Nestled in the northern reaches of York Region, a mere 30-minute drive north of Toronto, lies the picturesque Town of East Gwillimbury (EG). This expansive municipality spans 238 square kilometres (91.89 square miles) and is home to around 38,000 residents. EG boasts a harmonious blend of evolving urban hubs and charming villages, such as Holland Landing, Queensville, Mount Albert, River Drive Park, and Sharon. With an impressive 70 percent of its terrain dedicated to lush green spaces, encompassing farmlands, woodlands, and a wealth of recreational attractions, East Gwillimbury offers an idyllic living environment and a captivating destination for visitors.
Holland Landing is embraced by serene farmlands and picturesque conservation areas. The meandering course of the Holland River to the west of Yonge Street, the community’s primary north-south artery, adds to its scenic charm. Notably, Holland Landing boasts a remarkable topography, offering breathtaking panoramic views from the hilltops that encircle both its southern and northern borders.
Presently, the community is home to approximately 9,000 residents, with expectations of this number swelling to 20,000 in the years ahead.
The quaint Sharon village lies to the west of Highway 404 and north of York Regional Road 19, with the Town of Newmarket directly to its south. To the west, you’ll find the Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area and the Holland River watershed. The heart of the village is marked by Leslie Street, its main thoroughfare.
Sharon is rich in history, boasting a charming array of heritage structures and places of worship, among them the revered Sharon Temple, designated as a National Historic Site. As you journey north along Leslie Street, you’ll encounter Sharon Public School, newly developed residential areas, a picturesque old farm, well-preserved heritage residences, and cozy shopping plazas. Notably, Sharon serves as the headquarters for the East Gwillimbury municipal offices and a bustling civic square. The village is presently in the midst of a remarkable growth spurt, with numerous new homes having been recently constructed and a substantial number more currently in progress. The current population, currently numbering approximately 3,000 inhabitants, is projected to expand to 10,000 over the course of the next decade.
Queensville stands as a historic village, nestled at the intersection of Leslie Street and Queensville Sideroad. It is flanked to the east by Highway 404, conveniently accessed via an on-ramp on the southern edge of Queensville Side Road. Across from the Highway 404 on-ramp, you’ll find the Queensville Park and Ride, a Go Transit bus stop catering to commuters.
Queensville has been designated as a prominent growth center, with a projected population surge from 750 residents to a robust 30,000. The primary residential expansion is set to unfold predominantly along Leslie Street, south of Queensville Sideroad, where new housing developments are already in progress. This thoughtfully planned community will encompass fresh residences, expansive parks, recreational amenities, a vibrant community center, as well as a variety of shops and cafes.
Additionally, there are designated plots of land earmarked for a post-secondary institution within Queensville, situated on the northern side of Queensville Sideroad, east of Leslie Street. Further bolstering the area’s prospects, new employment zones are slated to stretch along the Highway 404 corridor, poised to create thousands of job opportunities.
True to its name, Mount Albert graces the elevated expanse of the picturesque Oak Ridges Moraine. Nestled in the easternmost fringes of East Gwillimbury, this charming community is embraced by the serene countryside that surrounds it.
Mount Albert boasts a rich heritage and a bright outlook. The community is on an upward trajectory, with several new residential developments emerging on the outskirts of town. Prominent local landmarks include the Ross Family Complex and Library, located along Centre Street, and the scenic Vivian Creek Park, also situated off Centre Street. Furthermore, the Mount Albert Public School stands as a cornerstone of the community. Mount Albert stands out as one of East Gwillimbury’s more cost-effective locales, primarily owing to its geographical separation from other communities and its wide array of housing options. The heart of the village has retained its vitality throughout its various stages of expansion, upholding a bustling downtown business district. This core area has taken precedence in community planning efforts, prioritizing its development over the creation of new commercial plazas and large retail stores.
The rural expanse of East Gwillimbury spans across a vast territory, primarily consisting of the Provincial Greenbelt and the Oak Ridges Moraine. The majority of the lands are situated between Highway 404 and Highway 48, extending from Davis Drive at the southern border adjacent to the Town of Newmarket, all the way north to Ravenshoe Road, bordering the Town of Georgina.
The fertile expanse of land and undulating countryside in Rural East Gwillimbury encompasses a range of purposes, including agriculture, conservation zones, commercial and industrial sectors, aggregate resources, and small clusters of estate residential areas. In the southwestern region of Rural East Gwillimbury, close to Sharon, you’ll find scattered clusters of townhomes and detached houses. Additionally, the rural hamlets of Holt, Brown Hill, Franklin, and Ravenshoe are home to a collection of registered heritage properties.
If you’re in search of an authentic and serene rural environment with minimal nearby neighbors, your quest ends here.
Welcome to Blogeg.ca, your one-stop destination for all things East Gwillimbury, Ontario. We are a passionate team of local enthusiasts dedicated to uncovering the hidden gems, captivating stories, and vibrant culture that make our beloved town truly special. From exploring the picturesque landscapes that frame our community to delving into the heartwarming tales of its residents, we are here to share the essence of East Gwillimbury with you.