The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
HomeCanadaOntarioNorth York
Canada • Ontario

North York

North York is a district of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, that was formerly an independent township and later a city.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

North York is a district of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, that was formerly an independent township and later a city. It is located north of downtown Toronto and became part of the City of Toronto through amalgamation in 1998.

History

North York developed from rural settlements and farmland into a suburban municipality during the 20th century. It was created as a township in 1922, became a borough in 1967, became a city in 1979, and joined the new City of Toronto in 1998.

Geography

North York is located in the northern part of Toronto. Its boundaries are generally described as Steeles Avenue to the north, the Humber River to the west, and Victoria Park Avenue to the east.

Institutions and landmarks

North York contains major educational, cultural, and health institutions. Sources identify York University, Seneca College, the Ontario Science Centre, Black Creek Pioneer Village, and major hospitals as important features of the district.

Demographics and development

By the mid-20th century, North York had become a major suburban area within Metropolitan Toronto. Its population had grown to 644,685 by the 2016 Census, reflecting its role as a large urban district.

Key facts

  • North York is one of Toronto's six administrative districts.
  • It began as North York Township in 1922, created from York Township.
  • The area became a borough in 1967 and a city in 1979.
  • In 1998, North York was amalgamated into the City of Toronto.
  • The district is centred on Yonge Street and lies north of Highway 401.
🍁
Canadian context

North York is one of the largest and most significant districts within Toronto, Canada’s largest city, and its history reflects Toronto’s suburban growth and municipal amalgamation.

Frequently asked questions

What is North York?
North York is a district of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and was formerly an independent township and city.
When did North York join Toronto?
North York was amalgamated into the City of Toronto in 1998.
When was North York created as a municipality?
North York Township was created in 1922 from York Township.
Was North York ever a city?
Yes. North York became a city in 1979 before amalgamating into Toronto in 1998.
What is North York known for?
It is known for being a major Toronto district with institutions such as York University, Seneca College, the Ontario Science Centre, and Black Creek Pioneer Village.

References

  1. The Canadian Encyclopediahttps://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/north-york
    Supports: History as a Toronto urban community; creation in 1922; borough in 1967; city in 1979; amalgamation in 1998; major institutions and historical development.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/place/North-York
    Supports: Former city dates, amalgamation into Toronto in 1998, and general historical development.
  3. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_York
    Supports: Geographic description, district status within Toronto, and 2016 Census population figure.
  4. City of Torontohttps://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/online-exhibits/web-exhibits/web-exhibits-community-neighbourhoods/progress-economy-heart-celebrating-100-years-of-north-york/
    Supports: Centenary history, township creation in 1922, rural origins, and later growth into borough and city.