Introduction to the Buttonville Community
The Buttonville Community is strategically situated near the 404 highway, offers great shopping, and has one of the best elementary schools in the province. For more information read on!
Location
Buttonville is located in west Markham right next to the 404 highway. In the east, its boundary is Rodick Road. In the north and south, its boundaries are 16th Avenue and Highway 407.
History
Buttonville is named for one Major John Button, one of the first settlers in the area. Major Button spearheaded a voluntary cavalry brigade in Upper Canada. He moved to Markham in 1803. Afterward, in 1805, he obtained 200 acres in an area called Millbrook. In the 1840s he began to sell parcels of land which brought more people to the area and a hamlet began to develop around the sawmill and the gristmill. In 1851, John Button helped to establish a general store and post office in the neighbourhood. However, another Millbrook already existed, so the hamlet was renamed Buttonville. Major Button and many members of his family are buried at Buttonville Cemetery.
The Homes of Buttonville Community
There is a small heritage conservation area on either side of Woodbine Avenue north of Apple Creek Boulevard and South of 16th Avenue which has properties that range from Gothic to Arts and Crafts style homes and buildings. Newer detached, semi-detached, and townhomes are built around this older area. Most of the newer homes have garages and driveways. The area is considered a safe and peaceful family neighbourhood.
Transport & Commuting
The nearest Go station for commuting downtown is Unionville Go which is on average a 10-minute drive. A high majority of people in this area own cars, which makes the highway links here very handy! Highways 407, 404, and 7 are short drives from anywhere in Buttonville. The bus transit links are excellent too as Highway 7 which transects the neighbourhood is an arterial link for getting around Markham.
Shopping in Buttonville Community
First Markham Place is a large shopping mall that is popular with residents and also known for its large food court! There are other big box stores in the outside plaza adjoining the mall and lots of small businesses and restaurants here including a supermarket. As the area boasts some of Markham’s larger hotels, Woodbine Avenue and Highway 7 is host to lots of small businesses, coffee shops, and restaurants.
Parks and Recreation
The Rouge River and two of its tributaries – Beaver Creek and Apple Creek run through this area, offering a nice trail and two parks. Here is a list:
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- John Button Park – baseball diamond, children’s playground, soccer field, large grassy areas.
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- John Button Waterway trail linking John Button Park to Apple Creek Park
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- Apple Creek Park – Large grassy areas, natural areas, children’s playground
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- Cochrane Pond – a natural wooded area with walking paths
Residents of Buttonville can hire the Women’s Institute Community Centre Hall for private events. Other nearby community centres are Bayview Hill Community Centre – which offers a swimming pool with a waterslide and beach area, an ice rink, and a fitness centre. They also offer adult education classes and children’s programs. Additionally, the Pan Am Centre in South Unionville has a plethora of sports facilities and an Olympic size swimming pool. Lastly, there is also a table tennis club in the area.
Schools
There are two very good elementary schools in this community. Older students travel a little further afield to St Augustine Catholic High School or Unionville High School. For more information on schools, see our Complete Guide to Schools in Markham. Here is a list of public schools in the area:
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- Sainte Marguerite-Bourgeoys Catholic Elementary School
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- Buttonville Public School
Conclusion
Buttonville community has some lovely homes, a rich history, great shopping, transport links, parks, and schools – it is a great place to live, work or play!
