History of Rural Richmond Hill
Rural Richmond Hill was initially settled in the 1800s by pioneer families who had ancestors from Germany, Ireland, England or Scotland. Many of these families migrated from Pennsylvania and Upstate New York to settle here. The original land grants were typically, around two hundred acres and in exchange for the land settlers had to clear a portion of the forest and establish their homes on the property. Additionally they played a role in constructing roads within the community.
The earliest dwellings were log cabins. However as time went by and into the mid to 1800s many settlers began accumulating wealth through dividing their lands and engaging in farming activities. This allowed them to build brick houses. One noteworthy example is the Boynton House situated at Richmond Green—an Ontario farmhouse that holds a designation, under the Ontario Heritage Act. This knit community used to gather for a spring fair to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments. However as times changed over the years this tradition transformed into Canada Day celebrations held at Richmond Green—an event that brings the community together.
Lifestyle
Elgin Mills Crossing is an shopping centre located at the intersection of Leslie Street and Elgin Mills Road. It features retailers, such, as The Home Depot, Staples and Costco. In addition to these stores you’ll find a variety of fast food restaurants. The complex also includes an medical building, as part of its offerings.
Rural Richmond Hill
Rural Richmond Hill has not experienced development due, to its location on the sensitive Oak Ridges Moraine. Of seeing an abundance of high density subdivisions and condominiums you will find a few gated communities surrounded by conservation areas, farmland and private golf courses. Within the Bayview Country Estates and Trailwood Estates one can discover mansions situated on spacious lots spanning multiple acres. Additionally there are a number of secluded estate homes, along Stouffville Road that boast wooded lots adjoining conservation lands.
Transit
Rural Richmond Hill has a total of 443 transit stops with Bloomington GO serving as one of the rail stations. The majority of commuters, in Rural Richmond Hill rely on vehicles for their commute and many travel, to cities.
Destination of Residents Commute
- Commute within the city – 19%
- Commute to another city – 80%
Various Modes of Commuting
- Vehicle – 85%
- Transit – 12%
- Walk/bike – 0%
Duration of Residents Commutes
- 15 to 29 minutes – 22%
- 30 to 44 minutes – 27%
- 45 to 59 minutes – 16%
- 60 minutes and over – 24%
- Less than 15 minutes – 8%
Rural Richmond Hill Elementary, Secondary High Schools
In the community of Rural Richmond Hill you’ll find a selection of elementary and secondary schools each offering a variety of special programs. In total there are 16 schools and 13 Catholic schools dedicated to serving the needs of Rural Richmond Hill. The local schools provide a range of programs such, as French Immersion, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Gifted/Talented Programs.
- Public Schools: 16
- Catholic Schools: 13
Public
- Beverley Acres PS
- MacLeod’s Landing PS
- ÉS Norval-Morrisseau
- Bond Lake PS
- Académie de la Moraine
- Beynon Fields PS
- Lake Wilcox PS
- Victoria Square PS
- Silver Pines PS
- HG Bernard PS
- King City SS
- Richmond Green SS
- Richmond Hill HS
- Windham Ridge PS
- Michaëlle Jean PS
- Kettle Lakes PS
Catholic
- Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy
- ÉSC Renaissance
- Corpus Christi Catholic ES
- Father Frederick McGinn Catholic ES
- St. Joseph Catholic ES
- St Theresa of Lisieux Catholic HS
- Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic ES
- ÉÉC Le-Petit-Prince
- Cardinal Carter Catholic SS
- Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic ES
- St Marguerite d’Youville Catholic ES
- ÉÉC Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys-Markham
- ÉÉC Saint-Jean
Rural Richmond Hill Parks & Facilities
Richmond Green Sports Centre and park situated at 1300 Elgin Mills Rd E stands out as the park, in Richmond Hill. It boasts a facility that features a 26,000 sq. Ft. Indoor recreation centre and an arena with two ice rinks. The extensive grounds include sports fields, a skateboarding park, a trail, for inline skating a splash pad baseball diamonds, a basketball court, walking paths and picnic spots. During the winter season visitors can enjoy an ice skating trail.
- Number of Parks: 6
- Number of Recreation Facilities: 36
Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks
- Playgrounds – 2
- Dog Park – 1
- Arena – 1
- Rinks – 3
- Tennis Court – 1
- Basketball Court – 1
- Ball Diamonds – 7
- Sports Fields – 3
- Community Centres – 2
- Splash Pad – 1
- Skateboard Park – 1
- Golf Courses – 4
- Outdoor Games Facility – 1
- Driving Range – 1
- Country Club – 1
- Community Garden – 1
- Trails – 2
- Nature Centre – 1
- Arts/Performance Facilities – 2
Rural Richmond Hill Homes
Bayview Country Club Estates and Trailwood Estates are two areas that offer luxurious homes situated on spacious lots encompassed by beautiful woodland. These residences boast views, courtesy of the gently rolling hills that characterize the landscape of the neighbourhood.