Access Richmond Hill
The Access Richmond Hill Contact Centre provides assistance for general inquiries, responds to questions or concerns regarding programs and services as well as accepts in person payments.
Contact Us
905-771-8800
Hours of Service:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Report Feedback
Report a problem with a service, e.g. missed garbage collection, overnight parking, potholes, street lights, etc.
Heritage Services is committed to having programs and events that celebrate the Richmond Hill community. Heritage programs are offered at the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre, A.J. Clark Interpretive Centre and many of our community centres. We have something for all ages, including:
Walk and Learn Heritage Walking Tour Series
Enjoy fresh air, exercise and a healthy physically distanced walk through a historic neighbourhood. Discover your community's heritage! Tours are approximately 1.5 - 2 hours and take place rain or shine. COVID protocols will be in place.
| The Village Backstreets, Tuesday October 6, 2020 |
|
In contrast to the present-day traffic and commerce along Yonge Street, Richmond Hill's side streets have historically been a quiet refuge. It was on these village backstreets that the ordinary citizens of the Victorian and Edwardian community lived in their comfortable but unpretentious houses. The village backstreets remain a desirable place to live, with large shade trees lining the streets, picket or plated fences, beautiful gardens and many fine old buildings. 10 a.m. $4.20 per person E-Reg Code: 60760 Meeting location: Elgin Barrow Arena Parking Lot (Please note: the facility is closed) |
| North Yonge Street, Tuesday October 13, 2020 |
|
North Yonge Street in the village core is a unique part of the city featuring a history of politics, education, medicine and the arts! 10 a.m. $4.20 per person E-Reg Code: 60761 Meeting location: Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Art Parking Lot (Please note: facility is closed) |
| Mill Pond History, Tuesday October 20, 2020 |
|
Today's Mill Pond is a place of recreation, but did you know when it was first created in the mid 1830s, it was a hub of industry and commerce. 10 a.m. $4.20 per person E-Reg Code: 60762 Meeting location: Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Art Parking Lot (Please note: Facility is closed) |
Speaker Series - We've Got a Story to Tell
Interested in learning about the history of your community? We’ve got a story to tell! Join our Heritage Services visual presentation with photos and interesting stories about Richmond Hill’s unique past. Presentations are approximately 1 - 1.5 hours long. COVID protocols will be in place.
| The History of the Richmond Hill DDO, Saturday October 24, 2020 |
| The David Dunlap Observatory has been a centre for astronomical research in Canada and a well-known attraction since its opening on May 31, 1935. But did you know this site was a family farm throughout the 19th century and "we've got a story to tell" about the people that played an instrumental role in the development of the property. Join Heritage Services for a sit-down visual presentation to learn about the history of the land and how it became the David Dunlap Observatory.
1 p.m. $8.57 per person Oak Ridges Community Centre E-Reg Code: 60755 |
| Coming Up Roses in Richmond Hill, Saturday November 7, 2020 |
|
In the early 20th century Richmond Hill was known as the "rose capital" of Canada. The rose, a flower of great historical significance to Richmond Hill, was at one time the biggest business in town. Join Heritage Services for this this slide presentation exploring this industry and the several large Greenhouse companies that put Richmond Hill on the map. 1 p.m. $8.57 per person Oak Ridges Community Centre E-Reg Code: 60758 |
| Richmond Hill's Main Street, Saturday November 21, 2020 |
|
Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe officially established Yonge Street in the 1790s. Envisioned as a military road from the Town of York (now Toronto) to Holland Landing, Yonge Street opened up the northern part of York County for settlement—and positioned Richmond Hill as an essential stopping point along the two-day journey. We will tell the story of the growth and the people that were influential in the development of Richmond Hill’s “Main Street”. 1 p.m. $8.57 per person Oak Ridges Community Centre E-Reg Code: 60763 |
Pre-registration is required for all tours and speakers.
Education Programs
Take a walk back in time with one of our Heritage program field trips! Our educational programs are designed to meet the requirements outlined in the Ontario curriculum.
- Available: September to June
- for pricing and details on booking contact:
- Maggie Mackenzie
- Heritage Centre Coordinator
- 905-737-1818, ext. 6007
- maggie.mackenzie@richmondhill.ca
Programs at the Heritage Centre: Includes a tour of the Heritage Centre and galleries and most programs include a historic walking tour around the neighbourhood to enhance the program content.* Participants should dress for the weather.
Programs at the Artifact Storage Facility: Students will have the opportunity to view Richmond Hill's Historical Collection with historical artifacts and art pieces.
| Choose your Program! |
Cloaked in History - What's in Your Closet?Students will have a chance to study clothing from the 1800s to 1900s from Richmond Hill's own collection.
Grades: 1 to 8 Duration: 1.5 hours Location: Artifact Storage Facility
For King and Empire*Participants will learn about the Great War of 1914-1918 and its impact on the roles and lives of ordinary men and women in Canada. Local historical documents and artifacts will be used for a better understanding.
Grades: 8 to 10 Duration: 3 hours Location: Heritage Centre
Lights Around the WorldStudents will learn about a variety of cultures, tradition and celebrations which have been brought to Canada from all around the world.
Grades: 1 and 2 Duration: 2 hours Location: Heritage Centre
Patterns for Living*Participants will gain an understanding of early settlement land use and how geographical characteristics made Richmond Hill an attractive destination.
Grade: 7 Duration: 3 hours Location: Heritage Centre
Pencil and PaperStudents will illustrate the principles of design, through analysis and creation of their own works of art. Principles of design, composition, storytelling from art and cultural contexts will be covered in this program
Grades: 3 to 8 Duration: 1.5 hours Location: Artifact Storage Facility
Trade and Industry*Students will learn about Canada's growth from the fur trade into one of the world's most important provider of natural resources. Using local historical documents and artifacts, students will examine how trade and industry shaped the growth of Richmond Hill from its early days to present.
Grades: 4 to 6 Duration: 3 hours Location: Heritage Centre
Traveller's Trunk*Participants will learn about our early and recent settlers to this region and what they may have brought with them.Grade: 3 Duration: 3 hours Location: Heritage Centre
Can't make it to us? We'll come to you!The following programs can be brought to the classroom with our knowledgeable instructors:
|
| Tours and Activity Packages |
|
A great outing for your Guide and Scout group, ESL classes, community groups and just a get together with friends. Gallery Tour and Activity PackagesParticipants will enjoy a tour of the Heritage Centre and take part in an interactive activity. Choose from the following activities:
Udderly Funtastic - Ages 5 to 9Explore Richmond Hill's dairy industry and learn to churn butter the old-fashioned way! Participants will also create a craft. Just Dyeing to Know - Ages 9 to 14This hands-on activity places emphasis on 19th Century wool and yarn production. Participants will investigate how different petals, leaves and bark can create fabric dyes. Available: Year round Duration: 1.5 hours
Location: Heritage Centre
Pricing: $6.50 + HST per person, minimum charge applies
Gallery TourLearn about Richmond Hill's unique heritage, the restoration of our 1840s regency-style house and its original owner, Amos Wright. There will be opportunities to ask questions, time for independent gallery viewing.
Available: Year round Duration: 1 hour
Location: Heritage Centre
Pricing: $2.62 + HST per person, minimum charges applies
Guided Neighbourhood Walking ToursWalk through 200 years of history in Richmond Hill's historical neighbourhoods and explore how the patterns of settlement have shaped this original crossroad of human occupation.
Choose from the following:
Available: Year round
Duration: 1.5 hours
Pricing: $2.62 + HST per person, minimum charge applies
Tea and TourEnjoy a look at the old village and identify homes and/or businesses of significance in the development of the City. Groups can choose from one of our Yonge Street tours. The walking tour is approximately 1.5 followed by a relaxing time in the garden view room or patio enjoying a traditional afternoon tea.
Available: Year round Duration: 3.0 hours
Pricing: $18.37 HST per person, minimum charge applies
|
| Edukits |
Archaeology to Go!Take advantage of our hands-on Edukits. Teachers and group leaders may rent Edukits to enhance classroom and/or group presentations. Edukits contain a number of prehistoric and historic artifacts that students can handle in order to gain a better understanding of these objects. Background material about Richmond Hill's archaeological history and other general information about how these kits will work best for your group is also included. Available: Year round Duration: 1 week minimum to 2 week maximum rental
Pricing: $22.05 + HST per kit per week
|
Program Evaluation
We want to know what you think about our programs. Complete a Program Evaluation form to give us your feedback. Your input helps us improve our programs and services.
About the A.J. Clark Interpretive Centre
The A.J. Clark Interpretive Centre was opened in memory of Arthur James (A.J.) Clark, an archaeologist known for his careful record keeping, studying of artifacts and depth of research. In the 1920s, Clark and his walking companion, Father Edwards J. Kelly of St. Mary Immaculate Roman Catholic Church, began mapping and describing sites in York County. Clark recorded four sites in Richmond Hill between 1928 and 1931, including:
- Boyle Murphy-Goulding
- Nicol
- Cober
A.J. Clark offers workshops and camps to encourage awareness and appreciation for the diverse cultural histories of the City of Richmond Hill, particularly as it related to First Nations Settlement on the north shore of Lake Ontario and the McGaw archaeological site.
The A.J. Clark Interpretive Centre is located in the Elgin West Community Centre at:
11099 Bathurst Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 0N2
Call 905-508-7012 for more information about the Centre.