Welcome to Woodbridge, Ontario
Woodbridge, Ontario is a large suburban community located in the city of Vaughan, just north of Toronto. The Neighborhood is considered by many to be one of the most affluent areas on the greater Toronto area, and offers residents a dynamic population and historic community. Woodbridge is nestled in the hills of the Humber River Valley, with a terrain of rolling hills and valleys. While this once made the community an ideal place for agricultural development, it now offers a picturesque background for the Neighborhood of historical 19th century houses and modern development.
While British immigrants originally settled Woodbridge, the city is now a dynamic community of ethnicities and backgrounds, and is known for its large Italian population. Woodbridge boasts some of the best Italian restaurants in the region, offering authentic fine dining options in the community’s historical downtown area.
Welcome to Woodbridge!
As a resident since 1984, Woodbridge is a community close to my heart. Growing up in the area has given me a fond appreciation for everything from the trails and community centres to long-time favourites like Boyd Park and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
Why You’ll Love It
Sharing the border with Toronto gives Woodbridge unbeatable accessibility and convenience for all who venture downtown. But even if you don’t head south, you’ll find everything you need right here. I’m sure you’ll love living here for the same reasons I do–and more!
Woodbridge Real Estate
What You’ll Find
Woodbridge has a little bit of everything when it comes to real estate. There are large single-family detached homes as well as low- and high-rise condo buildings close to popular shops and restaurants, including a great selection on Clarence Street south of Rutherford Road. There are also beautiful new constructions and developments popping up faster than you can count them!
How Woodbridge is Changing
Driving through the area, you’ll notice all kinds of new condo developments going up near the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and along Highway 7 (from Creditstone Road to Martin Grove Road). At Steeles Avenue West and Kipling Avenue, you’ll find townhome and condo developments like Woodbridge Park. SXSW Condos are coming to Islington Avenue, as is a cluster of new townhomes and condos on either side of the Humber River beside Highway 7. The expansion of Highway 427 up to Kleinburg has added a new element of accessibility to the area, promising even more growth!
Lisa’s Local Tip:
Here’s a little history lesson, from me to you. A while back, I sold a four-acre parcel of land in Woodbridge that was originally zoned for agricultural use. My uncle Benny purchased that land and rezoned it for commercial use before I joined with another agent, Franco Perone, and sold the parcel for $1.6 million. That was back in 1995, and today, that parcel of land at 5283 Rutherford Road is a great little commercial complex, home to a Longo’s grocery store, Starbucks, and more!
Neighbourhood Schools
During my high school years, I attended Father Bressani Catholic High School over on Ansley Grove Road. There are many other private and public high schools around, including the highly-ranked Tommy Douglas Secondary School and Emily Carr Secondary School. There are over 25 elementary schools in Woodbridge, but St Gregory the Great Catholic Academy and St Clement Catholic Elementary School are two of the highest-rated options.
Community Centres
From the cycling studio and indoor track to the pool, sauna, and squash courts, Al Palladini Community Centre has almost everything you need for indoor recreation! Over at the Vellore Village Community Centre, you’ll find another great selection of amenities. They have a cycling studio, sauna, pool, and programs for all ages and seasons. Ansley Grove Library has readers of all ages covered with a selection of books, community events, and programs year-round.
What To Do & See
Whether you’re indoors or out, there’s a ton to do and see here! I personally love a visit to Boyd Park, a walk through the Kortright Centre for Conservation, or a visit to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Of course, Vaughan Mills is only a few minutes away to do some shopping, or you can slip into the Colossus Cineplex movie theatre to catch a new release! Woodbridge is also perfect for golfers as it’s home to some of the
Getting Around
Walk Score: 23
Transit Score: 29
Woodbridge may not be the most walkable community, but it’s easy to get around by car or with the ever-growing public transit system. Woodbridge is easily accessible via Highway 400, the 404, and the 427, as well as Weston Road, Jane Street, and Keele Street.
Now, let’s talk public transit! Woodbridge residents are getting luckier every day with a growing list of transit options. There’s the TTC subway access via Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, the YRT and Viva bus services that serve the region, and GO Transit, which has a station in Maple and runs buses throughout Woodbridge, Kleinburg, and the GTA. The city is also currently expanding the Highway 7 Rapidway bus system that connects the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre subway station with Warden Avenue in Markham, and will eventually connect to Cornell Terminal.
History
Woodbridge has origins dating back to the early 1800’s, when the British Crown granted lots to the Vaughan Township. Like many villages in this area, its proximity to a major waterway assured its success as an agricultural and business hub. Throughout the 19th century, development began including a school, a flourmill, and a store in the center of the city. Houses and residences were slowly developed until Woodbridge was recognized as a village in the mid 1830’s. The name “Woodbridge” is said to come from the wooden bridge that stood at the entry point to the small town. A replica bridge dating back to 1930 still stands close to the location of the original bridge, marking Woodbridge’s history.
With the arrival of the Toronto Grey and Brudge railway from Weston in 1870, Woodbridge became accessible to the rest of Ontario. In 1908 the railway was linked to the transcontinental route, and in 1920 construction of Highway 7 linked Woodbridge to the rest of Ontario by vehicle. It wasn’t until the mid 1950’s that Woodbridge began experiencing population growth as residents moved from nearby Toronto to settle in the quiet town. As the population increased, housing development began to spread from the center of town, and by the mid-1990’s, many condominiums and luxury houses were being built. It is estimated that over 15,000 homes were built in less than 12 years, and the area continues to grow today.
Lisa Sinopoli
Broker, ABR, SRS, ASA, CPCA
Remax Hallmark Realty, Ltd