Leslieville began as a small village in the 1850s, which grew up around the Toronto Nurseries owned by George Leslie (1804-1893) and sons, after whom the community is named.

[citation needed] Alexander Muir, the composer of The Maple Leaf Forever, was the first principal of the Leslieville Public School, one of the first buildings in the village.

[citation needed] Leslieville once mainly housed those who worked in the factories, and their departure has greatly changed the area.

The reduction in air pollution and fumes have made it much more appealing to members of the middle and creative class.

A fortified site along Eastern Avenue was the main Toronto base of the Hells Angels until it was raided by police and confiscated in 2007.

Mills held the riding until Jack Layton of the New Democratic Party regained the seat in the 2004 Canadian federal election.