Highbush

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Highbush
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      History:

      Many neighbourhoods are named after original landowners and sometimes their ancestral homelands but Highbush seems to be a reference to the dense forest that once covered this neighbourhood. Highbush is still very much defined by its natural surroundings including a creek on either side of the neighbourhood as well as protected forests and conservation lands. These natural surroundings would also account for all the street names in the neighbourhood such as Pine Grove, Woodview, Thicket, Sandcherry, Valley Ridge and Forestview. The original housing stock consisting of small cottages dates back to the early 1900s. New home subdivisions became part of the neighbourhood in the 1980s and 90s.

      Overview:

      Highbush is situated along the Toronto and Pickering border. The western boundary is shaped by the Rouge National Urban Park. The east boundary is shaped by Petticoat Creek and the Altona Forest. Altona Road runs vertically through the neighbourhood. Rural conservation lands act as a buffer between the hydro transmission corridor to the north of this neighbourhood. Highway 401 and the CN railway line are located to the south and beyond that is the Pickering waterfront. Shopping amenities are situated at The Gates Plaza off Altona Road. The George Ashe Library and Community Centre off Kingston Road is another neighbourhood hub.

      Lifestyle:

      The Gates Plaza situated at Altona and Kingston Road has a medical centre along with a pharmacy and fitness club. There are also shops and restaurants at this plaza.

      Homes:

      Highbush has affordable entry level homes with a variety of styles including detached, semi-detached and townhomes. Most of the houses were built in the 1980s and 90s. There are also a few pockets of newer housing developments within this neighbourhood.

      Recreation:

      Rouge National Urban Park’s hiking trails provide opportunities to explore nature and get some exercise at the same time. Altona Forest is another popular hiking destination. Valleyview park is known for its outdoor skating rink.

      Arts:

      Durham West Arts Centre and the PineRidge Arts Council both promote arts events in Pickering including the annual Durham West Studio Tour. Esplanade Park adjacent to the Pickering Municipal Complex has a summer concert series hosted by the City of Pickering. Esplanade Park is also the site of the Pickering Farmers’ Market. In addition to a variety of farm fresh food this market also includes music and arts activities for families as well as a variety of artisans showing their work. The City also hosts a summer Waterfront Concert Series at Pickering’s Millennium Square.

      The City of Pickering has an official Dance Company known as SynchroniCity that performs at the annual Easter Parade, Santa Claus Parade, Tree Lighting, Artfest and other community events.

          Highbush Stats

          Walkability:

          Low

          Bikeability:

          Medium

          Public Transit:

          Low

          Affordability:

          Medium

          Greenspace:

          High

          Recreation:

          Medium

           

          Legend: Low, Medium, High

          Commute Times

          Time to Closest Shopping Mall:
          15 Minutes
          Time to GO Bus or Train Station:
          15 Minutes
          Time To Hospital:
          25 Minutes
          Time to Toronto Pearson International Airport
          50 Minutes
          Time to Closest Highway:
          10 Minutes

          * All commuting times provided are approximate times only. Commute times may increase or decrease depending on where you live within the neighbourhood and the time of day i.e rush hour versus off hour commutes. Time estimates to public transit are based on walking distance or bus line connection whichever is quicker. All other commute times on the chart above are based on drive times.