Heritage and Museums
Richmond Hill is a wonderful City, immersed with rich history and a variety of Heritage programs that can satisfy any history-lover’s sense of wonder and curiosity.
Some examples are:
1) Richmond Hill Heritage Centre:
This beautiful 1840s Regency style cottage, has been fully restored (to reflect the 1840s historical period) to preserve and celebrate our community heritage. It is located in the beautiful Amos Wright Park at 19 Church Street North, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 3E6.
2) Museum of Streets:
This free, self-guided walking tour, will take you through our community’s numerous heritage sites. Follow the Green and Tan signs and enjoy a walk down history lane.
There are 11 stops on this tour and you can select to visit some or all of them:
- Introductory Panel: The story of Amos Wright
- A Place for People: The Town Park and Spring Fair
- All Aboard: The James Bay Railway
- Comin’Up Roses in Richmond Hill: Richmond Hill’s rose growing industry
- Around the Theatre: Our significant public buildings
- The Village Backstreets: Historic homes of Old Richmond Hill
- The Bright Lights of Main Street: Yonge Street’s early businesses
- Those Electrifying Rail Days: The Radial Car
- A Place of Learning Since 1811: Early schools and M.L. McConaghy Senior’s Centre
- The “Hill” in Richmond Hill: First Nations and pioneers
- A Place of Natural Beauty: The historic and picturesque Mill Pond
3) Terry Fox Tribute in Ransom Park:
Terry Fox is a Canadian hero. Richmond Hill honoured Terry Fox and marked the 35th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope with the unveiling of the Terry Fox Tribute on September 12, 2015.
The statue was officially unveiled by Mayor Dave Barrow and Members of Council, Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Premier Kathleen Wynne, members of the Fox family and the artists Radoslaw Kudlinski and Anna Passakas. Click here for more info.
Arts, Culture and Entertainment
The City of Richmond Hill has created a Cultural Plan to support arts and culture projects in the community, in order to create the vibrant community that we are. The City offers a variety of art and cultural opportunities and events, such as:
1) Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts (RHCPA):
This state-of-the-art theater and cultural facility is home to Richmond Hill’s most exciting concerts and shows. The Centre celebrates diverse talent from all over the world, with professional entertainment all year round. For more information visit www.rhcentre.ca .
2) Richmond Hill Art and Studio Tour:
The main Art event of the year, every year emerging and professional artists showcase their work to visitors from all across. The Art and Studio Tour is promoted to all art enthusiasts from Richmond Hill and abroad. This free, self-guided tour takes place on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
3) Richmond Hill Public Library:
The Richmond Hill Public Library system is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors appointed by the City of Richmond Hill. For hours of operation and information on which services are available at each branch, please call 905-884-9288 or visit the Richmond Hill Public Library Website by clicking here.
Science and Education
The City of Richmond Hill is a proud supporter of science and education. The City is home to a wide variety of educational classes to suit everyone’s needs. Here are some examples:
1) David Dunlap Observatory (DDO):
The Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory, located at 123A Hillsview Drive, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4C 1T3. Since its opening, the DDO has been a facility for public education and also a research centre for the University of Toronto’s Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. Interested visitors can either get a historical tour of the observatory, or take part in the Observatory’s Astronomy series. For more information, please visit the City’s website www.richmondhill.ca/en/david-dunlap-observatory.aspx.
2) McConaghy Centre:
Located in the heart of Downtown Richmond Hill, 10100 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C-1T8, the McConaghy Centre hosts a wide variety of activities, classes and events for people fifty-five (55 years) or older. From workshops to fitness programs, dance classes and bingo sessions, there is always something taking place at the McConaghy Centre.
Outdoor Activities and Sports
Richmond Hill is home to a number of state-of-the-art, sports facilities, recreation centres, parks, outdoor trails, tennis courts and even a wave pool for your enjoyment and entertainment. There are a number of activities to make sure everyone is having fun in Richmond Hill.
1) Mill Pond Park:
One of Richmond Hill’s most popular outdoor recreational parks, visitors can enjoy a walk along the boardwalk, relax in the many outdoor seating areas, select a gazebo for an afternoon picnic, or enjoy some time in the park’s playground. In the winter, the pond is a perfect location for skating or playing hockey (subject to proper weather conditions). The park is host to a number of events, such as Concerts in the Park, the Annual Winter Carnival and much more.
2) Lake Wilcox:
At beautiful Lake Wilcox, visitors can walk along the famous Lake Wilcox boardwalk (a suspended 130-metre-long and 3-metre-wide crescent shaped pedestrian walkway), and take in the scenery at one of Richmond Hill’s most beautiful parks. There, you will find splashpads, playgrounds, a waterfront promenade, skate park, beach volleyball areas and much more!
3) The Richmond Hill Lawn Bowling Club:
The Richmond Hill Lawn Bowling Club (RHLBC) is located in the heart of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada behind the Elgin Barrow Arena. We have both social and competitive bowlers, and welcome people of all ages and abilities to join us for some fun. Click here for more information.
4) Elgin Barrow Arena:
Elgin Barrow Arena has undergone an extensive renovation. It is equipped with two ice pads, one of which has bowl seating for up to 1,500 people. The arenas are available for rental for hockey, figure skating, skating party packages, tournaments, and practices. This facility is also home to Richmond Hill’s Sports Hall of Fame, offers a meeting room and a banquet hall, with a kitchen and both are available for rental for birthday parties and special occasions. Click here for more information.
5) Centennial Pool:
Centennial Pool offers recreation swims for the whole family including leisure swims and family swims. Centennial Pool also offers a six-lane swim, with swim times dedicated to ladies and elderly only. This facility also features a fitness studio and an aerobics room. Click here for more information.
6) The Wave Pool:
You can lounge on water mats, soak in the warm, shallow water of the swirl pool, shoot some hoops from the pool, warm up on the on-deck sauna or simply relax on our recliner chairs. We are open all year round, so whether it is winter, spring, summer or fall, make it a family outing or meet up with friends for some recreational fun in the water! Click here for more information.