Unionville

Unionville's name was derived from Ira White's Union Mills built in 1839, which in turn was named for the Act of Union 1840 of Upper Canada and Lower Canada.

Unionville was a "Police Village" within what was then called Markham Township within York County until the end of 1970, at which time York County was reorganized into the Regional Municipality of York by Provincial Statute. Unionville (and all of the nine other Police Villages in the county) were abolished. Markham Township was also abolished, some of its lands were annexed by neighbouring Richmond Hill and Whitchurch–Stouffville, and the remainder was annexed by the Town of Markham, an urban area 2.5 miles east of Unionville, now the City of Markham. The town and the township were named after two different people named "Markham". The name "Unionville" remained a valid postal address until the early 1990s at which time most addresses were changed to "Markham". In 2009, Markham Town Council reinstated the name "Unionville" for that portion of postal addresses within its Ward 3, which lies between Warden, 16th, McCowan and the 407. However, the Post Office used "Unionville" as the postal address for a larger delivery area that included the farms that it considered to be "in Unionville". Unionville's historical boundaries, therefore, maybe based on the historic Post Office delivery area for the name "Unionville". These varied somewhat over a century and a half, as neighbouring post offices came and went, but at some time or other the following areas had a "Unionville" address:

Hwy 7 & southward: all of the area north of Steeles between Woodbine on the west & McCowan on the east, including both sides of Woodbine, McCowan & Hwy 7. North of Hwy 7: all of the area to 19th Avenue between Warden on the west & McCowan on the east, including both sides of Woodbine, McCowan & 19th. Unionville also extended westward on both sides of 19th Avenue to the 404.

Since January 1, 1971, Unionville has had no legal municipal boundary.

Markham changed its status from town to city on July 1, 2012.

Unionville

One of the main sites you must visit is Toogood Pond! Located just behind Unionville Public School between Carlton and Kennedy Road. Enjoy the span of this stunning pond that is 33 hectares, by exploring the walking and biking trails. With wide pathways circling the pond for a stroll, places to sit and a stunning overlook to enjoy the nature and wildlife. Toogood pond is a partially naturalized pond and marsh home to many fish, ducks, Canadian geese and other wildlife. There is a man-made dam with views of the pond and at the south-east end is a stunning waterfall. When the seasons change community members watch the leaves fall and the snow coat covering the vast trees and ice coating the pond. In the spring and summer months many people take stunning wedding photos along the Toogood Pond bridge overlooking the Rouge River. There are so many different native plant species that are being cared for by the City of Markham and many wildlife are returning each year. The pond is close to Main Street Unionville and close to all the shops. Community members enjoy the pond all year round and watch the nature come to life during the spring and summer. Grab your binoculars, a picnic basket and blanket to spend the day! Your private oasis!