Vaughan Metropolitan Centre

Beneath the towering condos of Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, a secret lies buried. It’s not gold, nor is it a forgotten time capsule. It’s the ghost of Edgeley, a quaint village swallowed by progress. Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, a vibrant hub of activity, stands in stark contrast to its predecessor. Once, this bustling intersection of Highway 7 and Jane Street was a peaceful farming community known as Edgeley. Pennsylvania German settlers planted apple orchards here in the early 1800s. Imagine the air, thick with the sweet scent of apple blossoms each spring. The heart of Edgeley was its cider mill. Initially producing only cider, the mill later expanded to apple butter and jelly. During harvest season, customers would flock to the mill, some even staying overnight. Vaughan Metropolitan Centre has carefully preserved fragments of Edgeley’s memory. Street names like Edgeley Boulevard, Millway Avenue, Apple Mill Road, and Applewood Crescent whisper tales of the past. The city also plans to plant fruit trees in Edgeley Pond and Park, a living tribute to the village’s agricultural roots. Vaughan Metropolitan Centre’s story truly began in 1991. Newly designated as a city, Vaughan sought a unifying center. The intersection of Highways 400 and 407 was chosen. The arrival of the Spadina subway line in 2017, culminating in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre station, cemented its status. This subway extension marked a pivotal moment. It transformed Vaughan into the only urban growth centre outside Toronto with direct subway access. This transit-oriented approach has shaped the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre we see today. The city envisions a vibrant, walkable downtown with a mix of residential, office, and retail spaces. By 2031, the goal is 12,000 residential units, 1.5 million square feet of commercial office space, and 750,000 square feet of retail. From a quiet village of apple orchards to a bustling urban center, Vaughan Metropolitan Centre has undergone a dramatic transformation. Yet, beneath the gleaming glass and steel, the spirit of Edgeley persists, reminding us of the roots that nourish this modern metropolis.