building, located at 2 Sheppard Ave East. Here you’ll find a modern shared office environment characterized by sweeping views and ample natural lighting. Our modern space provides a productive and inspiring setting, equipped with all the amenities you need, right in the heart of the action. With direct access to the concourse connecting you to dining, shopping, and the subway, this location makes getting around North York (and Toronto) a breeze for our members.

A Look Back: The History of North York

North York is steeped in history, having evolved from a township outside of Toronto to the thriving urban centre that now forms the northern border of the city. It has been shaped by its agricultural significance, immigrant populations, and influential figures like former mayor Mel Lastman. The history of the North York region stretches far into Canada’s past. Originally part of the township of York, a settlement founded in the 1700s, this neighbourhood was initially a rural and agricultural area.

While it has undergone profound change over the past two centuries, a glimpse into its past remains visible at the Gibson House Museum, a preserved farmhouse dating back to the 1850s. Gibson House was once the homestead of David Gibson; a farmer, landowner, and politician who immigrated to Canada from Scotland. It was built along Yonge Street, which at the time was a pioneer road and today holds the notable distinction of being the longest street in the world.

In the 1920s, the area officially became the Township of North York, though it remained largely rural with a population primarily composed of farmers. The 1940s and 1950s brought a significant population boom to the area, marking a shift towards urbanization. In 1998, North York was officially amalgamated into the City of Toronto.

Yonge & Sheppard

Within this evolving landscape, the Yonge Sheppard Centre has stood as a cornerstone of the neighbourhood since opening in 1976. Located at the intersection of Yonge St and Sheppard Ave, it was one of the first major developments in the North York area. As part of a later revitalization, the retail space was expanded to include additional shopping options and an upgraded food court. Over the decades, it has evolved to become the vibrant mixed-use hub it is today. 

Today, the intersection of Yonge St and Sheppard Ave forms the crossroads of two of Toronto’s busiest streets. The building and its connecting concourses are home to dozens of shops and amenities, while the surrounding North York neighbourhood has blossomed into a vibrant and multicultural hub, brimming with culinary delights, shopping destinations, and cultural attractions – all easily accessible thanks to its proximity to parks, transit, and major highways.

Unbeatable Transit, Shopping, and Everyday Convenience

One of the undeniable perks of the Sheppard-Yonge area in North York is its exceptional convenience. From the Yonge Sheppard Centre concourse you can connect directly to Sheppard-Yonge Station, with access to the Yonge-University and Sheppard lines. This makes navigating the city incredibly easy. For those who frequently travel outside of the city, this area also offers easy access to the 401. Just a few blocks away, the highway is close enough to make travelling to Pearson airport a breeze. However, the highway is far enough away so the noise doesn’t upset the inviting atmosphere of our Sheppard Ave neighbourhood.

Jumping back to amenities, in the concourse you’ll find retail options ranging from grocery and department stores to fashion brands. You can also count on service convenience with dental and paramedical services and even a walk-in clinic on-site. Meanwhile, just a stone’s throw away from Sheppard Ave is the North York Centre, extending even more options.

Dining Delights in North York: From Quick Bites to Fine Fare

This section of Yonge Street is brimming with dining options. Here you’ll find everything from casual pizza joints to upscale dining experiences. Moreover, from quick cafés for your morning coffee fix to diverse dining options, you’ll never run out of choices.

The Yonge Sheppard Centre concourse offers quick and easy fare for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and coffee. Additionally, bubble tea aficionados are in luck, with numerous options nearby on Sheppard Ave. While a full directory of the concourse is available online, we defer to our resident expert, Community Lead, Mel. She  suggests trying one of the unique flavours at Tru, like their cookies and cream or purple yam teas. Need a quick grab-and-go snack to pair it with? Kin-Kin bakery has delectable buns; the best of which might just be their sweet red bean bolo bao.

Or for a heartier lunch on the go, or even a casual sit-down meal, this neighbourhood delivers. You can enjoy Toronto classics like ImPerfect Eats, the recently opened Cactus Club Cafe, and Villa Madina without even stepping outside. For a fun and flavourful team lunch, why not head over to Daldongnae Korean BBQ, offering a unique and interactive experience. Nearby Nomé Izakaya North York, a Japanese-style gastropub, is another perfect option for sharing small plates and drinks.

Finally, when the occasion calls for something truly special, the Yonge-Sheppard area doesn’t disappoint. If you’re looking to impress clients, stakeholders, or partners, North York is home to upscale dining experiences like no other. Here you’ll find culinary experiences like the world-class French cuisine at Auberge du Pommier. There’s also the time-tested delights of the historic Miller Tavern. Whichever you choose is sure to leave a lasting impression.

North York’s Best Entertainment: Festivals, Parks and Fine Arts

This North York neighbourhood sits at the intersection of art, culture, and natural space. Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore, there’s always something to do.

Sitting steps away from the Yonge Sheppard Centre is the iconic Mel Lastman Square on Sheppard Ave. This urban park is named for the final mayor of North York (also the first mayor of post-amalgamation Toronto). Lastman’s leadership played a crucial role in the area’s growth and development. The vibrant public space that bears his name is now a hub for year-round activities. The space also includes an outdoor amphitheater and a reflecting pool that transforms into a skating rink in the winter. The park features a mixture of gardens, green space, and amenities suited for hosting various events and festivals.

Events at Mel Lastman Square

Mark your calendars for the annual Taste of North York, plus a variety of other cultural events throughout the summer. Celebrations of Taiwanese music, Hawaiian culture at Aloha Fest, and the vibrant Korean Festival, are all on the schedule too. In early spring you can experience the Enchanted Lights. At this interactive spring event, local gardeners share their expertise and showcase their plants. Then in the warmer months, be sure to check out the North York Farmers Market. Taking place monthly on the weekends, the market showcases great vendors selling fresh, local produce. 

If that’s not enough greenspace and you’re looking for something truly expansive, look no further than Earl Bales Park. Just a pleasant ten-minute walk West at Bathurst St and Sheppard Ave, this massive 52-acre park is a true urban escape. In the winter, it features a ski and snowboard area. Year-round, you can enjoy the off-leash dog park, a refreshing swimming pool, a tranquil lake, and plenty of green space for picnics and relaxation. The park is home to a ski centre, amphitheatre and a community centre.

North York’s Best Music Events are Nearby

For arts and culture enthusiasts, just across from the Yonge Sheppard Centre is the Meridian Arts Centre, a premier performance venue. It hosts a wide array of shows, including theatre productions, comedians, orchestras, and jazz performances. Music lovers are in luck! You can enjoy Free summer concerts in nearby Lee Lifeson Park and summer serenades in the square. There are also free Wednesday night performances at the nearby North American Centre. And don’t forget about Dance on Yonge, or the smooth sounds of the Jazz Festival. For those looking for a night out, you’ll find some of the best karaoke bars conveniently located along Sheppard Ave and its side streets!

Our Team’s Local Loves

Melina loves the vibrant and diverse multicultural community. She particularly appreciates the sheer number of cafes and dining options along Yonge, especially in the Sheppard Ave vicinity. The area also features some of the best authentic Middle Eastern shops and restaurants, which she says leave her feeling right at home! You can even find Persian supermarkets like Khorak Supermarket on Yonge. Her go-to summer refreshment is the incredibly refreshing Persian fresh carrot juice – be sure to ask for it at local Persian cafes!

A must-visit for anyone lucky enough to spend a day in this North York neighbourhood is the fresh baked treats from Paris Baguette. They offer a delightful array of pastries with different themes each month, as well as savoury options like classic croissants, the addictive salted butter bun, and tasty flatbread pizzas. The fruit-topped tarts are a favorite too! In fact, they’re practically a Workhaus right of passage! 

Experience the Energy of North York

We hope this glimpse into the Yonge-Sheppard area has sparked your interest in this dynamic North York neighbourhood. With its seamless connectivity, diverse amenities, rich history, and exciting entertainment options, it’s truly a fantastic place to work and explore. And with Workhaus right in the heart of it all, you can experience this energy firsthand.

Ready to discover your perfect workspace in North York? Book a tour of our Sheppard Ave location today!