History of Oak Ridges Lake Wilcox

The Oak Ridges community derives its name from the Oak Ridges Moraine, an landform that was created around 12,000 years ago when the massive glaciers of the last ice age retreated. This climatic event resulted in the formation of a landscape characterized by hills, wooded areas, kettle lakes and fertile farmland. It must have been a sight, in 1800 when a group of French Royalists led by Comte Joseph Genevieve de Puisaye were granted the first parcels of land to settle in this region.

Comte de Puisaye named their settlement Windham after the secretary of war. However due to planning and various reasons this settlement lasted for a few years before many of these French royalists decided that pioneer life was not for them and returned home. Today all that remains of the de Puisaye settlement is a plaque located at 12025 12045 Yonge Street north of Jefferson sideroad.

One notable feature in this neighbourhood is Lake Wilcox, which gained its name from Col. William Willcocks who owned property to the lake during the 1800s. Enough over time there have been changes in how Lake Wilcox has been spelled. The Tremain map from 1860 shows it as “Willcocks”, with one “L,” and further abbreviations followed thereafter.
In the 1920s a vibrant community emerged in Oak Ridges. It quickly became a settlement. Alongside the year round residents people, from Toronto started building cottages around Lake Wilcox. Over time these cottages are being gradually replaced by custom built homes as Lake Wilcox transforms into a year round community.

Lifestyle

Shopping along Yonge Street can be a bit unpredictable. You’ll find that new stores and plazas are popping up every year including some known family restaurants. On Bathurst Street Humberlands Plaza offers a range of services such, as professional offices, a convenience store, dry cleaners and even a Montessori school, for children.

Oak Ridges Lake Wilcox

The Oak Ridges community derives its name from the Oak Ridges Moraine, a formation that has played a crucial role, in shaping and defining this neighbourhood. The Oak Ridges Moraine was created around 12,000 years ago during the ice age when massive glaciers advanced and retreated.

This climatic event resulted in the formation of a landscape characterized by rolling hills, woodlands, picturesque kettle lakes and fertile farmland. The beauty of Oak Ridges lies in its surroundings, including the branch of the Humber River several kettle lakes, conservation areas, charming golf courses, expansive woodlands and rural agricultural lands that all contribute to its overall appeal.

Among these features Lake Wilcox stands out as a landmark within the neighbourhood. Encircled by a concentration of homes and residential streets Lake Wilcox serves as a focal point offering various water activities scenic walking paths inviting picnic spots and even a water park for childrens enjoyment.

Additionally adding to the communitys allure is the state of the art Oak Ridges Community Centre situated along Bayview Avenue—a facility providing opportunities for residents of all ages.

Although Oak Ridges occupies a land area within Richmond Hill city limits; it is not densely populated compared to neighbourhoods. Positioned furthest north, among all Richmond Hill communities
This community is constantly. Has a lot of potential, for growth on the section of Yonge Street that is gradually being developed to meet the needs of the people living here.

Transit

In this neighbourhood there are a total of 107 transit stops. Oak Ridges Lake Wilcox primarily consists of residents who commute by vehicle and the majority of them travel to another city for work.

Destination of Residents Commute

• Commute within the city – 25%
• Commute to another city – 72%

Various Modes of Commuting

• Vehicle – 90%
• Transit – 8%
• Walk/bike – 1%

Duration of Residents Commutes

• 15 to 29 minutes – 24%
• 30 to 44 minutes – 28%
• 45 to 59 minutes – 14%
• 60 minutes and over – 19%
• Less than 15 minutes – 13%

Oak Ridges Lake Wilcox Elementary, Secondary, High Schools

In this area you’ll find elementary and secondary schools along, with some specialized programs for both levels. There are a total of 8 schools, 6 Catholic schools and 1 private school that cater to the needs of this community. The local schools also offer programs such, as Montessori education, French immersion, International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP).

• Public Schools: 8
• Catholic Schools: 6
• Private Schools: 1

Public

• Windham Ridge PS
• Académie de la Moraine
• Dr. G.W. Williams SS
• Bond Lake PS
• Lake Wilcox PS
• ÉS Norval-Morrisseau
• Richmond Green SS
• Highview PS

Catholic

• Cardinal Carter Catholic SS
• ÉSC Renaissance
• Father Frederick McGinn Catholic ES
• St. Joseph Catholic ES
• Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic ES
• ÉÉC Saint-Jean

Private

• Eureka Montessori

Oak Ridges Lake Wilcox Parks & Facilities

Finding fun is a breeze, at the parks and recreational facilities in this area. The neighbourhoods parks offer playgrounds, for children, sports areas, ice skating options, waterfront access and serene nature parks. Oak Ridges Lake Wilcox boasts a count of 19 parks and a total of 58 facilities. On average each park hosts around three amenities.

• Number of Parks: 19
• Number of Recreation Facilities: 58

Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks

• Playgrounds – 12
• Pools – 2
• Arena – 1
• Rinks – 2
• Tennis Courts – 8
• Basketball Courts – 6
• Ball Diamonds – 4
• Sports Fields – 4
• Community Centre – 1
• Splash Pad – 1
• Sports Court – 1
• Outdoor Games Facility – 1
• Boating Facility – 1
• Fishing Location – 1
• Trails – 10
• Nature Centre – 1
• Fitness/Weight Room – 1
• Gym – 1

Oak Ridges Lake Wilcox Homes

Oak Ridges boasts the range of housing options, among all neighbourhoods in Richmond Hill. The original housing stock, dating from the 1950s to the 1980s offers an array of home styles, including bungalows, neo Tudor colonial residences. Ranch style bungalows are also prevalent in this area.

These original houses occupy lots, which has led to many being replaced by larger custom infill homes. In fact entire blocks in this neighbourhood have recently undergone transformations with the construction of brick and stone mansions featuring landscaping, triple car garages and occasionally grand wrought iron private gates.

Around Lake Wilcox along Bayview Avenue you’ll discover frame cottages that are rapidly being replaced by custom built homes made of brick, stone and sometimes stucco. These new homes showcase designs. North of Lake Wilcox lies the Fontainbleu subdivision—a developed upscale community with beautiful homes.

On the side of Lake Wilcox sits the Kettle Lakes Club comprising over 400 townhomes conveniently located across, from the stunning Oak Ridges Community Centre.

The development of subdivisions continues along Bloomington Road well as Bathurst Street and Yonge Street.