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History of Box Grove Markham

The history of Box Grove, originally known as Sparta, dates back to the 14th century when First Nations inhabited the area, drawn to the abundant resources provided by Rouge Creek and the surrounding valley. In the early 1800s, European settlers, including Mennonite families from the United States, arrived in Box Grove, viewing it as a land of opportunity with the Rouge River serving as a source of energy for their mills.

As the community grew, it established essential amenities like a schoolhouse, church, general store, cheese factory, and even multiple taverns, gaining a reputation as a popular watering hole. In 1867, Canada’s Confederation brought changes to the area, including a new post office and a name change from Sparta to Box Grove. The name’s origin remains uncertain, potentially referencing the abundance of boxwood trees or a similarly named hamlet in England.

The Tomlinson family, one of the earliest and largest landowners in Box Grove, played a significant role in the area’s development, involved in the first registered subdivision around 1850. Some of the original houses built in Box Grove still exist along 9th Line, near 14th Avenue.

Later, part of the Tomlinson land was transformed into a challenging golf course, attracting golf legend Arnold Palmer in the 1950s. IBM purchased the golf course in 1967 and eventually sold it in 1997.

The Town of Markham retained half of the course as a golf course, while developers purchased the remaining land, leading to the development of the Legacy and Rouge-Fairways communities that are now part of present-day Box Grove.

Lifestyle

In the Box Grove neighbourhood of Markham, there are two main shopping centres: Box Grove Centre and Smart Centres Markham Box Grove. The Box Grove Centre features a variety of amenities, including a Longos grocery store, Mandarin restaurant, Rexal Pharmacy, TD and Royal Bank branches, a fitness studio, Starbucks, and a large Medical Centre.

On the other hand, Smart Centres Markham Box Grove, located at 70 Copper Creek Drive, is anchored by a Walmart Supercentre and a McDonald’s. It also houses a bank, restaurants, and a medical clinic.

Additionally, the area has numerous shopping plazas along Markham Road, offering a diverse selection of restaurants and food shops that cater to the multicultural demographic of the neighbourhood.

Box Grove Centre

The Box Grove Centre holds immense significance in the local community and for businesses operating within it. As a prominent shopping destination located at the strategic junction of Box Grove By-Pass and Copper Creek Drive, it attracts a high volume of foot traffic and potential customers.

Transit

Situated conveniently, the Box Grove neighbourhood offers easy access to transportation hubs. Both the Markham Village GO Station and the Unionville GO Station are just a 10-minute drive away, providing excellent connectivity for commuters. Moreover, with the nearby Highway 407, it takes approximately 40 minutes to reach downtown Toronto by car. For those who prefer public transit, a comprehensive bus service covers most areas of Box Grove, making it an incredibly convenient community, particularly for individuals working in proximity to the city.

Average Commute Time

Union Station can be reached in about 40 minutes by car and around two hours by public transit.

Box Grove Markham Elementary, Secondary, High schools

There are multiple elementary and secondary schools within the Boxgrove Markham community. The schools prides themselves on providing a high-quality and comprehensive education for students of all ages, with a focus on academic excellence, character development, and fostering a nurturing learning environment. Box Grove Markham has 3 public schools, and 1 Catholic schools.

Box Grove Markham Parks & Facilities

The abundant green spaces and recreational parkland in the Box Grove neighbourhood are among its most attractive features for residents. Even residential streets boast tree-lined pathways and parks filled with lush greenery.

One such notable park is the Rouge National Urban Park, also known as the Bob Hunter Memorial Park, offering a variety of kid-friendly and challenging hiking trails. Another gem is Tomlinson Park, situated on Boxwood Crescent, where families can enjoy a playground, splash pad, soccer field, and baseball diamond. These well-maintained parks add to the neighbourhood’s charm and provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Box Grove Markham Homes For Sale

Box Grove Village, located in the northeastern area of this neighbourhood, showcases modern detached homes and townhouses with a traditional aesthetic, making them ideal for families. These homes offer an excellent entry point into the neighbourhood. In the southwestern part of Box Grove, the Cedarwood pocket exhibits a classic suburban subdivision look with well-established properties. Moving further north along 14th Line, you’ll find Roxbury Park and Rouge Fairways enclaves, featuring spacious detached family homes with brick exteriors and double car garages.

The Legacy enclave, centered around a picturesque park and community school, boasts tree-lined streets and charming family homes with attached garages and inviting front porches. The timeless architectural details found on most Legacy homes create a harmonious and visually appealing streetscape, making them truly exquisite properties.