Centennial Scarborough: Is it a good place to buy a home?

When my spouse and I started looking for a home to raise our blended family, we had a clear checklist in mind. We wanted space for the kids to run around, strong local schools, a safe and quiet neighborhood feel, and a commute that was reasonable.  I was coming from the Beach, which is beautiful but pricey Toronto neighbourhood near Lake Ontario - he was coming from Scarborough and had often rollerbladed with friends among the quiet Centennial Streets or raised a pint at the Black Dog so we centered our search in the lakeside community of Centennial - and valued the privacy of a single detached home.

Like many buyers looking in Toronto, we quickly realized that balancing those priorities isn't easy.  Centennial Scarborough was quiet, mature, lakeside community tucked away in the city's southeast corner.  After exploring the area and weighing all the factors, here is a breakdown of what it’s really like from a buyer’s perspective and whether it’s the right spot to anchor a family.

The Neighbourhood Feel in Centennial Scarborough: Quiet, Established, and Space to Breathe


The first thing you notice driving through Centennial is the layout. Unlike newer townhouse developments or high-density condo hubs, Centennial is dominated by single-detached homes sitting on generous lots with wide, tree-lined streets.

The community has a distinct, classic suburban rhythm where kids play outside, neighbors actually talk to each other, and evening walks are the norm. It offers a calm, safe environment that can be surprisingly hard to find within Toronto city limits.  At last count there were 15 basketball nets on our street! 



Schools and Family Infrastructure in Centennial 

For most families, schools are a non-negotiable factor. Centennial shines here with a solid lineup of public, Catholic, and French-immersion options right inside or right next to the neighborhood boundaries.

Elementary & Middle Schools: Highly regarded options like Centennial Road Junior Public School, Charlottetown Junior Public School, and Joseph Howe Senior Public School serve the local community.  Many elementary schools will have a bus pick up on the street. 

Secondary Education: Local teens typically attend Sir Oliver Mowat Collegiate or the IBS programme at nearby Sir Wilfred Laurier Collegiate in Guildwood

Community Connection: The neighborhood is home to an active community association the Centennial Community Recreation Association, which offers events all year round.  As well, Port Union Community Centre has a fitness centre and offers programming and clubs year round.  There is also a lovely library in the Port Union Community Centre.   With a relatively low crime rate, it remains a safe choice for families.

Outdoor Life: Lake Ontario and Green Spaces

If your family loves spending time outdoors, Centennial is hard to beat. Bounded by the lake shoreline and the Highland Creek valley, access to nature is built into daily life:

Port Union Common Waterfront Park: Perfect for family bike rides, strolls along the lake, or letting the kids burn off energy along the paved water’s edge trails.  It has a fun water feature in warmer months and a great playground. 

Colonel Danforth Park & Ravines: Provides wooded trails, shaded picnic areas, and running paths through the Highland Creek ravine system stretching from Lake Ontario up through University of Toronto Scarborough Campus

Rouge National Urban Park: Located just minutes to the east, offering hiking trails, and beach access  (well that's under construction till next year, but coming soon!)

The Commute: A Major Advantage with GO Transit

A common concern with moving to Scarborough is the commute into downtown Toronto. Centennial has a distinct advantage over many surrounding areas thanks to the Rouge Hill GO Station right on its edge, with 3 parking lots. 

Taking the Lakeshore East GO train gets you straight into Union Station in under 35 minutes, allowing you to skip highway traffic altogether. For drivers, Highway 401 and Kingston Road provide direct routes across the GTA.

Housing Stock and Investment Potential

Housing in Centennial consists predominantly of mid-century detached bungalows, split-levels, and two-storey homes, along with some newer custom builds. 

Because lot sizes are generous and homes were built with solid foundations, many buyers use Centennial as a "forever home" location—purchasing an older home with good bones and updating or expanding it over time - as an added bonus, many homes have swimming pools.   While Toronto real estate is an investment anywhere, detached homes on large lots in established waterfront communities tend to hold their long-term value exceptionally well - but provide excellent value for people looking to move up from higher density areas like East York & The Beach.

The Bottom Line: Is Centennial Scarborough a Good Place to Buy?

If you are looking for nightlife, dense urban high-rises, or walkable downtown-style shopping districts, Centennial might feel a bit too quiet.

However, if your goal is to raise a family in a peaceful, safe neighborhood with large yards, top-tier access to parks and the lake, reliable transit into the city core, and strong local schools, Centennial Scarborough is one of the best choices in the GTA. It offers a genuine sense of community and room to grow without giving up Toronto convenience.

4 Things I love about my Centennial neighbourhood

Search for homes for sale in Centennial, Scarborough

Port Union Waterfront Video Tour

CCRA News - Local Community Information

Port Union Waterfront as seen from the sky

Aug 31, 2026

Recent Blog Posts

Sep 29, 2026

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) in Ontario had some major updates and legislative changes that took effect September 21, 2026.   Thes introduce significant procedural shifts for both landlords and tenants in Ontario, and should improve delays.

Key updates of the September 21 2026 LTB Changes are: 


Shorter N4 Notice Period (7 Days): The notice period for an N4 form (Notice to End a Tenancy Early for Non-Payment of Rent) has been reduced from 14 days to 7 days for monthly, yearly, and fixed-term tenancies. This compresses the window a tenant has to pay missed rent before a landlord can file an L1 application with the LTB.

N12 Personal-Use Eviction Compensation Exception:  Landlords serving an N12 notice (for personal use by themselves, a purchaser, or close family members) can now waive the standard requirement to pay one month's rent as compensation, provided they give at least 120 days' notice and the termination date aligns with the end of a rental period or term.

Persistent Late Payment has been defined (N8): Regulation changes establish a clear, written benchmark for persistent late payment under an N8 notice—defined specifically as "three or more occasions of rent being paid more than seven days late" within a six-month lookback period.

T5 Application Deadline Update: The deadline for a tenant to file a T5 application (for bad faith evictions or related issues) has been updated to two years after the date the tenant moves out

(Note: Other concurrent administrative shifts surrounding LTB reviews, fine structures, and general procedures have rolled out through mid-2026 to streamline case processing timelines.)

What these changes mean if you're a landlord:

These updated regulations provide sharper tools to manage cash flow and streamline property operations when challenges arise. With the N4 notice period compressed to just seven days, you can address non-payment of rent much faster, reducing the window of financial exposure. Additionally, the option to waive the one-month compensation fee on an N12 notice—provided you give at least 120 days' notice—offers welcome flexibility when transitioning a property back for personal or family use. Meanwhile, the clear benchmark for persistent late payment under an N8 removes previous gray areas, making it straightforward to document chronic payment issues and take decisive action.

What these changes mean if you're a renter: 

The shifting landscape means timelines and procedural windows require your utmost attention to protect your housing stability. Because the N4 notice period for missed rent has dropped from 14 days down to seven, you have a much narrower window to catch up on arrears before a landlord can file with the LTB. On the plus side, clarity around rules like the two-year deadline for filing T5 bad-faith applications gives you a solid, predictable timeframe to hold landlords accountable if an eviction turns out to be unlawful. Staying proactive with your communication and keeping meticulous payment records are your best defenses under these tighter rules.

Maximum Prosecution Fines for Landlords in Ontario:

For severe violations of the RTA—such as illegal lockouts, bad-faith evictions, or shutting off vital services—landlords can be prosecuted. Maximum fine thresholds are:   

  • Individuals: Up to $100,000   
  • Corporations: Up to $500,000  

Bad Faith Evictions (N12 / N13): If a landlord evicts a tenant for personal use or renovations and fails to follow through (e.g., re-renting the unit out immediately at a higher rate), a tenant can file a T5 application. Penalties ordered by the LTB can include:   

  • Paying the tenant up to 12 months of their last rent charged.   
  • Covering the difference in rent between the old unit and the tenant’s new home for up to one year.   
  • Covering reasonable out-of-pocket moving, storage, and related expenses.  

Other landlord behaviours that may result in fines or penalties are:  Illegal Lockouts, interfere with reasonable enjoyment, changing locks without following proper legal eviction processes, or harassing a tenant to force them out, are major offenses., intentionally cutting off or interfering with the supply of heat, electricity, fuel, hot/cold water, or gas is strictly prohibited.   Unlawful Rent Collection: Charging rent above allowable guidelines without an approved Above-Guideline Increase (AGI), illegally retaining deposits, or failing to pay annual interest on rent deposits results in mandatory rebates to the tenant (via T1 applications).   

For more information on Bill 60 & the Residential Tenancies Act visit: 

Ontario Government Website bill 60

Ontario Residential Tenancies act 2006

Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario

Landlord Tenant Board Decisions through OpenRoom

LTB of Ontario Decision Data Catalogue

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Sep 20, 2026

The core concern for most Toronto downsizers: 

Downsizing from a long-time family home is as much an emotional hurdle as it is a logistical one. Sellers often ask how to sort through a lifetime of accumulated possessions without feeling completely overwhelmed.  

In the Greater Toronto Area, this has led to a massive demand for specialized local resources. Families frequently ask how to vet professional senior move managers, how local online estate auctions (such as those servicing Ontario via platforms like MaxSold or Transition Squad) handle a large volume of items items, and what local charities or consignment options will accept remaining items.  

My personal experience as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist:

My clients are often overwhelmed with the task of sorting through a lifetime of accumulated possessions (and collections) without feeling completely overwhelmed.   Here are some tips I have learned helping many of my sellers through this exact process:

  1. Start as early as possible - if you’re planning a move start a year before.  Sort into piles of ‘junk’, ‘sell’ & keep. 
  2. Tackle one room at a time starting with an unused guest room. Use the cleared room to stage the items from other rooms so your house stays organized.
  3. Use the "pomodoro' method - remember the little tomato kitchen timers?  Set a timer to 20 minutes - work through as much as possible - then take a break.  Admire your progress.  Repeat for another 20 minutes.  Breaking up the tasks makes things easier. 
  4. Selling things?  Do your resarch beforehand  The value of your items & the modern methods of selling may be vastly different than you imagine.  A little research ahead of time will help you understand what works best for you.  
  5. Bring in professionals to consult - a decluttering expert or realtors like me (who work hands on) will help you and your family break down the process, work with you to come up with a plan so you don’t have a nervous breakdown!

The main ways to sell a lot of belongings in Toronto if you're downsizing  

Personal on-line sales like Kijiji & Facebook marketplace:

Garage sales:

On-line platforms like Carrot, E-bay etc. 

On line auction houses/estate auctions like Transition Squad or MaxSold 

Consignment Stores:

Auction houses like Sotheby's

On-site estate sales

Pros and cons of each method of selling:

 Personal on-line sales like Kijiji & Facebook marketplace:

  • Pros:  you can set your own prices, take your own pictures & write your own descriptions - you have full control, you keep 100% of your sales
  • Cons: strangers show up to your door; they may haggle or "ghost' you - ask a lot of questions then become unresponsive, it may take a long time to sell things

Garage sales:

  • Pros: you can sell a bunch of things at once, it all happens in one day and people will leave with their purchases, often there are neighbourhood sales organized that will draw bigger crowds, you keep 100% of your sales
  • Cons:  if you don't like haggling, this is not for you, advertising is usually limited to your neighbourhood, weather may not co-operate

On-line platforms like Carrot, E-bay etc. 

  • Pros:  you can set your own prices, take your own pictures & write your own descriptions - you have full control
  • Cons: strangers show up to your door; they may haggle or "ghost' you - ask a lot of questions then become unresponsive, it may take a long time to sell things, both are not as popular as Facebook marketplace, there is a fee for selling items, you have to arrange pack & to ship items by mail to buyers that are not local - so not good for larger, heavy items

On line auction houses/estate auctions like Transition Squad or MaxSold 

  • Pros:  people bid on your items & pay on line.  No haggling.  Pick up is generally a specific and limited window.   A great way to sell a lot of items at once.  You can manage your own auction (pictures, descriptions & posting) or pay a service to have someone else manage it for you. 
  • Cons: The auctions charge a percentage which is non-negotiable.  Managing an auction is labour intensive, so expect to pay by the hour for someone to do it for you.  MaxSold starts all auctions at a dollar, with no reserve - but has a large database of potential buyers.  Transition Squad has reserve bidding, but a much smaller database of potential buyers

Consignment Stores:

  • Pros: good for higher end items that may sell for more but not in the fine art/antique category.  Buyers will pick them up from the store so you don't have to deliver.
  • Cons: they are picky and will only accept items that they know they can sell (apply with pictures to the consignment store to find out if an item is acceptable), generally the longer it take to sell the less you will make, the consignment store will have a fee, you have to arrange to get your items to the store & pick them up if they don't sell.  There are not as many consignment stores as there used to be. 

Auction houses like Sotheby's

  • Pros: they sell books, furniture & decorative Art, Jewelry, Paintings & Sculpture, Sports Collectibles, the sell on line or also at auctions, either live or on-line
  • Cons: generally for high end items or fine jewellery, there is a process similar to consigning to see if they will sell your item; they judge condtion and provenance, too.  Fees are about 20% of finaly price, They take about 3 weeks for consideration of an item to sell

On-site estate sales - honestly I am not sure if anyone does these in Toronto anymore! 

Buying household contents in Toronto or the GTA is an urban myth

I see people asking this question all the time on-line.  There is no service in Toronto that will pay you in bulk for a household of items

Any way you would like to sell your items, understand that there is a glut of 'baby boomer' stuff out there.  Younger generations simply don't live the lifestyle of their parents or grandparents - so they don't have space for, or appreciation of things like: Dining room sets, heavy carved furniture, matching bedroom suites, 'good' china, silver or crystal.  With a glut of these items on the market, set your expectations accordingly! 

For more hints and tips, please check out:

How to sort through a lifetime of pictures & slides

30 Day Declutter worksheet

Tips for a smooth move



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Sep 14, 2026

Spectacular ravine setting

Craving something that’s not a cookie-cutter home?  Set on an extraordinary ravine lot, this home is packed full of character and unlike any typical East York bungalow.   With 2 bedrooms upstairs along with a full bath and sunroom overlooking the ravine this home has an open concept main floor with vaulted ceilings. 

Descend the incredible reclaimed wood stairs to the lower level (the basement is on-grade) with a 3rd bedroom/rec-room and 4 pc bath. Also on this level is a walk-out to the back deck, yard and ravine. 

On the other side of the lower level there's a jr 1 bedroom suite with separate laundry, 2 separate entrances, a deck, kitchenette & bedroom with 3 pc ensuite & egress window. It's completely separated from the rest of the house and has been carefully and thoughtfully designed with privacy in mind - right down to a separate outdoor space. 

The serene back yard has lots of table land and ultimate privacy - there's no public space beyond.  If you want to enjoy the Taylor Creek Park system the entrance is at the end of the block. 

Surrounded by established homes & new builds, this is your chance to own a very special home that speaks to calm, stillness and nature in the heart of the city. 

Incredible character and features

The main floor features 100+ year old wide plank reclaimed hardwood floors, an open concept living space with vaulted ceiling & skylights - all overlooking the ravine that dips down to a tributary of Taylor-Massey Creek.

The kitchen ceiling is vaulted with 2 skylights creating an incredible light filled home.  The lower level, accessed by a gorgeous reclaimed wood staircase has a room that can be used as a 3rd bedroom or rec room.  There's a full 4 pc. bathroom, and the entry is heated with a wet bar/kitchenette and dedicated yoga space.  

Video tour of 124 Glenwood Terrace

Privacy & income potential 

Another unique feature of the home is that the the other side of the lower level has been converted into a jr 1 bedroom suite with separate laundry, 2 separate entrances, a deck, kitchenette & bedroom with 3 pc ensuite & egress window. 

It's completely separated from the rest of the house and has been carefully and thoughtfully designed with privacy in mind - right down to a separate outdoor space and deck with privacy screen.  

The ravine

The serene back yard has lots of tableland and ultimate privacy - there's no public space beyond. If you want to enjoy the Taylor Creek Park system the entrance is at the end of the block.  With a gently sloping yard, there's lots of space to enjoy.   Set back from the other homes, it's a truly private oasis. 

Surrounded by established homes & new builds, this is your chance to own a very special home that speaks to calm, stillness and nature in the heart of the city.

For a private showing, message me at 416-562-5002

Craving more details about 124 Glenwood Cres?

Check out the links below:

Full listing details with all the photos

Property Website for 124 Glenwood Cres

Search for Ravine properties in Toronto



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