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Harding Richmond Hill

History of Harding Richmond Hill

Asa Dexter was granted the land for this part of Richmond Hill in 1796. The ownership of the land was later transferred to Bowley Arnold in 1805. It remained in the Arnold family until 1840 when it was sold to a farmer named Alexander C. Lawrence. In 1875 these lands were acquired by William Harding, who is honored with Harding Boulevards name. However the Harding family eventually sold the land back, to the Lawrence family during the 1900s.

During the 1910s, 20s and 30s William J. Lawrence played a role in putting Richmond Hill on the map as he operated a scale rose growing business that gained nationwide recognition. This success attracted growers to Richmond Hill. Collectively transformed this area into Canadas capital of rose cultivation bringing great prosperity to the community. Additionally Lawrence had an eye for development and contributed significantly to some of the earliest residential plans for this neighbourhood.

For information about Richmond Hills days I recommend reading “Early Days, in Richmond Hill” by Robert M. Stamp (Copyright © Richmond Hill Public Library Board 1991).

Lifestyle

Yonge Street offers shopping plazas that primarily consist of grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants. Additionally you can find some shopping options, on Major Mackenzie Drive East and Bayview Avenue.

Harding Park

The Harding neighbourhood is known for its diversity with places of worship, like the Chinese Baptist Church, Buddhist Temple, Methodist Church and Christian Church. It also houses a school. In terms of housing options you’ll find a range of choices from houses to condominiums and co op apartments.

The main attraction in this area is Harding Park, which offers amenities and peaceful nature pathways for moments of reflection. Harding Park boasts a pair of lit baseball fields a soccer pitch and a duo of basketball courts. The park itself is intersected by German Mills Creek, a tributary of the East Don River.

While Harding Park provides a sanctuary it stands in contrast to the arterial roadways that surround it—Yonge Street to the west Bayview Avenue to the east and Major Mackenzie, to the north.

Transit

In Harding there are a total of 74 transit stops. One of the rail stations, in the area is Richmond Hill GO. It’s worth noting that in Harding the majority of commuters rely on vehicles to get around and many of them commute, to neighbouring cities.

Destination of Residents Commute

  • Commute within the city – 26%
  • Commute to another city – 72%

Various Modes of Commuting

  • Vehicle – 75%
  • Transit – 19%
  • Walk/bike – 4%

Duration of Residents Commutes

  • 15 to 29 minutes – 28%
  • 30 to 44 minutes – 24%
  • 45 to 59 minutes – 13%
  • 60 minutes and over – 19%
  • Less than 15 minutes – 13%

Harding Richmond Hill Elementary & Secondary High Schools

This area boasts elementary and secondary schools, as well, as specialized programs for both levels. In total there are seven schools and four Catholic schools that cater to the needs of this neighbourhood. Some of the programs, at these schools encompass Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Fine Arts and French Immersion.

  • Public Schools: 7
  • Catholic Schools: 4

Public

  • ÉS Norval-Morrisseau
  • Académie de la Moraine
  • Alexander MacKenzie HS
  • Beverley Acres PS
  • Walter Scott PS
  • Bayview SS
  • Michaëlle Jean PS

Catholic

  • St Joseph Catholic ES
  • Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy
  • ÉSC Renaissance
  • ÉÉC Le-Petit-Prince

Harding Richmond Hill Parks & Facilities

It’s really enjoyable to explore the parks and recreational facilities, in Harding. The parks, in Harding have playgrounds that cater to children. In total there are five parks and ten recreational facilities spread across the area. On average each park has two facilities.

  • Number of Parks: 5
  • Number of Recreation Facilities: 10

Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks

  • Playgrounds – 5
  • Basketball Court – 1
  • Ball Diamond – 1
  • Sports Fields – 3

Harding Richmond Hill Homes

The majority of the houses, in this neighbourhood were built in the 1970s. The streets are filled with rows of charming ranch style brick bungalows. These cozy homes are set on lots featuring driveways and garages.

The streets follow a organized grid pattern. Are adorned with beautiful trees. The houses themselves are set back from the road creating a distance, between them.

Alongside the bungalows you can also find pockets of two story detached homes. The main streets surrounding this area have a density hosting both apartment buildings and newer condominiums.

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