Richview is a community, with a mix of residents from income levels and cultural backgrounds. The neighbourhood boasts parks, shopping centres and convenient transportation options. It is situated a stone’s throw from Pearson International Airport.
Some real estate agents might use the names “Royal York Gardens” for the section between Royal York Road and Islington Avenue and “Richmond Gardens” for the area, between Islington Avenue and Kipling Avenue. However these areas are historically considered part of the Richview neighbourhood.
History Of Richview, Toronto
The name Richview originated back in 1852 with the opening of a post office, under the name in the area. By the 1870s Richview boasted its school, church and tavern. The neighbourhood of Richview took on an identity in the 1880s when it was designated as school section number four within the Township of Etobicoke.
Richview held a farming heritage that dated back to the 1850s with local farmers participating in events like the Etobicoke Agricultural Society Fair and Provincial Exhibition. These farmers also sold their produce at Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market and surplus beef cattle at the Union Stockyards on St. Clair Avenue.
Transitioning into the 1900s Richview farmers redirected their focus towards dairy farming to meet Toronto’s growing demand for milk. In 1956 developers acquired Richviews dairy farm marking an end to a century farming tradition in the area.
The historic Dixon homestead at 1671 Kipling Avenue and La Rose homestead at 322 La Rose Avenue stand as reminders of Richviews past.
Lifestyle
Richview Square, situated at the intersection of Eglinton Avenue and Wincott Drive, in the southwest is a shopping centre with a mix of stores. It boasts fashion boutiques, a bakery and deli, a gift shop, a bank, a jeweler, a photo shop, a drug store, a travel agency, a health food store, a florist, an animal hospital and even beer and liquor outlets. Additionally there are offices nestled within its premises. Notably present in this plaza is Our Walk iN Closet Inc., a Ladies Consignment Boutique that adds to the charm of Richview Square.
Over at Martingrove Plaza on the corner of Martingrove Road and The Westway stands another hub of commercial activity. This plaza features establishments like supermarkets along with essential services ranging from drug stores to hardware shops. You can also find amenities such as discount stores, florists, bakeries and delis within its confines. The diversity extends to entertainment options like video stores along with services like travel agencies and post offices.
Moving on to Westway Centre located at Kipling Avenue and Dixon Road in the direction showcases an array of offerings including a large supermarket catering to grocery needs. In addition to food options from fast food joints nearby are offices for services alongside recreational facilities, like bowling alleys.
The unassuming 1500 Royal York Road shopping plaza surprises visitors with its atmosphere despite its name.
This expansive shopping centre includes a shop for bicycles and skiing gear, a store selling bulk food items, a place for bowling and playing billiards, a playground for children and various shops catering to the requirements of the nearby community.
Richview, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Richview Park, situated near the Richview Water Reservoir at the intersection of Eglinton Avenue and Martin Grove Road stands out as the hub in this area. This expansive green expanse boasts sports fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts and a playground for children. The adjacent West Grove, Martin Grove, Valley Field and Silver Creek Parks also offer amenities like tennis courts, baseball diamonds and playgrounds. Notably West Grove Park includes a swimming pool and an artificial ice rink.
Sun Row Park in the part of Richview showcases a nature trail alongside the Humber River Watershed. Nature enthusiasts can delve into fish habitats, wildflowers and diverse wildlife species here. Additionally residents of Richview can take pleasure in cycling along the Eglinton Avenue trail that connects with Ukrainian Memorial Park and the paved South Humber trail leading to Toronto’s waterfront.
The neighbourhood boasts a plethora of parks and recreational facilities catering to interests such as playgrounds for children, sports amenities and skating opportunities. Willowridge Martingrove Richview is home to 11 parks with a total of 54 facilities. On average each park offers around four options.
Richview, Toronto Transit
The bus routes running along Eglinton Avenue, The Westway and Dixon Road connect passengers to Eglinton station, on the Yonge University Spadina subway line. Additionally the Islington bus links to Islington Station on the Bloor Danforth subway line offering a connection to the Mississauga Transit system and an express service to Pearson International Airport. The Kipling Avenue bus connects to Kipling station the westernmost stop on the Bloor Danforth subway line that also connects to the Go Transit line.
For motorists looking to access Toronto’s commuter highways they can do so from Eglinton Avenue west of Martingrove Road or Islington Avenue.
This neighbourhood boasts 136 transit stops. Includes rail stations, like Etobicoke North GO. Willowridge Martingrove Richview primarily sees vehicle commuters who travel within the city.
Richview, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
This area boasts elementary and secondary schools, along with special programs for both levels. There are a total of 10 schools, 7 Catholic schools and 1 alternative/special school catering to the residents. The specialized programs available at these schools encompass offerings such, as French Immersion, Vocational training and the International Baccalaureate program.
- Public Schools: 10
- Catholic Schools: 7
Public
- Westway Junior School
- Kipling Collegiate Institute
- ÉÉ Félix-Leclerc
- Parkfield Junior School
- Dixon Grove Junior Middle School
- Valleyfield Junior School
- Hilltop Middle School
- Richview Collegiate Institute
- Martingrove Collegiate Institute
- ÉS Jeunes sans frontières
Catholic
- St. Eugene Catholic School
- Transfiguration of Our Lord Catholic School
- Father Serra Catholic School
- ÉÉC Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
- St. Demetrius Catholic School
- St. Marcellus Catholic School
- ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
- Alternative/Special
- Central Etobicoke High School
Richview, Toronto Homes
Richviews housing options mainly consist of ranch and contemporary style bungalows, split level homes and Georgian Revival style houses constructed in the 1950s and 1960s. Properties in Richview typically have frontages ranging from forty to sixty plus feet with many featuring driveways and garages. A significant number of Richview homes are situated near ravines or parklands.
In addition to the established housing stock there are some townhouse and condominium developments along the main streets of Richview. The neighbourhood also boasts apartment buildings and row houses on its outskirts.
For those seeking a community where endless opportunities await consider Richview in Toronto – the neighbourhood of former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
In the Willowridge Martingrove Richview area you’ll find a variety of home styles. The neighbourhood has a population with 34% of households having relocated within the five years and 10% moving within the past year. It predominantly consists of homes. Is home to both homeowners and renters alike.