Devonsleigh
History:
The fertile plains, woodlots, and watercourses that define the topography of this neighbourhood made for a perfect settlement for the First Nations people that established a village in this part of Richmond Hill between 1300-1550 AD. The first European settlers arrived in the late 1700s and early 1800s and were engaged primarily in farming and milling operations. The present day neighbourhood turned from farm fields into subdivisions in the 1990s and 2000s. As for the origin of the name of this neighbourhood; I have two theories. There was a successful dairy that operated in Richmond Hill around 1900 called the Devonshire Dairy. Is there a connection ? Maybe more likely is some sort of connection to Devonsleigh house, circa 1850, located on Steeles Avenue in Scarborough.
Overview:
Devonsleigh is a family oriented neighbourhood situated in the northeast part of Richmond Hill. This neighbourhood looks like your typical suburban subdivision with wide streets and sidewalks and a fairly uniform housing stock consisting of brick houses with garages figuring prominently in the design. The signature street in the neighbourhood is Devonsleigh Boulevard which winds its way east from Yonge Street all the way north to 19th Avenue. The Rouge River runs through this neighbourhood which has an elevated topography shaped by the Oak Ridges Moraine. The Newbury Park Wetland situated right in the middle of the neighbourhood is a wonderful conservation initiative enjoyed by residents.
Neighbourhood landmarks include: Richmond Hill High School, TMS School Elgin Mills campus, Holy Trinity School, Century Private School, Harrington Park, Dove Park, Leno Park, Upper Yonge Place, North Elgin Centre, Imagine Cinemas, and the Mon Sheong and Elginwood Long Term Care centres.
Lifestyle:
Upper Yonge Place located at 10909 Yonge Street is anchored by a Loblaws grocery store and the Imagine Cinemas. There are plenty of food options at this mall as well as medical and professional offices. North Elgin Centre located at 11005 Yonge Street is a small shopping plaza anchored by a Bulk Barn, McDonalds, and Tim Hortons.
Homes:
Devonsleigh houses were built in the 1990s and early 2000s. These are mostly detached brick homes with single and double car garages. The streets are lined with sidewalks and trees.
Recreation:
Harrington Park is the largest greenspace in the neighbourhood. It has a walking trail as well as a baseball diamond, children’s playground and a basketball court. National Training Rinks and Core Gymnastics Centre are both located on Edward Avenue. Richmond Hill Curling Club located at 121 Elgin Mills Road East has numerous leagues, bonspiels and events.
Arts:
Imagine Cinemas Elgin Mills located at 10909 Yonge Street is an independent luxury style theatre screening all the latest hits.
Devonsleigh Stats
Walkability:
Low
Bikeability:
Medium
Public Transit:
Medium
Affordability:
Medium
Greenspace:
Medium
Recreation:
High
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.