Richmond Hill is a town located in central York Region,located just north of Thornhill. It is the third most populous municipality in York Region and the 28th most populous municipality in Canada. It is part of the Greater Toronto Area. Once considered the Rose Capital of the World, Richmond Hill has in recent years seen a huge population upsurge, being Canada's fastest-growing community in the 1990s. The town of Richmond Hill is home to the world-renowned David Dunlap Observatory telescope, and has been rated by the Fraser Institute as the 23rd most affluent city in North America and 3rd in Canada. Richmond Hill is a comparatively wealthy community. Certain residential areas, such as the Bayview Hill and Regent Street, in Richmond Hill boast mansions that rival those found in Rosedale, Forest Hill, and Bridle Path. The average household income was $100,900 in 2003, which was 34% higher than the Canadian average that year, and 26% higher than the Ontario average. The 1990s and 2000s are a period of strong economic growth for Richmond Hill.The border between Richmond Hill and Markham is a rapidly growing area for information technology and high-tech industry with over 1,000 such businesses located along their border. The labour force is divided into many areas, with no one area dominating the economic activity of Richmond Hill. The 2001 Canadian census showed some 76 245 people employed in Richmond Hill, with 43 675 employed full time. RegionsSouthern Richmond Hill is home to the town's and industrial region housing most of the town's hotels, as well as the main commercial area of the town's Chinese community. The northern part of town is considered to be Old Richmond Hill as it is a historical area. Central Richmond Hill is a very commercial area, housing multiple malls, plazas and entertainment buildings, such as theatres and restaurants. The northern most part of the town is mostly farm land, though it is slowly being developed. During the 1990s, Chinese immigrants primarily from Hong Kong moved to Richmond Hill, where they set up businesses and shops catering to the community. Many shops and restaurants were established in suburban-style shopping malls and plazas (such as Times Square, Commerce Gate) along a stretch of Highway 7 between Bayview Avenue and Leslie Street. The most intense development is concentrated around the Commerce Valley Drive/Beaver Creek Road loop. Some of the well-known higher end Chinese banquet restaurants are in this area. Mill Pond - Richmond Hill HomesMill Pond is a park located in the southern region of Richmond Hill. It is based around an old mill pond, hence the name Mill Pond. The park has numerous trails and is home to a variety of wildlife species such as swans, beavers and snakes. The park is used to host a multitude of town events ranging from a winter carnival to concerts and flower shows. Every year, the pond is home to the Richmond Hill Winter Carnival. Mill Pond is also home to the Victorian styled neighborhood of Regent Street. Regent Street was built in the early 1980's by a local Toronto developer and is widely recognized by Toronto builders as the perfect subdivision. Homes near Regent Street have continued to express high demand as Victorian styled homes are rare to come by. Oak Ridges - Richmond Hill Homes Oak Ridges is an unincorporated community to the north of Richmond Hill, and has fallen within the limits of Richmond Hill ever since its annexation in 1971. It is largely residential, with most commercial development located along Yonge Street. Located about 16.5 km north of Toronto and has a population of approximately 20,000 people. The town developed around Lake Wilcox, the largest lake in the area and a community within Oak Ridges, and has continued to expand slowly since its annexation. In the 1990s, Oak Ridges experienced moderate growth, which has spurred environmental action and anti-development movements by numerous organizations. Yonge Street - Richmond Hill Homes The old downtown Richmond Hill is considered the strip of Yonge Street between Major Mackenzie in the south and Richmond Heights in the north. For years this street was infamous for having an equal amount of churches as there were strip clubs/adults only stores. In 2007, the former "Fantasia" property was finally levelled, and development of a new exclusive condominium started, adding to a mix of upscale and small town charm that makes up the much improved downtown area. Downtown Core (East Beaver Creek)Richmond Hill's current commercial hub is located near Leslie Street and Highway 7, where it borders Markham's AMD headquarters. Built in the early to mid 1990s, the area is serviced by Highway 404, York Region Transit, and Buttonville Airport. Due to high initial vancancy rates, the current Town Hall was moved to that location in 1994. Since then, many of the buildings have become occupied by various banks and service-related industries. Data from the recent census conducted by Statistics Canada indicated that Richmond Hill continues to be one of Canada's fastest growing municipalities. It is estimated that by the year 2021, the Town's population will reach 200,000.
Over the years, Richmond Hill has remained a distinctive community, one of change yet with strong historical roots. Even during this time of most extensive growth to-date, Richmond Hill has remained a community with a friendly, down-to-earth flavour. That is why the Town's un-official motto is "A little north, a little nicer."
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