Overview
Richview is a large, diverse neighborhood with a mix of people, parks, shopping plazas, and great transport options, just minutes from Pearson Airport. The areas between Royal York and Islington are sometimes called “Royal York Gardens,” and between Islington and Kipling, “Richmond Gardens,” but both are part of the broader Richview community.
History
The name “Richview” dates back to 1852 with a post office, and by the 1870s, it had a school, church, and tavern. Known for its farming, locals sold produce at St. Lawrence Market and cattle at the Union Stockyards. In the early 1900s, dairy farming took over to meet Toronto’s milk demand, but by 1956, the last dairy farm was sold to developers. The Dixon and La Rose homesteads are reminders of Richview’s rural past.
Lifestyle
Richview Square (Eglinton & Wincott) has boutiques, a bakery, bank, pharmacy, medical offices, and a consignment shop.
Martingrove Plaza (Martingrove & The Westway) offers a supermarket, drug store, hardware store, bakery, ice cream shop, liquor store, and post office.
Westway Centre (Kipling & Dixon) includes a supermarket, fast food, medical offices, and a bowling alley.
1500 Royal York Road has a bike and ski shop, bulk food store, bowling alley, kids’ playground, and various other shops.
Homes
Richview mostly has ranch and contemporary bungalows, split-level homes, and Georgian Revival houses from the ’50s and ’60s. These homes usually have spacious lots (40-60+ feet) with private drives and garages, many backing onto ravines or parks.
The neighborhood is also seeing new townhouse and condo developments on its main streets, along with some rental apartments and row houses on the edges.
Recreation
Sun Row Park, in northeast Richview, has a scenic nature trail along the Humber River where hikers can check out fish habitats, wildflowers, and local wildlife. Cyclists can hop on the Eglinton Avenue bike trail, which connects to the Canadian Ukrainian Memorial Park and the paved South Humber Trail, leading all the way to Toronto’s waterfront.
Transportation
Buses along Eglinton, The Westway, and Dixon Road link up with Eglinton Station on the Yonge-University subway line. The Islington bus heads to Islington Station on the Bloor-Danforth line, where you can catch Mississauga Transit or an express bus to Pearson Airport. Kipling Station, the last stop on the Bloor-Danforth line, is also connected by bus and offers access to GO Transit.
For drivers, major highways are easily accessible via Eglinton Avenue west of Martingrove or Islington Avenue.
Richview Stats
Neighbourhood content from neighbourhoodguide.com