History of Crosby
Parker Crosby immigrated to Canada in 1844 coming all the way, from Cumberland, England. He was a merchant who operated a dry goods store situated at Yonge Street and Richmond. Unfortunately the first store was destroyed in a fire back in 1866. Undeterred by this setback resilient Crosby rebuilt his business in a fire dwelling. Gave it a new name; “The Fire Proof.”
In the year 1863 Parker and Mary Crosby constructed their residence called Crosby Hall at 38 Bedford Park Avenue, south of the Crosby Avenue. This charming Victorian farmhouse in Ontario stood out due to its cupola which became a landmark of Richmond Hill. Around 1889 their son Issac decided to brick the home for added durability. Additionally Issac took over the family business that served as an establishment for generations of Richmond Hill residents.
Editors Note; Discover the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre located within the Crosby neighbourhood at 19 Church Street North. Housed in a restored Regency style cottage dating back, to the 1840s this centre showcases Richmond Hills history through exhibits, programs and workshops.
Lifestyle
The shopping, business and entertainment hub of Richmond Hills can be found on Yonge Street just north of Major Mackenzie Drive. This area offers a range of stores along, with restaurants and professional services.
Crosby Park
Crosby Park, situated at the intersection of Newkirk Road and Crosby Avenue offers a playground and a water play area, for children. Additionally it boasts a Sensory Garden featuring an array of annuals fragrant herbs, beautiful perennials and graceful grasses.
Birdwatching enthusiasts flock to the park to enjoy its trails. The park also showcases eye catching birdhouses and captivating artwork displays. Adjacent to Crosby Park lies the Centennial Pool—a swimming facility boasting six lanes.
Moreover Crosby Park serves as the home of the Richmond Hill Lawn Tennis Club, which boasts six well maintained hard courts illuminated by lights and accompanied by a welcoming clubhouse.
Nestled on Church Street is Town Park—a area offering various amenities such as a prominent baseball diamond well maintained tennis courts, an inviting lawn bowling area and an enjoyable playground, for children.
Transit
In this neighbourhood there are a total of 146 transit stops. One of the rail stations available is Richmond Hill GO. As, for transportation most residents, in Crosby rely on vehicles to commute. Many of them travel to neighbouring cities for work.
Destination of Residents Commute
- Commute within the city – 33%
- Commute to another city – 66%
Various Modes of Commuting
- Vehicle – 77%
- Transit – 16%
- Walk/bike – 3%
Duration of Residents Commutes
- 15 to 29 minutes – 28%
- 30 to 44 minutes – 25%
- 45 to 59 minutes – 13%
- 60 minutes and over – 17%
- Less than 15 minutes – 15%
Crosby Elementary & Secondary High Schools
In Crosby you’ll find a selection of elementary and secondary schools as well, as special programs for both levels. The neighbourhood boasts 8 schools, 4 Catholic schools and 1 private school. The local schools also offer a range of programs, like French Immersion, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Gifted/Talented Program and Fine Arts.
- Public Schools: 8
- Catholic Schools: 4
- Private Schools: 1
Public
- Michaëlle Jean PS
- ÉS Norval-Morrisseau
- Bayview SS
- Walter Scott PS
- Académie de la Moraine
- Crosby Heights PS
- Beverley Acres PS
- Alexander MacKenzie HS
Catholic
- ÉSC Renaissance
- ÉÉC Le-Petit-Prince
- Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic ES
- Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy
Private
- Astrum Academy
Crosby Parks & Facilities
You can easily find fun activities at the parks and recreational facilities, in this area. The parks in this neighbourhood offer playgrounds for children sports parks and opportunities for skating. There are a total of 11 parks, in this neighbourhood hosting a combined 35 facilities. On average each park has around 3 facilities to enjoy.
- Number of Parks: 11
- Number of Recreation Facilities: 35
Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks
- Playgrounds – 8
- Pool – 1
- Arena – 1
- Rinks – 2
- Tennis Courts – 9
- Basketball Courts – 3
- Ball Diamonds – 2
- Sports Field – 1
- Community Centre – 1
- Splash Pad – 1
- Botanical Garden – 1
- Trails – 4
- Fitness/Weight Room – 1
Crosby Homes
The Crosby neighbourhood offers a variety of homes showcasing architectural styles that have been around since the late 1800s, up to the present day. In the part of the neighbourhood near Centre Street you’ll find the section known as the Village of Richmond Hill established in 1873.
This charming area boasts heritage homes with porches dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Moving away from Centre Street you’ll come across pockets of bungalows, ranch style houses and newer two story detached homes that were predominantly built in the 1950s and 60s.
On the side of Crosby Avenue closer to Crosby Avenue itself you’ll find ranch style and split level houses alongside detached homes. Bungalows from the 1950s onwards. The properties here have generously sized lots, with lawns and private driveways. The streets are adorned with trees but lack sidewalks creating a ambiance.