Introduction to Buttonville Community
The Buttonville Community is strategically situated near the 404 giving it great transportation links. Buttonville also offers great shopping and has one of the best elementary schools in the province. For more information read on!
Location
Buttonville is located on the western boundary of Markham. In the east, it is boundaried by Rodick Road and in the West by Highway 404. In the north and south, its boundaries are 16th Avenue and Highway 407.
History
Buttonville is named after one of the first settlers in the area – Major John Button. Major Button spearheaded a voluntary cavalry brigade in Upper Canada. He moved to Markham in 1803 and in 1805 he obtained 200 acres. At the time the area was 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. A grist mill was added and some service industries grew up around the mills. In 1851, John Button helped to establish a general store and post office in the neighbourhood. However, it was discovered that another Millbrook already existed and 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. Around this are subdivisions with newer detached, semi-detached and townhomes. Most of the newer homes have garages and driveways and it is considered a safe and peaceful neighbourhood for famillies.
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 which is popular with residents and 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 – consequently offering a nice trail and two parks. Here is a list:
- John Button Park – baseball diamond, children’s playground, soccer field, large grassy areas.
- John Button Waterway trail linking John Button Park to Apple Creek Park
- Apple Creek Park – Large grassy areas, natural areas, children’s playground
- Cochrane Pond – a natural wooded area with walking paths
There is a Women’s Institute Community Centre Hall which can be hired for private events. Other nearby community centres are Bayview Hill Community Centre -which offers a swimming pool with waterslide and beach area, an ice rink and a fitness centre. Additionally, they offer adult education classes and children’s programs. Also the Pan Am Centre in South Unionville has a plethora of sports facilities and an Olympic size swimming pool. There is also a table tennis club in the area.
Schools
This neighbourhood boasts two very good elementary schools which are highly regarded. 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:
- Sainte Marguerite-Bourgeoys Catholic Elementary School
- 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!