Cathedraltown
History:
The area now known as Cathedraltown had previously been a successful farm known as Romandale Farms. The farm’s owner Stephen B. Roman was an enthusiastic breeder and exhibitor of Holstein cows. It was Roman who commissioned the building of the Cathedral of the Transfiguration on land he donated. Roman had emigrated to Canada from Slovakia in 1937 and made a fortune in the mining business. Roman envisioned his Cathedral “as a beacon of religious freedom” for his fellow Slavs .
In the early 2000s, Roman’s daughter, Helen Roman-Barber, working alongside Donald Buttress, Surveyor of the Fabric Emeritus of Westminster Abbey, developed the residential design and concept for Cathedraltown, based on European cathedral towns. They stayed true to their vision and created a unique neighbourhood. Cathedraltown welcomed its first residents in 2006. The final stages of development for this neighbourhood are now underway and will include condominiums and a 5.5 acre Piazza with two public squares.
Overview:
Cathedraltown is a master planned 225-acre community situated in the northwest section of Markham. This neighbourhood is named after Cathedral of the Transfiguration around which the town was built. The Cathedral has three gilded towers, representing the Trinity. The centre tower, named the Tower of the Transfiguration, rises 210 feet. It contains one of the world’s largest peal of three bells, weighing 32,000 pounds. Each of the Cathedral’s side towers is 148 feet tall. The Cathedral towers with its gilded dome finish can be seen for miles in each direction. Cathedraltown has an old world formalness to it. The streetscapes and the architecture all seem to follow the same general guidelines and principles. There seems to be an order and well planned community feel despite the high density of townhomes bringing so many people together in a relatively small area. Even the street sign have their own distinctive burgundy back drop with white lettering. Cathedraltown was designed very much with New Urbanism principles in mind where families could mingle and work, shop and play close to home. Cathedraltown is bordered on the south by Major Mackenzie Drive, on the north by Elgin Mills Road, on the east by Victoria Square Boulevard, and on the west by Highway 404.
Lifestyle:
The Piazza’s Market Square and Surveyors Square contain both shops, and services catering to the local community.
Homes:
Cathedraltown features row upon row of Georgian and Regency style townhomes that harken back to London circa late 1800s and early 1900s. The townhomes come in blocks of yellow or red brick and their is a sameness to all the townhomes in a row. Everything is very orderly. For the most part garages are kept at the rear out of sight so as to not interfere with the nicely manicured streetscape. You can also find pockets of detached homes at the north end of the neighbourhood. It is hard to tell these apart from the townhomes as the same monolithic brick colours are in use here.
The soon to be built Courtyards condominiums will be a collection of mid-rise boutique condominium buildings surrounding a Piazza.
Recreation:
Frisby Park located at 15 Murison Drive is a large park with a children’s playground that includes a rubberized floor and a pavillion. This large park also has walking paths, plenty of greenspace and two tennis courts.
Panorama Park located at 1 Betty Roman Boulevard is named for its wonderful vistas of the entire Cathedrawltown neighbourhood including the Cathedral of the Transfiguration.
Arboretum and Heritage Orchard Park on Reflection Road is comprised of an historic collection of unique tree species, including rare Carolinian species. The „Heritage Orchard‟ within The Arboretum, is a collection of the fruit trees, mainly apple, that were a species brought to Markham by its‟ original settlers, dating back to the early 1800‟s. Not sure if you can pick the apples but I am going to find out.
Arts:
The Markham Arts Council supports over 80 organizations and 850 individuals for a total of over 2000 members living and working throughout York Region and Ontario. You don’t have to be an artist to become a member. This organization welcomes people of all ages and all walks of life to join and take part in all the wonderful events, initiatives and activities that the Markham Arts Council has to offer.
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Cathedraltown Stats
Walkability:
High
Bikeability:
High
Public Transit:
Medium
Affordability:
Medium
Greenspace:
Medium
Recreation:
Medium
Legend: Low, Medium, High
Commute Times
* All commuting times provided are approximate times only. Commute times may increase or decrease depending on where you live within the neighbourhood and the time of day i.e rush hour versus off hour commutes. Time estimates to public transit are based on walking distance or bus line connection whichever is quicker. All other commute times on the chart above are based on drive times.