Oak Ridges
Overview
While Oak Ridges has never been an officially incorporated town, Oak Ridges prides itself on its heritage and strong sense of community.
Oak Ridges is perfect for those that love the outdoors. As a community that was developed around the scenic and lively Lake Wilcox, nature has always been at the forefront of the community. With a high density of parks, walking trails, nature reserves, Oak Ridges can maintain a country feel in the city.
With easy access to Yonge street, highways 400 and 404, Oak Ridges is a commuter's dream.
Lake Wilcox
The community of Oak Ridges was formed with Lake Wilcox at it's core. The lake is at the headwaters of the East Humber River, and is the largest kettle lake on the Oak Ridges Moraine.
There are three community maintained recreational parks along the shores of Wilcox Lake. Jesse Venek Park, Sunset Beach Park and North Shore Parkette, fabulous locations to host a family picnic, or enjoy the view.
Residents enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking, windsurfing, water sports and even skating on Lake Wilcox, providing recreation for everyone to enjoy.
There are strong community groups like Oak Ridges Friends of the Environment and the Lake Wilcox Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Project that strive to maintain Lake Wilcox and ensure that it will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Recreation
Oak Ridges may be a small community by big city standards, but the diversity of activities in the community rivals those of its larger neighbours. What makes Oak Ridges so incredibly special is the abundance of natural outdoor recreation available so close to the big city. It really is the ideal home for those that love being outside, yet still want or need to be close to Toronto.
With water activities on Lake Wilcox, golfing at some of the top rated golf courses in the country, modern community centres, various parks and scenic walking trails, Oak Ridges has entertainment for people of all ages.
Lake Wilcox
The community of Oak Ridges was formed with Lake Wilcox at it's core. The lake is at the headwaters of the East Humber River, and is the largest kettle lake on the Oak Ridges Moraine.
There are three community maintained recreational parks along the shores of Wilcox Lake. Jesse Venek Park, Sunset Beach Park and North Shore Parkette, fabulous locations to host a family picnic, or enjoy the view.
Residents enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking, windsurfing, water sports and even skating on Lake Wilcox, providing recreation for everyone to enjoy.
There are strong community groups like Oak Ridges Friends of the Environment and the Lake Wilcox Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Project that strive to maintain Lake Wilcox and ensure that it will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Oak Ridges Community Centre
The 56,000 square foot modern, environmentally sustainable Oak Ridges Community Centre was built in 2012 and offers a wide variety of activities for residents to enjoy. Amenities include pool, fitness and aerobics studio, 7,000 square foot gym, multiple program rooms and an 'Eco Centre' that provides educational awareness pertaining to the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Beacon Hall Golf Course
Beacon Hall is one of the premiere golfing experiences in the country. It is a unique and memorable course that has always ranked in the Canada's top 10 courses since its inception. Scenic and beautiful as it is enjoyable, Beacon Hall is a course that attracts golfers from around the world.
This course is uniquely challenging and truly beautiful to behold, yet still comfortable to play and enjoyable for all levels and abilities. With the front 9 styled as a parkland course, and the back nine styled as a links style course, it's like playing two golf completely separate golf courses built into one.
History
Oak Ridges was established in 1799 by Joseph Geneviève and a group of French who were granted land by the British. Oak Ridges was initially named Windham after the current Secretary of War for Britain, who happened to be a friend of Geneviève. In 1840, this settlement area from the King-Vaughan town line to the 15th sideroad became known as Oak Ridges. The western half of Oak Ridges was in King, with the eastern half in the township of Whitchurch.
Oak Ridges was annexed into Richmond Hill in 1971 following a difficult period for the community in the 1960s which saw high unemployment, and a lack of interest from commercial developers. In the last decade, Oak Ridges has been the source of a rapid growth in business, particularly along the Yonge Street corridor. This has come in the wake of advanced efforts of Richmond Hill to stimulate development in the community, which has transformed Oak Ridges into one of the premiere communities in Ontario.
The photographs are of the well-known Bond Lake Hotel and stables (picture) and Drynoch, the home of Captain Martin Macleod. Bond Lake Hotel was built in 1834 featured twenty overnight rooms, as well as a grand ballroom, and provided the setting for local dances and sleigh-ride parties. Drynoch was built by Macleod in 1846 and was the headquarters of his vast 600 acre farming operation.
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