Introduction – Victoria Square Community
The Victoria Square Community was formed in the nineteenth century in Markham. It was formerly known as Read’s Corners, after landowners Thomas and Ann Read. The couple were both founding members of Victoria Square Wesleyan Methodist Church.
History of Victoria Square
Victoria Square is both old and new. The oldest part centres around Victoria Square Boulevard and Elgin Mills Road. The Victoria Square hamlet was developed in the 1830s & 1840s along with the Victoria Square United Church. This area features at least 40 heritage homes.
Businesses began opening in the area in the late 1840s. For example, a post office, a hotel, and a forge owned by William Frisby. All the businesses served the local rural community. Unfortunately, the hotel suffered from a fire in the early 1900s and the post office closed in 1914.
Homes
There has been new residential development along Elgin Mills Road to Woodbine Avenue. Consequently, this has brought more people to the area. This area comprises large, detached brick and stone houses built with a heritage-inspired style. Markham city insisted on this styling in order to preserve the ‘old village charm’.
The Nichols Family sold the land that the newer houses are built on to developers. They also sold their two homes on the land. As the homes are considered historical they were preserved. Consequently, they are now integrated within Read’s Corner park and are residential homes.
Shopping
There are a number of small businesses in the area such as a Farmer’s market that sells produce on 19th Avenue and a butcher. However, residents do need to drive around 10mins to do large grocery shops and the like.
Parks & Recreation
Victoria Square has a community hall in Victoria Square Park. This park is the largest in the community. Consequently, it offers a walking and cycling pathway for walkers and joggers. It has a sports field with baseball diamonds. There is a playground for children with a splash pad. The park also has a heritage orchard to discover. Furthermore, Victoria Park has a rugby stadium called Fletcher’s Fields.
Other parks include:
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- Read’s Corner Park – children’s playground, heritage homes, gazebo
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- Mossy Stone Park – parkette: well-kept grassy area
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- William Cantley Park – children’s playground, pavilion, basketball court, walking paths, open fields.
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- Charity Crescent – parkette: well-kept grassy area
Transport & Commuting
Victoria Square is a very commutable area. Therefore, residents freely travel around the community. There is good public transit and residents like to walk and ride bikes.
Commuters can use Richmond Hill GO station, a 12-minute drive. Or Unionville GO station, slightly further away. There is easy access to Markham Stouffville Hospital and Mackenzie Health.
Schools in Victoria Square Community
The community has two public elementary schools, both of which are well regarded.
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- Sir Wilfred Laurier Public School
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- Victoria Square School
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- Victoria Square School
For more information, see our more in-depth blog – Schools in Markham – The Complete Guide.
Conclusion
Victoria Square is an affordable part of Markham with new housing and heritage homes. Moreover, there are very nice recreational facilities. Families love the central community hall. It’s a great place to live, especially if you have children!
