Richmond Hill
Event information
Saturday, May 11, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The key to exploring your community
Enjoy this FREE opportunity to explore the heritage, arts, architecture and culture that Richmond Hill has to offer. Come and celebrate Richmond Hill’s past, present and future with our 15 featured Doors Open Richmond Hill sites.
Community information
The Town of Richmond Hill began as a small settlement located partially in the Township of Vaughan and partially in the Township of Markham. The town's development was closely linked to the development of Yonge Street, which was planned primarily as a military road by John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada. The town was officially incorporated on June 18, 1872 as a village and the first council meeting was held on January 1, 1873 under the leadership of Reeve Abraham Law.
Richmond Hill developed because of its proximity to Toronto, as farmers came into town on their way to Toronto markets and people travelled up and down Yonge Street to and from communities further north. Early in the 20th century, several large greenhouse operations were built in Richmond Hill, and rose cultivation transformed the town into the "rose capital of Canada.” In the 1920s, village council adopted the motto of the Duke of Richmond, for whom the town may have been named. A local artist and carriage painter, William Ashford Wright, created a town crest that included elements of the Duke of Richmond's coat of arms and roses.
Data from the recent census conducted by Statistics Canada indicated that Richmond Hill continues to be one of Canada's fastest-growing municipalities. The town's population exceeded 200,000 in 2014.
Over the years, Richmond Hill has remained a distinctive community, one of change yet with strong historical roots. Even during this time of the 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."
Become a volunteer
Volunteering for Doors Open is a great way to meet new people, get experience and give back to your community. Our volunteer database makes it easy for you to sign up for opportunities, track your hours and plan your volunteer work.
For more information – or to create your user profile – please visit richmondhill.ca/Volunteers or contact volunteers@richmondhill.ca.
Contact info
Email: maggie.mackenzie@richmondhill.ca
Website: www.richmondhill.ca/en/find-or-learn-about/Doors-Open-Richmond-Hill.aspx
13 sites found
David Dunlap Observatory Doors Open Richmond Hill
New
Since 1935, this observatory has been a research centre for the University of Toronto. Today, it is a facility for public education and outreach. Come and participate in astronomy-themed activities by the University of Western Ontario, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and the David Dunlap Observatory Defenders. Tour the Ylab maker space and view modern and heritage metalworking machinery.
- Parking
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
- Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
Architecture
Year built: 1935Architect: Mathers and Haldenby
Architectural style: Beaux arts
Building type: Attraction, Educational facility, Historical landmark
Landscape: Garden, Park
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 11, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Emmanuel Anglican Church Doors Open Richmond Hill
Step into this little church with the big heart! The cedar-lined interiors of the Emmanuel Anglican Church provide a warm and lovely space for worship. The building and furnishings were relocated to this site from Hanlan’s Point on the Toronto Islands. The Our Life in Christ tapestry by Karen Pascal is featured behind the altar.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
Contact info
15 MacKay DriveRichmond Hill, Ontario
Telephone: 905-881-8198
www.emmanuelanglican.com
Architecture
Year built: 1964-65Architect: N.L. Irwin of Hanks, Irwin and Pearson
Building type: Place of worship
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 11, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hindu Temple Society of Canada, The (Hindu Temple Richmond Hill) Doors Open Richmond Hill
This Hindu temple, the largest in North America, was built and is operated under the Agama Sastra traditions. The temple was designed by Mr. V. Janakiramana Sthapathi, who hails from the same family of architects that built the famous Big Temple in Tanjavur in South India during the Chola period. Come and explore the fine artwork displayed throughout.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
- Self-guided tours available
Architecture
Year built: 1987-88Architect: V. Janakiramana Sthapathi
Building type: Place of worship
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 11, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lake St. George Field Centre Doors Open Richmond Hill
New
This stunning 120-hectre (296-acre) conservation property on the ecologically significant Oak Ridges Moraine is surrounded by woodlands, open meadow and a kettle lake, making it home to fish and wildlife populations. Enjoy this rare opportunity to visit the site – complete with special tours of the 1906 Davis Hall and boat tours aboard a solar-powered pontoon vessel.
- Parking
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
950 Bethesda RoadRichmond Hill, Ontario
Telephone: 416-667-6295
https://trca.ca/lake-st-george
Architecture
Year built: 1906Architectural style: Gothic revival, Victorian
Building type: Historical house
Landscape: Conservation area
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 11, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; boat tours from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. only
Mill Pond Gallery, The (Richmond Hill Group of Artists) Doors Open Richmond Hill
The Richmond Hill Group of Artists was established in February 1978 for members enjoying the creation and appreciation of art. In 1994, they opened the Mill Pond Gallery at this location to exhibit their work. During Doors Open, come and explore the exhibits. As well, there will be a meet-and-greet with artists.
- Parking
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
- Self-guided tours available
Architecture
Building type: AttractionDates/hours open
Saturday May 11, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Richmond Hill Artifact Collections Storage Centre Doors Open Richmond Hill
The Richmond Hill Artifact Collections Storage Centre, located in the town's Operations Centre, houses thousands of historical artifacts in its climate-controlled facility. Much of the collection, dating back over a century, results from the generous donations of local families. During Doors Open, take a behind-the-scenes look at the collection and learn how artifacts are catalogued, preserved and maintained.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
Contact info
1200 Elgin Mills Road EastRichmond Hill, Ontario
Telephone: 905-780-2927
Architecture
Year built: 1990Dates/hours open
Saturday May 11, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Richmond Hill Heritage Centre (Amos Wright House) Doors Open Richmond Hill
Amos Wright, Markham Township’s first reeve, built this house in 1840. Today, this well-preserved Ontario regency-style cottage is home to the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre and is surrounded by picturesque Amos Wright Park. On exhibit: 125 Years of Slovak Immigration to Canada and A Lifetime Day By Day. A special Mother's Day tea will also be held (reservations required).
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
- Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
Contact info
19 Church Street NorthRichmond Hill, Ontario
Telephone: 905-780-3802
www.richmondhill.ca/heritagecentre
Architecture
Year built: 1840Architectural style: Regency
Building type: Museum
Landscape: Park
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 11, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Richmond Hill Lawn Bowling Club Doors Open Richmond Hill
The Richmond Hill Lawn Bowling Club – with its lush green lawns in the heart of town – was formed in 1918 by some of the most prominent citizens of Richmond Hill. Try your hand at lawn bowling in this resort-like atmosphere. Tour the clubhouse and view artifacts related to the club’s history. Refreshments will be available.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
Contact info
43 Church Street South, behind Elgin Barrow ArenaRichmond Hill, Ontario
Telephone: 416-239-3718
www.rhlawnbowling.com
Architecture
Year built: 1918Dates/hours open
Saturday May 11, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church Doors Open Richmond Hill
This Gothic revival church, with its unique patterned bricks, was erected in 1880. The cemetery behind contains tombstones dating from 1806 to the present, as well as a vault (the “dead house”) used to store caskets during the winter. Enjoy music played on the 100-year-old Casavant organ, as well as a pancake breakfast with eggs and sausages (nominal fee applies).
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
- Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
Contact info
10066 Yonge StreetRichmond Hill, Ontario
Telephone: 905-884-4211
http://rhpresbyterian.ca
Architecture
Year built: 1880Architectural style: Gothic revival
Building type: Place of worship
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 11, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; pancake breakfast served from 9 to 11 a.m.
Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame Doors Open Richmond Hill
Established in 1991, the Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame has honoured athletes, teams, coaches and others whose sport achievements have had a lasting effect on the community. Come and learn about the history of local sport. Enjoy exhibits featuring artifacts and information dating back to the early 1900s.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
Contact info
43 Church Street South (2nd floor of the Elgin Barrow Arena)Richmond Hill, Ontario
www.richmondhill.ca/sportshall
Architecture
Building type: Attraction, MuseumLandscape: Park
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 11, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Mary and St. Joseph Coptic Orthodox Church Doors Open Richmond Hill
View the unique architecture of this church and learn about its history. The Coptic Church is one of the oldest Christian congregations, established by Mark the Evangelist in AD 43. Beautiful hand-painted murals, carved wood and imported marble from Egypt grace the interior of this place of worship. Enjoy both Coptic art and music at this Doors Open event.
- Parking
- Guided tours available
Architecture
Building type: Place of worshipDates/hours open
Saturday May 11, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Mary's Anglican Church Doors Open Richmond Hill
St. Mary’s – a scaled-down version of Toronto’s St. James Cathedral – is the oldest remaining church in the original village of Richmond Hill. St. Mary’s is now a chapel for the main church, built in the 1960s. Take a guided tour of the chapel, the indoor burial plot and the modern church. During Doors Open, enjoy an archival display.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
Contact info
10030 Yonge StreetRichmond Hill, Ontario
Telephone: 905-884-2227
www.saintmaryschurch.ca
Architecture
Year built: 1872; 1960sArchitectural style: Gothic revival
Building type: Place of worship
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 11, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Swan Lake Centre for Conservation and Innovation Doors Open Richmond Hill
New
Swan Lake, formed by receding glaciers during the last ice age, is a natural kettle lake. During Doors Open, this site will be exhibiting archaeology artifacts and ecological finds. Experience the archaeology lab as they demonstrate the process of identifying and analyzing cultural artifacts. Families will enjoy Indigenous games, pottery mending, bug hunts and scavenger hunts. Self-guided hikes.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Self-guided tours available
Contact info
1229 Bethesda Side RoadRichmond Hill, Ontario
https://trca.ca/conservation/archaeology
Architecture
Year built: 1920-35Landscape: Conservation area
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 11, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.