About | YMHRA

Who We Are

The York Mills Heights Residents Association (YMHRA) is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to preserve and improve the natural beauty of the neighbourhood and maintain its characteristics and appeal as a residential community.

We're governed by a constitution and bylaws and is operated by a volunteer Board of Directors who are elected annually by and from its members.

YMHRA members are invited to share topics of concern by contacting us or attending the annual general meeting.

The YMHRA area is bounded by:

The south boundary of Highway 401
The west boundary of the Don Valley Golf Course
The rear property line of properties fronting on the east side of Mason Boulevard
The rear property line of the properties front on McGlashan Court and Eastview Crescent
The rear property line of properties front on the south side of Brooke Avenue
The east boundary of Yonge Boulevard

MAP VIEW: Streets include Brooke, DeVere, Dunster, Eastview, Mason, McGlashan, Sandringham, Wilson, and Yonge Blvd. within the highlighted area

Our mission

YMHRA's key objectives are:

Communicate with our city of Toronto Councillor on issues that affect our neighbourhood (traffic congestion, security issues, etc.)
Address the interests of the neighbourhood at the Committee of Adjustment meetings and as needed at the OMB and TLAB Appeals
Hold social events that serve as community building events for all ages
Create communications to ensure our members are aware of developments and other issues that affect our neighbourhood
Welcome new members to the neighbourhood
Manage the Community Preservation Fund within the guidelines set by our Association Bylaws

History of the YMHRA

Toronto Star article: Engineer Bob Maksymec explains a long map of the Yonge St. subway extension submitted before the Metro transportation committee at City Hall by the York Mills Heights Ratepayers Association. (Toronto Star, March 28, 1966) | Source: Toronto Digital Archives

The York Mills Heights Residents Association (YMRHA) was founded in 1944 as the York Mills Heights Ratepayers Association when the neighbourhood became concerned over a business that was setting up operations in the area.

Perhaps one of the biggest developments affecting the area occurred in 1966 with the announcement of the extension of the TTC subway. Dr. S.A. MacGregor, assisted by a small group, convened a meeting of approximately 300 residents at Loretto Abbey to examine the various development proposals. Here they elected a group of representatives to become the spokespeople for the area’s residents with the TTC. Ultimately, along with representatives from adjoining neighbourhood associations, the negotiations resulted in the subway route being established under Yonge Street.

Dr. S.A. MacGregor later documented the ordeal to preserve the learnings for the future. This document also reminds us "that a strong and vigilant ratepayers group is the best insurance in which you can invest to preserve your neighbourhood." Read the book for yourself.

To this day, one of YMHRA’s focus is to be alert for and examine developments in the area that may be of concern or have an affect on the neighbourhood. Refer to our Current Developments page for some of the changes that we’re currently examining.

Board of Directors 2023-2024

Andy Stephenson

I moved back into the neighbourhood in 1995 after having lived here as a teenager. My wife and I have enjoyed raising our two sons here. I enjoy playing tennis both indoors in the winter and outdoors in the summer and also ski in the winter. I enjoy our neighbourhood and as president of the YMHRA I have had the opportunity to meet and volunteer with many friends and neighbours. During the work day I run my own small business with offices in Markham, Ontario.

Mike Shaw

My spouse, Joan, and I moved to DeVere Gardens in the fall of 1993 and there, we raised three boys who have now moved away to various areas of Toronto, provinces and countries. We both started our careers in Hospitality and over the years transitioned to the Education and Financial Services sectors.

We feel very privileged to live in such a great neighbourhood and have made many new friends and acquaintances over the years. Dining in the local restaurants, which provides a great deal of cuisine choices, is one of our favorite things to do along with long walks around the community.

Peter Rhamey

Elizabeth and I moved to the neighbourhood in 1999 as we became a household of four children. Elizabeth was familiar with the neighbourhood having grown up here - it's wonderful with a strong sense of community. You will see us walking around quite frequently as we have a very active dog or you may see me on my early morning cycles. My focus on the board has been addressing issues north of Wilson for the last few years.

Brad Parkes

We moved to the area in the late 1990's as we were attracted by the streetscapes, location, schools and good neighbour feeling. We are a family of four. I joined the YMHRA board a number of years ago to continue the excellent work the board has done for the community. My role at the YMHRA is Secretary. Anything outdoors including, hiking, riding, skiing and sailing are just some of my passions.

Jennifer Wettlaufer

I learned about the neighbourhood while visiting a friend on Mason and fell in love with its quiet tree-lined streets. By 2017, I moved into York Mills Heights with my husband and two cats and love discovering local businesses and walking along the many ravine trails in the area.

Susan Banting

Being an avid walker I discovered the neighbourhood years ago when living not too far away where my family grew up on Brookdale Ave. I fell in love with the little white stucco cottage on the hill across from the Abbey so bought it in 2018, moved in, moved out, renovated, and moved back in. Living across from the Abbey is like getting to look at a castle every day; we are enjoying our home, new friends and community. Also I have been an active member of the Toronto Cricket Club for over 30 years and know many of the folks in our hood who are members too.

Through my business career I have served on many Committees and Not-forProfit Boards including, the Chair of Sheena’s Place, and as a Director on the National Board of Big Brothers, Big Sisters. I also was a co-founder of a Senior Women in Technology Networking group (SWIT) born from a meeting at the Cricket Club.

I enjoy giving back and being of service and look forward to working with my fellow Directors, neighbours and community volunteers to make our neighbourhood the best it can be for the families that reside here.

Barb Black

Barb is the treasurer for YMHRA. My husband, Bob McFarland, and I have lived in the neighbourhood for 30 years. We were attracted to the area’s great schools and easy walk to local shops and the Cricket Club. We found the neighbourhood a wonderful place to raise our three sons.

Mike Firth

Mike’s focus for the board is to keep developments appropriate and improve engagement levels of residents and members. Heather and I have lived here for twenty years, raised two girls, retired, and are now empty nesters. Our favourite places to visit are the Badminton & Racquets Club (at Yonge & St. Clair) and the St. Lawrence Market. In my spare time I like to play doubles squash, fish, ride motorcycles, read history, and garden.

Peter Quinn

My wife, Barbara, and I have lived at 114 Mason for over 40 years (and have gone from being the youngest on the block with 4 boys, to the oldest with an empty nest). I was a real estate lawyer with McCarthy Tetrault for almost 50 years and still work from home (a little bit).

By-laws and Other Documents

Our revised bylaws are enclosed below detailing membership and meetings, amongst other items

VIEW DOCUMENT

Other documents related to our association is included below.