Oak Ridges, Ontario
Encyclopedia
Oak Ridges is an unincorporated community in Ontario
, Canada
, and has been part of Richmond Hill
's administrative area since its annexation in 1971. Although physically separate and distinct from Richmond Hill, it forms the northern portion of the municipality's boundary. Located about 16.5 km north of Toronto
, it has a population of approximately 24,900 people(est. 2010). The town developed around Lake Wilcox
, the largest lake in the area and a community within Oak Ridges, and has continued to expand slowly since its annexation by the Town of Richmond Hill. In the 1990s, Oak Ridges experienced moderate growth, which spurred environmental action by numerous organizations.
It is located in Richmond Hill
, east of King City
, immediately south of Aurora
, and west of Whitchurch-Stouffville
.
, much of its terrain is hilly, with pine forests and small creeks still prospering in the southwest. A number of small kettle lakes are located in Oak Ridges; the largest of these is Lake Wilcox, and the smaller Bond Lake is nearby. Lake Wilcox has a small beach area, and is used for recreational purposes and camp activities in the summer. The lakes drain into origin tributaries for the East Humber River.
Until the 1990s, farmlands used to dominate the northern part of Oak Ridges, except in the east. The western edge of Oak Ridges is now entirely residential or commercial; the McLeod's Landing development in the southwest consumed the last undeveloped land in the western part of Oak Ridges. This development was part of a contentious political battle that ultimately became an issue in the 2003 Ontario provincial election
. In their campaign, the Liberal party promised to halt development on the Oak Ridges Moraine, specifically in Richmond Hill (see; Politics of the Oak Ridges Moraine
for a more extensive discussion and; Development in Oak Ridges for ongoing development in Oak Ridges).
Oak Ridges was established along Yonge Street
in 1799 by Joseph Geneviève and a group of French Royalists, who were granted land to settle by the British government. They were also provided with rations and agricultural implements. It was originally named Windham in honour of Geneviève's friend William Windham
, Secretary at War
for Britain at the time. Geneviève soon departed to search for another site to settle, and by 1840 the settlement and the area from the King-Vaughan town line to the 15th sideroad became known as Oak Ridges. This included lots 61 to 70, the western half of which were in King
, and the eastern half in the township of Whitchurch.
Oak Ridges was annexed from King and Whitchurch by the Town of Richmond Hill in 1971. Oak Ridges had been in steep decline in the 1960s, largely due to high unemployment, and lack of commercial development. However, in recent years, the Town of Richmond Hill has tried to lure business into Oak Ridges, to try to stimulate growth into the community.
Oak Ridges struggled economically during the 1990s. However, in the last decade a rapid business boom has hit Oak Ridges with a number of businesses opening throughout the community, mostly concentrated around Yonge Street, However strong environmental activism continues to spur growth in some areas. Opposition to development of any kind remains strong.
Oak Ridges was the site of the first methadone
clinic in Ontario; it opened in 1995, but has since moved to Newmarket
, due to lack of patronage and local support.
Until 2009, Oak Ridges cable provider was Aurora Cable Internet, an independent service provider exclusive to Aurora and Oak Ridges. This is considered a main reason for residents identifying themselves as distinct or separate from Richmond Hill or identify as being from Aurora.
The developments affected the forests of the Oak Ridges Moraine which supplies water to the Greater Toronto Area
which it was believed would cause environmental damage to Toronto and local communities. It continued for about two years. There were protests against the clear-cutting of forests of the Oak Ridges Moraine
. In about 2001, Bayview began to expand to connect with the rest of Bayview. In 2002, the housing developments stopped. Urban developments are presently developing southwest of Oak Ridges.
. The land is currently owned by Baif Developments. It got a plan of subdivision approved about 10 years ago in an Ontario Municipal Board
hearing. Construction was set to begin in 2010-2011, however on this property only 25% of the lots are able to be built. The site has seen fierce opposition and has been surrounded at entry points by road barriers spray painted with phrases such as, "No Subdivision". The Town of Richmond Hill has declared these barriers, "Holdings Symbols", and their removal order is pending. The barriers interfere with preparations regarding the shortage of sewer allocation from the York Region and the developers have been waiting to build. The application to remove the "Holdings Symbols" is due to the fact that the sewer allocation has become partially available. Once more sewer allocation is available they will be able to proceed fully. The land in question is still in its natural state, with the exception of some removal of trees. The now abandoned sales office off Yonge St. often has York Regional Police
vehicles stationed there for unknown reasons. There have been no reports of eco-terrorism
in Oak Ridges. In the 2003 Ontario provincial election the Liberal party promised to halt development on the Oak Ridges Moraine, specifically in Richmond Hill.
Previously protected land around Bond Lake along Old Colony Road, directly to the east of Yonge St. has had its protected land status removed by the Richmond Hill Town Council
in 2008 and development there by Lebovic Homes is fully underway. Ultimately the elimination of almost all current forests around Bond Lake and expand its subdivision into what is currently natural habitat will occur by 2011. Opposition has been minimal after Richmond Hill Town Council
voted to open up almost all protected land to development. Approximately one-third of the land in question is still in its natural state. This site has not seen any protests since 2008. Some government agencies claim to have declared this property a park and that it will never see development, however the construction is ongoing.
or the York Catholic District School Board
.
There are no high schools within Oak Ridges. Cardinal Carter Catholic High School
is located near the northern border with Aurora on the north side of Bloomington Road, within walking distance for most Catholic Oak Ridges students. École secondaire catholique Renaissance, a French Catholic school operated by Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud
, is at the corner of Bloomington Road and Bathurst Street in Aurora, near Oak Ridges.
. Masses for the French Roman Catholic Community are held at the Chapel in the École secondaire catholique Renaissance. The nearby Mary Lake Augustinian Monastery
also serves the Roman Catholic Community, friars and brothers from the order have been known to visit occasionally with the children in the local Catholic schools, to celebrate mass and teach religion.
Yonge Street
is the main transportation artery through the town, running north to Aurora and south to Richmond Hill. To the east is Highway 404, which is accessed via Stouffville Road in the south and Bloomington Road in the north. To the west is Highway 400, accessed via King Road through King City
.
The CN
(Toronto - Orillia
- Sudbury) rail lies to the east but serves no stations in Oak Ridges, as it has none.
York Region Transit
is the public transportation system, who also operate the Viva Blue
bus service; a limited-stop route which travels on Yonge Street
from Finch subway station
to Newmarket
, passing through Oak Ridges stopping at Yonge and King Road. Five other York Region Transit routes go through Oak Ridges;
Viva bus service is accessible to passengers using mobility devices in Oak Ridges at the Yonge and King stop.
In the 2006 municipal elections, candidates talked of a proposed GO Transit
expansion that would extend the Richmond Hill line
up to Gormley
, and introduce a new station to residents near Oak Ridges. These plans came to fruition when Ontario
Premier Dalton McGuinty
announced the expansion of the Richmond Hill line north to Aurora Road as part of the provincial governments new MoveOntario 2020
transit funding initiative.
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, and has been part of Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill, Ontario
Richmond Hill is a town located in Southern Ontario, Canada in the central portion of York Region, Ontario. It is part of the Greater Toronto Area, being located about halfway between Toronto and Lake Simcoe...
's administrative area since its annexation in 1971. Although physically separate and distinct from Richmond Hill, it forms the northern portion of the municipality's boundary. Located about 16.5 km north of Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, it has a population of approximately 24,900 people(est. 2010). The town developed around Lake Wilcox
Lake Wilcox
Wilcox Lake is both a kettle lake and a community within Oak Ridges, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. The lake measures 1.5 kilometers across and covers 55.6 hectares, making it the largest kettle lake on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Lake Wilcox, Lake St. George and their associated wetlands...
, the largest lake in the area and a community within Oak Ridges, and has continued to expand slowly since its annexation by the Town of Richmond Hill. In the 1990s, Oak Ridges experienced moderate growth, which spurred environmental action by numerous organizations.
It is located in Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill, Ontario
Richmond Hill is a town located in Southern Ontario, Canada in the central portion of York Region, Ontario. It is part of the Greater Toronto Area, being located about halfway between Toronto and Lake Simcoe...
, east of King City
King City, Ontario
King City is an affluent, unincorporated village in King Township, Ontario, Canada, located just north of Toronto. It is the largest community in King Township, with 1,629 dwellings and a population of 4,902.-History:...
, immediately south of Aurora
Aurora, Ontario
Aurora is an affluent town in York Region, approximately 20 km north of Toronto. It is partially situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine, and is a part of the Greater Toronto Area and Golden Horseshoe of Southern Ontario.Many Aurora residents commute to Toronto and surrounding communities.In the...
, and west of Whitchurch-Stouffville
Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario
Whitchurch–Stouffville is a municipality in the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada, approximately 14 kilometres north of the City of Toronto. It is 206.74 square kilometers in size, and located in the mid-eastern area of the Regional Municipality of York on the ecologically sensitive Oak...
.
Geography
Wholly situated on the Oak Ridges MoraineOak Ridges Moraine
The Oak Ridges Moraine is an ecologically important geological landform in the Mixedwood Plains of south-central Ontario, Canada. The moraine covers a geographic area of between Caledon and Rice Lake, near Peterborough...
, much of its terrain is hilly, with pine forests and small creeks still prospering in the southwest. A number of small kettle lakes are located in Oak Ridges; the largest of these is Lake Wilcox, and the smaller Bond Lake is nearby. Lake Wilcox has a small beach area, and is used for recreational purposes and camp activities in the summer. The lakes drain into origin tributaries for the East Humber River.
Until the 1990s, farmlands used to dominate the northern part of Oak Ridges, except in the east. The western edge of Oak Ridges is now entirely residential or commercial; the McLeod's Landing development in the southwest consumed the last undeveloped land in the western part of Oak Ridges. This development was part of a contentious political battle that ultimately became an issue in the 2003 Ontario provincial election
Ontario general election, 2003
The Ontario general election of 2003 was held on October 2, 2003, to elect the 103 members of the 38th Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, Canada....
. In their campaign, the Liberal party promised to halt development on the Oak Ridges Moraine, specifically in Richmond Hill (see; Politics of the Oak Ridges Moraine
Politics of the Oak Ridges Moraine
The politics of the Oak Ridges Moraine in southern Ontario, Canada, have centred on the question of how to preserve this extensive natural resource that is increasingly threatened by human modification...
for a more extensive discussion and; Development in Oak Ridges for ongoing development in Oak Ridges).
History
Yonge Street
Yonge Street is a major arterial route connecting the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto to Lake Simcoe, a gateway to the Upper Great Lakes. It was formerly listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest street in the world at , and the construction of Yonge Street is designated an "Event of...
in 1799 by Joseph Geneviève and a group of French Royalists, who were granted land to settle by the British government. They were also provided with rations and agricultural implements. It was originally named Windham in honour of Geneviève's friend William Windham
William Windham
William Windham PC, PC was a British Whig statesman.-Early life:Windham was a member of an ancient Norfolk family and a great-great-grandson of Sir John Wyndham. He was the son of William Windham, Sr. of Felbrigg Hall and his second wife, Sarah Lukin...
, Secretary at War
Secretary at War
The Secretary at War was a political position in the English and later British government, with some responsibility over the administration and organization of the Army, but not over military policy. The Secretary at War ran the War Office. It was occasionally a cabinet level position, although...
for Britain at the time. Geneviève soon departed to search for another site to settle, and by 1840 the settlement and the area from the King-Vaughan town line to the 15th sideroad became known as Oak Ridges. This included lots 61 to 70, the western half of which were in King
King, Ontario
King is a township in York Region north of Toronto, within the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada.The rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine are the most prominent visible geographical feature of King. The Holland Marsh, considered to be Ontario's "vegetable basket", straddles King Township...
, and the eastern half in the township of Whitchurch.
Oak Ridges was annexed from King and Whitchurch by the Town of Richmond Hill in 1971. Oak Ridges had been in steep decline in the 1960s, largely due to high unemployment, and lack of commercial development. However, in recent years, the Town of Richmond Hill has tried to lure business into Oak Ridges, to try to stimulate growth into the community.
Oak Ridges struggled economically during the 1990s. However, in the last decade a rapid business boom has hit Oak Ridges with a number of businesses opening throughout the community, mostly concentrated around Yonge Street, However strong environmental activism continues to spur growth in some areas. Opposition to development of any kind remains strong.
Oak Ridges was the site of the first methadone
Methadone
Methadone is a synthetic opioid, used medically as an analgesic and a maintenance anti-addictive for use in patients with opioid dependency. It was developed in Germany in 1937...
clinic in Ontario; it opened in 1995, but has since moved to Newmarket
Newmarket, Ontario
Newmarket is a town in Southern Ontario located approximately 50 km north of downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is part of the Greater Toronto Area and is connected to Toronto by freeway, and is served by three interchanges along Highway 404. It is also connected to Highway 400 via Highway 9...
, due to lack of patronage and local support.
Until 2009, Oak Ridges cable provider was Aurora Cable Internet, an independent service provider exclusive to Aurora and Oak Ridges. This is considered a main reason for residents identifying themselves as distinct or separate from Richmond Hill or identify as being from Aurora.
Past developments
Housing developments began to boom around Lake Wilcox in the 1950s and the west-central part. The suburban housing developments did not continue until the mid to late 1980s in the northwestern part. In the 1990s, it reached the northwestern part. In the late-1990s housing reached the southwestern and the northwestern parts.The developments affected the forests of the Oak Ridges Moraine which supplies water to the Greater Toronto Area
Greater Toronto Area
The Greater Toronto Area is the largest metropolitan area in Canada, with a 2006 census population of 5.5 million. The Greater Toronto Area is usually defined as the central city of Toronto, along with four regional municipalities surrounding it: Durham, Halton, Peel, and York...
which it was believed would cause environmental damage to Toronto and local communities. It continued for about two years. There were protests against the clear-cutting of forests of the Oak Ridges Moraine
Oak Ridges Moraine
The Oak Ridges Moraine is an ecologically important geological landform in the Mixedwood Plains of south-central Ontario, Canada. The moraine covers a geographic area of between Caledon and Rice Lake, near Peterborough...
. In about 2001, Bayview began to expand to connect with the rest of Bayview. In 2002, the housing developments stopped. Urban developments are presently developing southwest of Oak Ridges.
Ongoing developments
Previously protected land in the northeastern portion of Oak Ridges along Bloomington Road, directly to the east of Yonge St. has had its protected land status removed by the Richmond Hill Town CouncilRichmond Hill Town Council
Richmond Hill Town Council is the governing body for the Town of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. Council serves a four year term, after which a new council is elected by qualified electors in Richmond Hill. Richmond Hill Town council consists of a Mayor, six Ward Councillors and two Regional and...
. The land is currently owned by Baif Developments. It got a plan of subdivision approved about 10 years ago in an Ontario Municipal Board
Ontario Municipal Board
The Ontario Municipal Board is an independent administrative board, operated as an adjudicative tribunal, in the province of Ontario, Canada...
hearing. Construction was set to begin in 2010-2011, however on this property only 25% of the lots are able to be built. The site has seen fierce opposition and has been surrounded at entry points by road barriers spray painted with phrases such as, "No Subdivision". The Town of Richmond Hill has declared these barriers, "Holdings Symbols", and their removal order is pending. The barriers interfere with preparations regarding the shortage of sewer allocation from the York Region and the developers have been waiting to build. The application to remove the "Holdings Symbols" is due to the fact that the sewer allocation has become partially available. Once more sewer allocation is available they will be able to proceed fully. The land in question is still in its natural state, with the exception of some removal of trees. The now abandoned sales office off Yonge St. often has York Regional Police
York Regional Police
York Regional Police is a law enforcement organization that serves over 1.1 million residents in the York Region, Ontario, Canada, located north of Toronto...
vehicles stationed there for unknown reasons. There have been no reports of eco-terrorism
Eco-terrorism
Eco-terrorism usually refers to acts of violence or sabotage committed in support of ecological, environmental, or animal rights causes against persons or their property....
in Oak Ridges. In the 2003 Ontario provincial election the Liberal party promised to halt development on the Oak Ridges Moraine, specifically in Richmond Hill.
Previously protected land around Bond Lake along Old Colony Road, directly to the east of Yonge St. has had its protected land status removed by the Richmond Hill Town Council
Richmond Hill Town Council
Richmond Hill Town Council is the governing body for the Town of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. Council serves a four year term, after which a new council is elected by qualified electors in Richmond Hill. Richmond Hill Town council consists of a Mayor, six Ward Councillors and two Regional and...
in 2008 and development there by Lebovic Homes is fully underway. Ultimately the elimination of almost all current forests around Bond Lake and expand its subdivision into what is currently natural habitat will occur by 2011. Opposition has been minimal after Richmond Hill Town Council
Richmond Hill Town Council
Richmond Hill Town Council is the governing body for the Town of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. Council serves a four year term, after which a new council is elected by qualified electors in Richmond Hill. Richmond Hill Town council consists of a Mayor, six Ward Councillors and two Regional and...
voted to open up almost all protected land to development. Approximately one-third of the land in question is still in its natural state. This site has not seen any protests since 2008. Some government agencies claim to have declared this property a park and that it will never see development, however the construction is ongoing.
Education
Oak Ridges now boasts 9 publicly funded elementary schools; 5 public, 4 catholic; 8 English, 1 French. Father Frederick McGinn, Our Lady of Hope Catholic School, Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Elementary School, Oak Ridges Public School, Lake Wilcox Public School, Windham Ridge Public School, Kettle Lakes Public School and Académie de la Moraine (Conseil scolaire de district Centre-Sud-Ouest, up to grade 8). These schools fall under the York Region District School BoardYork Region District School Board
The York Region District School Board, also known as YRDSB, is the English-language public school board for York Regional Municipality located in Ontario, Canada. The York Region District School Board is currently the province's third largest school board, with an enrollment of over 115,000 students...
or the York Catholic District School Board
York Catholic District School Board
The York Catholic District School Board is the publicly funded English-language Catholic school district authority for the Regional Municipality of York in Ontario, Canada. Its head office is in Aurora....
.
There are no high schools within Oak Ridges. Cardinal Carter Catholic High School
Cardinal Carter Catholic High School
Cardinal Carter Catholic High School, usually just Cardinal Carter or "Carter", is a high school in Aurora, Ontario, Canada in the York Catholic District School Board. The school principal is Richard Maurice....
is located near the northern border with Aurora on the north side of Bloomington Road, within walking distance for most Catholic Oak Ridges students. École secondaire catholique Renaissance, a French Catholic school operated by Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud
Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud
Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud is the Roman Catholic separate, French language school board for the South-Central region of Ontario. It is headquartered in North York, Toronto, Ontario, Canada...
, is at the corner of Bloomington Road and Bathurst Street in Aurora, near Oak Ridges.
Religion and Worship
Oak Ridges is home to the Our Lady of the Annunciation Roman Catholic Church, and the Chabad Jewish Centre. The historic Temperanceville United Church is located in nearby TemperancevilleTemperanceville, Ontario
Temperanceville is a hamlet in the Regional Municipality of York in Ontario, Canada, straddling two geopolitical jurisdictions, King and Richmond Hill. It is located at the southeastern edge of King and northwestern part of Richmond Hill, east of King City and adjacent to the western part of Oak...
. Masses for the French Roman Catholic Community are held at the Chapel in the École secondaire catholique Renaissance. The nearby Mary Lake Augustinian Monastery
Mary Lake Augustinian Monastery
The Mary Lake Augustinian Monastery, also known as Mary Lake Monastery, Mary Lake Shrine, or simply Mary Lake is an Augustinian monastery in King City, Ontario, Canada. The campus is nearly , residing on Keele Street, just north of 15th Sideroad . It is part of the Province of Saint Joseph...
also serves the Roman Catholic Community, friars and brothers from the order have been known to visit occasionally with the children in the local Catholic schools, to celebrate mass and teach religion.
Medical facilities
The Oak Ridges Medical Centre opened its doors in 2007 and now boasts Dentist(s), optometrists, and a walk in clinic (limited hours), among other services.Transportation
Yonge Street
Yonge Street is a major arterial route connecting the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto to Lake Simcoe, a gateway to the Upper Great Lakes. It was formerly listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest street in the world at , and the construction of Yonge Street is designated an "Event of...
is the main transportation artery through the town, running north to Aurora and south to Richmond Hill. To the east is Highway 404, which is accessed via Stouffville Road in the south and Bloomington Road in the north. To the west is Highway 400, accessed via King Road through King City
King City, Ontario
King City is an affluent, unincorporated village in King Township, Ontario, Canada, located just north of Toronto. It is the largest community in King Township, with 1,629 dwellings and a population of 4,902.-History:...
.
The CN
Canadian National Railway
The Canadian National Railway Company is a Canadian Class I railway headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. CN's slogan is "North America's Railroad"....
(Toronto - Orillia
Orillia, Ontario
Orillia, pronounced ōrĭl'ēə, is a city located in Simcoe County in Southern Ontario, Canada, between Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe, 135 kilometres north of Toronto.Originally incorporated as a village in 1867, the history of...
- Sudbury) rail lies to the east but serves no stations in Oak Ridges, as it has none.
York Region Transit
York Region Transit
York Region Transit is the public transit operator in York Region, Ontario, Canada. Its headquarters are in Richmond Hill, at 50 High Tech Road....
is the public transportation system, who also operate the Viva Blue
Viva Blue
Viva Blue, or the Finch/Richmond Hill/Newmarket line, is a line on the Viva bus rapid transit system in York Region, north of Toronto, Canada...
bus service; a limited-stop route which travels on Yonge Street
Yonge Street
Yonge Street is a major arterial route connecting the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto to Lake Simcoe, a gateway to the Upper Great Lakes. It was formerly listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest street in the world at , and the construction of Yonge Street is designated an "Event of...
from Finch subway station
Finch (TTC)
Finch is a station on the Yonge–University–Spadina line of the subway system of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is located at 5714 Yonge Street between Finch Avenue East and West...
to Newmarket
Newmarket, Ontario
Newmarket is a town in Southern Ontario located approximately 50 km north of downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is part of the Greater Toronto Area and is connected to Toronto by freeway, and is served by three interchanges along Highway 404. It is also connected to Highway 400 via Highway 9...
, passing through Oak Ridges stopping at Yonge and King Road. Five other York Region Transit routes go through Oak Ridges;
- route 22 which travels from MapleMaple, OntarioMaple is a high-growth suburban community northwest of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, part of the city of Vaughan in York Region.-Geography:The west branch of the Don River rises to the northwest and flows 1 km west of Maple. Several creeks are to the east and the Black Creek begins slightly west...
on Keele Street to Seneca CollegeSeneca CollegeSeneca College of Applied Arts and Technology is a Canadian public college in the greater Toronto area. Seneca College is currently Canada's largest college with approximately 108,000 students.-History:...
's King Campus; - route 22A which travels from NewmarketNewmarket, OntarioNewmarket is a town in Southern Ontario located approximately 50 km north of downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is part of the Greater Toronto Area and is connected to Toronto by freeway, and is served by three interchanges along Highway 404. It is also connected to Highway 400 via Highway 9...
on Yonge StreetYonge StreetYonge Street is a major arterial route connecting the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto to Lake Simcoe, a gateway to the Upper Great Lakes. It was formerly listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest street in the world at , and the construction of Yonge Street is designated an "Event of...
and Keele Street via KingKing City, OntarioKing City is an affluent, unincorporated village in King Township, Ontario, Canada, located just north of Toronto. It is the largest community in King Township, with 1,629 dwellings and a population of 4,902.-History:...
to York UniversityYork UniversityYork University is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is Canada's third-largest university, Ontario's second-largest graduate school, and Canada's leading interdisciplinary university....
at Keele St. and Steeles Ave; - route 84A which carries passengers locally around Oak Ridges;
- route 88 which travels from FinchFinch AvenueFinch Avenue is an arterial thoroughfare and concession road which travels east–west through the city of Toronto. The road also has short extensions into Peel and Durham Regions as Peel Regional Road 2 and Durham Regional Road 37.-History:...
on Bathurst Street to Seneca CollegeSeneca CollegeSeneca College of Applied Arts and Technology is a Canadian public college in the greater Toronto area. Seneca College is currently Canada's largest college with approximately 108,000 students.-History:...
's King Campus; - route 91B which travels from FinchFinch AvenueFinch Avenue is an arterial thoroughfare and concession road which travels east–west through the city of Toronto. The road also has short extensions into Peel and Durham Regions as Peel Regional Road 2 and Durham Regional Road 37.-History:...
on Bayview Street to Bloomington Rd (rush-hour only); - and route 98 which travels from East GwillimburyEast Gwillimbury, OntarioEast Gwillimbury is a town on the East Holland River in the Regional Municipality of York. It is part of the Greater Toronto Area of south-central Ontario, in Canada. It was formed by the amalgamation of the Township of East Gwillimbury with all the previously incorporated villages and hamlets...
(at Green Lane) on Yonge StreetYonge StreetYonge Street is a major arterial route connecting the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto to Lake Simcoe, a gateway to the Upper Great Lakes. It was formerly listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest street in the world at , and the construction of Yonge Street is designated an "Event of...
to Bernard Terminal in Richmond HillRichmond Hill, OntarioRichmond Hill is a town located in Southern Ontario, Canada in the central portion of York Region, Ontario. It is part of the Greater Toronto Area, being located about halfway between Toronto and Lake Simcoe...
.
Viva bus service is accessible to passengers using mobility devices in Oak Ridges at the Yonge and King stop.
In the 2006 municipal elections, candidates talked of a proposed GO Transit
GO Transit
GO Transit is an inter-regional public transit system in Southern Ontario, Canada. It primarily serves the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area conurbation, with operations extending to several communities beyond the GTHA proper in the Greater Golden Horseshoe...
expansion that would extend the Richmond Hill line
Richmond Hill Line
The Richmond Hill Line is a surface transit line on Myrtle Avenue in Queens, New York City, United States. Once a streetcar line owned by the Brooklyn–Manhattan Transit Corporation, it is now the Q55 Myrtle Avenue bus route, operated by the New York City Transit Authority....
up to Gormley
Gormley, Ontario
Gormley is a hamlet in York Region, Ontario, Canada that overlaps parts of Richmond Hill, and Whitchurch–Stouffville, two municipalities within the Greater Toronto Area. It was divided into two parts due to the construction of Highway 404. A portion of Gormley situated within Richmond Hill's...
, and introduce a new station to residents near Oak Ridges. These plans came to fruition when Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
Premier Dalton McGuinty
Dalton McGuinty
Dalton James Patrick McGuinty, Jr., MPP is a Canadian lawyer, politician and, since October 23, 2003, the 24th and current Premier of the Canadian province of Ontario....
announced the expansion of the Richmond Hill line north to Aurora Road as part of the provincial governments new MoveOntario 2020
MoveOntario 2020
MoveOntario 2020 is a plan proposed by the Government of Ontario that would fund 52 rapid-transit projects throughout the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area in Ontario, Canada.-History:...
transit funding initiative.
Other services
Oak Ridges has 2 post offices. The main one is at the corner of Yonge St. and King Rd., while a much smaller one is at the corner of Yonge St. and Aubrey Ave.Settlements
- GormleyGormley, OntarioGormley is a hamlet in York Region, Ontario, Canada that overlaps parts of Richmond Hill, and Whitchurch–Stouffville, two municipalities within the Greater Toronto Area. It was divided into two parts due to the construction of Highway 404. A portion of Gormley situated within Richmond Hill's...
, southeast - A small community in the southeast. It is linked with the CN Rail and has about 4 streets including Gormley Road. - TemperancevilleTemperanceville, OntarioTemperanceville is a hamlet in the Regional Municipality of York in Ontario, Canada, straddling two geopolitical jurisdictions, King and Richmond Hill. It is located at the southeastern edge of King and northwestern part of Richmond Hill, east of King City and adjacent to the western part of Oak...
, west - Mostly in Oak Ridges (partially in King township), located at the intersection of King and Bathurst. Has a population of less than 350 people.
Filming locations
- Ivan ReitmanIvan ReitmanIvan Reitman, OC is a Canadian film producer and director. He is known for the comedies he has directed and produced, especially in the 1980s and 1990s.He is the owner of The Montecito Picture Company, founded in 2000.-Early life:...
's 1973 horror, Cannibal GirlsCannibal GirlsCannibal Girls is a 1973 Canadian Comedy horror film directed by Ivan Reitman and stars Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, and Ronald Ulrich.-Synopsis:...
, was partially filmed here. The former OPP station, Gulf station and Oak Motel on Yonge Street are all shown.