Historically and geographically, Jefferson Forest is a large wooded area on the Oak Ridges Moraine, purchased by the York Region government and the Town of Richmond Hill in their collaborative commitment to protect, expand and enhance the region’s significant natural resources.
This heavily wooded site forms part of the Jefferson Forest Environmentally Significant Area and is now designated by the Province as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest to be preserved and held for future generations
Now there is a new infill project called Jefferson Forest which directly borders the 46-acre woodlands of the same name, and which is located just east of the Bayview Avenue and north of 19th Ave.
Wilcox Lake
Lake Wilcox is located in the community of Oak Ridges at the headwaters of the East Humber River. As the largest kettle lake on the Oak Ridges Moraine, Lake Wilcox supports diverse and sensitive biological communities while also providing users with recreational activities such as skating, fishing and water sports. There are four Town properties on the shoreline of Lake Wilcox – Lake Wilcox Park(formerly Sunset Beach Park), Jesse Venek Park and North Shore Parkette provide lake front viewing and picnic space, while the Fish & Wildlife Sanctuary/Pike Hatchery is for those interested in a nature experience.
Features of Lake Wilcox
- Surface Area 55.6 ha
- Watershed Area 260 ha
- Maximum depth 17.4 m
- Flushing rate 0.28 times/yr
- Length 1.5 km
Swimming at Lake Wilcox
Please be advised that swimming is not permitted from Town property at Lake Wilcox. The water area is unsupervised and unsafe for swimming. Potential hazards include: high levels of bacteria which may pose a risk to your health. As well, sink holes, sharp items such as fishing lures and broken glass may also be present and pose a hazard.
Boating on Lake Wilcox
If you will be boating on the lake this season, please practice safe boating and follow all posted restrictions. Human powered boats are preferred, given the small size of the lake.
Bond Lake
A smaller kettle lake situated on the east side of Yonge. There is a dirt path going around the shoreline of the lake which is unmaintained.