History of Mount Albert East Gwillimbury

An ancient trail created by the First Nations people was still visible, in the mountains when the first settlers arrived in the 1800s. This trail later transformed into Centre Street now serving as the road in the village. Among the settlers were Rufus and Samuel Birchard brothers of Quaker descent who came to this area from Vermont in 1821. They played a role in founding a community that was initially known as Birchardville before being renamed Newland in the 1840s and eventually becoming Mount Albert after a visit by Prince Albert in 1864.

While most of the settlers were farmers there were also mills operating alongside Mount Albert Creek. The introduction of a railway line through Mount Albert during the 1870s connected it to York County. Marked a chapter for the community. The modern era for Mount Albert began with the establishment of Mount Albert Public School in 1967. By the 1990s residential developments extended beyond Centre Street continuing into the outskirts of Mount Albert throughout the 2000s and up to today. Currently home, to 4,200 residents Mount Albert is projected to see its population grow to around 6,000 residents in the future.

Lifestyle

There’s a grocery store and a hardware shop, in Woodland along Highway 48. If you head into town, on Centre Street you’ll find restaurants offering Chinese cuisine, wings and pizza. Additionally there are service establishments located along this street.

Mount Albert as the name suggests is perched on a plateau, in the Oak Ridges Moraine region. It is located in the part of East Gwillimbury surrounded by countryside. To reach Mount Albert Road, head from Highway 48. The road winds its way up a hill to Centre Street, where you turn north (left). Then descend another steep hill into the heart of the Mount Albert community.

With a history and promising future Mt. Albert is experiencing growth with housing developments on the outskirts of town. Landmarks in the neighbourhood include the Ross Family Complex and Library on Centre Street and Vivian Creek Park. The Mount Albert Public School is an institution, within the community.

Mount Albert East Gwillimbury Parks & Facilities

The East Gwillimbury Sports Complex, on 1914B Mount Albert Road features an ice rink and meeting rooms for the community. Outside you can find a baseball diamond, soccer field and a playground for children. The Mount Albert Lions Club and Community Centre at 5057 Mount Albert Road boasts five soccer fields.

In our town the Ross Family Complex situated at 19300 Centre Street houses a gymnasium and meeting spaces for the community. Across from the complex is Vivian Creek Park, a green area with picnic spots, hiking trails, bicycle paths and opportunities, for cross country skiing.

Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks

• Playgrounds – 5
• Tennis Courts – 2
• Basketball Court – 1
• Ball Diamonds – 2
• Sports Fields – 2
• Community Centres – 2
• Splash Pad – 1
• BMX Track – 1
• Trails – 2
• Gym – 1

Mount Albert East Gwillimbury Transit

In Mt Albert there are no transit stops. The majority of residents, in Mt Albert rely on their vehicles, for commuting with many traveling to neighbouring cities for work.

Commute Destination for Residents

• Commute within the city – 15%
• Commute to another city – 85%

Commute Types

• Vehicle – 92%
• Transit – 2%
• Walk/bike – 4%

Commute Times of Residents

• 15 to 29 minutes – 33%
• 30 to 44 minutes – 17%
• 45 to 59 minutes – 16%
• 60 minutes and over – 19%
• Less than 15 minutes – 12%

Mount Albert East Gwillimbury Elementary, Secondary High Schools

In this area you can find schools, specialized programs, for elementary and secondary levels. Mount Albert is served by a total of 5 schools and 4 Catholic schools. The local schools provide offerings such, as French Immersion, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Fine Arts programs.

• Public Schools: 5
• Catholic Schools: 4

Public

• Robert Munsch PS
• Mazo De La Roche PS
• Mount Albert PS
• ÉS Norval-Morrisseau
• Huron Heights SS

Catholic

• ÉÉC Jean-Béliveau
• Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic ES
• ÉSC Renaissance
• Sacred Heart Catholic HS

Mount Albert East Gwillimbury Homes

There’s an array of houses located around Centre Street and Mount Albert Road. The heart of the neighbourhood also includes ranch style bungalows and standalone houses. In the areas you’ll find clusters of neighbourhoods each with their distinct character. Some areas have standalone Colonial style houses while others have detached homes or townhouses.