I’m an east-ender, through and through.

I grew up in The Beaches. In the far east end of Toronto.

When it came time to settle and buy a house, Leslieville was the right neighbourhood for my wife and I.

Affordable, and kind of cool.

Now we live there, with our two little boys – Emerson and Cooper.

I’ve been very fortunate to be able to live in Leslieville and work in Corktown for the bulk of my career.

It has always been important to me to be able to walk or ride my bicycle to work. I never understood having to drive two hours to get to work!

Walking in this neighbourhood, I see new restaurants and shops opening up all the time.

And almost every day, I come across interesting people with interesting stories.

It’s been a fantastic thing to watch the east end emerge.

Thanks to Joel for sharing his story. Check out his firm’s incredible landscape design projects, and follow him on Instagram!

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