Author: Collingwood Info

Paul Casey (a Sales Representative) and Christine Smith (a Broker) with Royal LePage Locations North Brokerage based out of Collingwood. We both service areas such as the Blue Mountains, Collingwood, Thornbury, Meaford and Wasaga Beach as well as every wonderful community across the Southern Georgian Bay. If you are looking to buy or sell and not working with an agent -- let us be your guide to real estate across this wonderful area. As professional REALTORS® we both like making the complete process of buying and selling real estate simple as possible.

3 Fun Ideas for New Year’s Eve

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events

Five, four, three, two, one…Happy New Year! Yes, there are few nights that are more fun than New Year’s Eve. It is the perfect opportunity to celebrate change with family and friends. There is always a ton of fun activities to take part in on New Year’s Eve, especially in the Collingwood, ON area. Anyone who hasn’t made plans yet should consider some of these great ideas.

 

Throw a Party

 

Throwing a party in one of the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Set up some decorations and invite over all of your closest friends and family members for a night of fun. Don’t forget to lay out an inviting selection of snacks. It might not be a bad idea to throw on the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop to keep everyone updated.

 

New Year’s Eve Under the Sea Family Celebration

 

Blue Mountain Resort is known for throwing amazing New Year’s Eve events. This year they are celebrating by hosting the New Year’s Eve Under the Sea Family Celebration. This fun-filled night will be packed with events such as a buffet dinner, a bonfire, caricaturists, laser tag and more. The night will end with a jaw-dropping family fireworks display over Mill Pond. This will be a New Year’s Eve that your family will remember for years to come.

Celebrate at a Bar

 

Nothing is worse than having to clean up after a long night of partying on New Year’s Eve. That is why many Collingwood, ON, residents will head to a bar or pub on New Year’s Eve. By going to a bar or pub, people not only get to skip the dishes but the entire mess altogether. They also have access to a number of different types of food, drinks, and other treats. The only downside to going to a bar or pub is that everyone is going to have to pay their bill at the end of the night. However, this is a small price to pay for a fun night in Collingwood, ON.

 

All Collingwood, ON, residents should be excited for New Year’s Eve. This is because there is so much that the town has to offer. Collingwood, ON, residents can throw a party, go to the Under the Sea Family celebration or go to one of the local bars for a night of laughter and cheer.

 

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3 Fun Activities for When It Gets Too Cold This Winter

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

As fun as it can be to frolic in the snow, when temperatures begin to drop below 0 C, there is no denying it can get a little bit uncomfortable. This is even truer when the temperature plummets to -10 C, -20 C and lower. When the winter weather begins to become unbearable, residents in Collingwood, ON will have to resort to indoor activities. Thankfully, there are a number of fun things that can be done in the home and in covered areas in Collingwood, ON.

 

Indoor Ice Skating

 

When the winter weather gets wild, it’s not a bad idea to pack up some skates and go to one of the indoor skating areas in the Collingwood, ON area. Collingwood residents can visit either the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena or the Central Park Area. Residents are welcome to take part in any of the scheduled events or they can take matters into their own hands and rent out one of the rinks. This makes it easy to put together a fun game of hockey or go for a relaxing skate around the rink.

Play Board Games

 

Few things are more fun than spending an evening playing a board game with friends or family. Although it may get competitive, board games are a great bonding activity and are efficient time killers. Many board games can take multiple hours (or even days) to complete, making them perfect activities for snow days. Those that want to get out of the house can check out Side Launch Brewing’s “12 Days of Side Launch: Board Games and Beer” on December 18th. The 12 Days of Side Launch is a multi-day event that is hosted by the Collingwood Brewing Company. The Board Games and Beer event is a great opportunity to show off some skills and have a few adult beverages with some friends.

 

Movie Marathon

 

As the weather begins to get colder and colder, many people will find themselves becoming lazier and lazier. The activity for a cold, lazy Sunday is a movie marathon. Grab a warm blanket, fluff your pillows and grab your favorite snack. Those that aren’t a huge fan of movies may want to find a series that they can enjoy. Invite over friends or family members and let the good times roll, regardless of the cold weather outside in Collingwood, ON.

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4 Must-Try Restaurants in Collingwood, ON

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood business

One of the best ways to deal with winter gloom is going out for a nice meal with friends or family members. A delicious meal is a perfect distraction from the bitter cold temperature outside. Although a home cooked meal is never a bad choice, there is something special about going out to a restaurant. Thankfully, Collingwood, ON has an abundance of wonderful restaurants with mouthwatering meals.

 

Brunello at 27 on Fourth

 

Whether it’s pasta, meatballs or pizza, Italian food is loved around the world. It can be difficult to find good Italian food in Canada, however, Brunello at 27 on Fourth makes it easy for Collingwood residents to enjoy their favorite cuisine. Brunello at 27 on Fourth offers a wide variety of Italian classics. The restaurant has an amazing atmosphere and equally fantastic service. Brunello at 27 on Fourth also offers a variety of vegetarian options, making it a great choice for those who don’t eat meat.

 

Fish and Sips

 

There are few food combinations that go together better than fish and chips. Collingwood residents who can’t resist the greasy goodness can stop in at Fish and Sips. This fish and chips restaurant offers customers large servings of flaky, delicious fish and crispy, warm fries. Along with the classics, Fish and Sips also offer a handful of gluten-free items on their menu.

Northwinds Brewhouse and Kitchen

 

Those that need a cold beer to go along with their dinner can stop by Northwinds Brewhouse and Kitchen. This is a traditional pub-style restaurant that serves a wide selection of quality food and drinks. Northwinds Brewhouse and Kitchen have become a favorite among the Collingwood locals. This is partially thanks to its variety of unique, in-house beers. The quality beer mixed with delicious food has made the Northwinds Brewhouse and Kitchen a must-go restaurant.

 

Bent Taco

 

From crunchy tacos to saucy quesadillas, Mexican cuisine has so much to offer, especially in the cold winter months. Those looking to add some spice to their life can give Bent Taco a try. This mouthwatering Mexican restaurant offers a large selection of traditional and innovative meals. The service at Bent Taco is casual, friendly and attentive. This, along with the delicious food, makes Bent Taco the destination for Mexican food in Collingwood.

 

With a little bit of research, anyone can find the perfect restaurant to eat out at in Collingwood, ON.

 

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What’s Going on in Collingwood This December?

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events

During the winter, it is important to get out of the house and join in on community events. Thankfully, the town of Collingwood has no shortage of fun and interesting events for its residents. Be sure to make some room in your calendar for these great events this December.

 

Essential Oils Workshop for the Holidays

 

Essential oils are a great way to improve the smell and quality of the air in your home. Be sure to swing by the Essential Oils Workshop for the Holidays hosted by AromaTouch certified practitioners Eda Redmond and Linda Teeter. This workshop is the perfect way to incorporate aromatherapy into your winter schedule. The workshop takes place on December 3rd at 7 PM at the Collingwood Library. Anyone interested in registering needs to call Dorothy at 705-445-1571.

Technology for Beginners

 

Technology is constantly changing, making it difficult to stay updated and on top of the new trends. This is especially true for some of the older Collingwood residents. Thankfully, there is a multi-week program at the Collingwood Public Library called Technology for Beginners. This program is made to help the residents of Collingwood have a better understanding of their devices. Technology for Beginners covers a number of great topics like using PayPal, precautionary safety measures and more. The event takes place on December 5th, 12th, and 19th at 10:30 AM.

 

A RatPacked Christmas Comedy Hour

 

The winter blues can be all too real in December; that’s why it’s important to go out and laugh once in a while. Anyone in need of a good chuckle should head over to the Simcoe Street Theatre for A RatPacked Christmas Comedy Hour. This is a 2-day comedy event that takes place from December 7th to the 8th. Hosted by comedians James Godfrey and Kevin Finn (along with a “crooner” Thomas Finn), the event is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. The event also features Rebeca Rain as a special guest. Anyone interested in going can contact [email protected] for more information.

 

Frozen in Time Ice Festival

 

Nothing is better than ending off the year with a good time. Anyone in Collingwood should head over to the Frozen in Time Ice Festival. The festival is filled with fun activities such as the Ice Sculpture Celebration and the Winter Wonderland Village. The festival runs all day from December 28th to the 30th.

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Fun Activities to Do This Winter in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

Although the days are short and the weather is cold, there are a number of ways that you can make the most out of a snowy Collingwood winter. Ditch your TV and blankets and go outside and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer.

Skiing or Snowboarding

For those in need of an adrenaline rush, make the most out of the snow by going skiing or snowboarding. Skiing and snowboarding are great ways to utilize the snowy weather and have a good time. They are fun activities to do with friends, family or individually. Collingwood residents are lucky to have the fantastic Blue Mountain Resort just a short drive away. The Blue Mountain Resort offers some of the best ski hills in all of Ontario. This makes it the perfect spot for Collingwood residents to get their shred on this winter.

Go For a Walk

There are few things more beautiful than a forest after a fresh snowfall. After a snowfall, be sure to take advantage of one of the many trails in the Collingwood area. Whether it’s a 15-minute walk or a multi-hour hike, spending time in nature is good for the body and the mind. Feel free to take a camera or your smartphone to snap some wintery pictures. However, be sure to wear the appropriate clothing such as a jacket, gloves and a hat. These garments will minimize the chances of getting frostbite.

Play in the Snow

Regardless of your age, it is fun to play in the snow. It’s a great way to get a bit of exercise and can be quite nostalgic. Gather up some friends and have a giant snowball fight. It’s also fun to build a large snow fort or igloo. If done right, you can even spend the night in an igloo. After all the fun is over, you can go inside and enjoy the warmth.

Even though it gets a bad rap for being cold and gloomy, winter can be one of the most fun seasons. It just requires a little bit of creativity. Anyone who is already bored of winter can hit the ski hills, go for a walk on one of the beautiful trails or play in the snow. All of these activities will not only keep you entertained this winter, but they will also help you stay active.

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Tasty Treats to Make This Winter Season

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood News

Although there is no avoiding the bone-chilling cold that comes along with winter, there is a great way to combat it by making warm and delicious treats. Nothing is better after a long day in the cold than relaxing at home with a warm, homemade snack or drink.

Apple Pie

Apple pie is a go-to dessert in the fall and winter. The flaky outside and warm, gooey insides make homemade apple pie pretty hard to resist. Although store-bought apples will do the trick, nothing improves a pie like freshly picked apples. The Collingwood area is home to a number of apple orchards so if you have any in your freezer leftover from Thanksgiving, be sure to add them in.

Gingerbread

Gingerbread cookies are a classic winter treat that is hard to pass up. They are fairly simple to make and are extremely fun to decorate. Make an afternoon out of it and decorate some gingerbread shapes or go all out and build a gingerbread house. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this tasty winter treat.

Hot Chocolate

Whether you are out on a walk or driving to work, a cup of hot chocolate can be the perfect pick-me-up. Fill up a thermos and you can have some on hand all day long. If you are making it for kids, have fun with it and experiment with different ingredients or find fun recipes online. This will guarantee smiling faces and warm tummies, even on the coldest winter night.  

Shortbread Cookies

There is nothing quite like the smell of shortbread cookies that have been freshly pulled from the oven. Shortbread cookies are great on their own, but they are also quite versatile and can be used in other recipes such as in crusts, sandwiches and to top other treats.

Although the winter can be harsh and cold, a warm snack or drink can make it much more enjoyable. Everyone has their own favorites and there are a variety of treats that are perfect for the season. Try your hand at baking up some of these classic delights this winter. It also never hurts to fill up a thermos with some warm, soothing hot chocolate. If you’re not much of a baker, there are a number of fantastic cafés in the Collingwood area that can satisfy your cravings all winter long.

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5 Must Try Coffee Shops and Cafes in Collingwood, ON

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood business

 

Although it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Canadians love their coffee. We love it so much in fact, that in 2015, we ranked 1st out of 80 countries for the most litres of coffee drank per capita. That’s a lot of coffee.

 

With winter just around the corner, it never seem like a bad time for a warm cup of coffee. Thankfully, Collingwood, ON has a number of fantastic cafes and coffee shops to peruse. Whether you want to go with a traditionally Canadian double double or a shot of some powerful espresso, the wonderful coffee shops of Collingwood have you covered.

 

Ashanti Coffee

 

Ashanti Coffee is the perfect mix of a rustic and clean aesthetic. The shop has a delightful atmosphere and is in a lovely location. It is a great spot to grab lunch with a co-worker or friend on a chilly afternoon in Collingwood.

 

Journeys Blend Cafe

Those who are looking for a modern atmosphere may want to check out Journeys Blend Cafe. Journeys Blend Cafe is a non-profit restaurant that offers a variety of different coffees and other warm beverages. Nothing goes better with one of their coffees than a homemade muffin or cookie. They are also known for having a fantastic French onion soup.

 

 

Heavenly Sweets Cafe

 

Anyone with a bit of a sweet tooth should probably check out Heavenly Sweets Cafe. As you could probably guess by the name, Heavenly Sweets Cafe is known for is sugary pastries and baked goodies. However, don’t let the name fool you, Heavenly Sweets Cafe serves a mean cup of coffee. Stop by for a treat after a fun day playing in the snow.

 

Espresso Post

 

If your looking for that classic coffee shop vibe, look no further than Espresso Post. The Espresso Post offers customers a wide variety of delicious snacks and some hard to resist coffee. The decour is unique and they have a great patio (although you may want to wait until it gets warmer).

 

Creemore Coffee Studio

 

Anyone who enjoys a good read and a warm cup of coffee are in luck. The Creemore Coffee Studio is right across the street from the Collingwood library. This makes it easy to find a good book and read away the afternoon with some delicious coffee. Creemore Coffee Studio is known for its butter tarts, so it might not be a bad idea to try one if build up an appetite from reading.

 

Whether it is black, double double, decaffeinated or iced, we Canadians drink a lot of coffee. Maybe it’s because Canada is so cold, or maybe we just have so many great coffee shops and cafes around. Collingwood is no exception to this and is chock-full of great places to grab a warm cup of coffee in winter. Be sure to check out as many as you can, as they all offer their own unique products with their own flavours. Although, if you plan on sleeping, don’t try them all in one day.

 

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Events to Check Out in Collingwood This November

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events

With the days getting shorter and the winter weather approaching, it can be tempting to wrap yourself up in a blanket and watch movies all November. However, it is important to take advantage of the last of the nice weather before the snow arrives. There are a number of events going on all November long in Collingwood, giving you a ton of reasons to ditch your couch for the day.

 

Rockin’ For a Cause

 

Rockin’ For a Cause is a fundraiser, dance, and silent auction which will be raising money for CASLE and Home Horizon/Barbara Weider House. The event starts at 8 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion on November 2nd. The night will be filled with food, entertainment, and performances from local bands, MOSSY ROCKS and Highway 26 ONT. Contact Ted Pollock at [email protected] for more information.

 

Fall 2018 Author Talks

 

For those who constantly have their nose in a book, we have a treat for you. Swing by the Collingwood Public Library on November 8th at 7 p.m. for Fall 2018 Author Talks. This chat will be lead by Geoff Taylor, who will be discussing his novel Tom Thomson’s Last Bonfire. Taylor will be giving his own perspective on the mysteries of Algonquin Park and the circumstances surrounding the Group of Seven member’s death. The event is free. Contact Dorothy at 705-445-1571 ext. 6241 for more information.

 

Blood Donor Clinic

 

Although it may not be the most entertaining thing to do, it is extremely important to give blood for those who need it. The Collingwood Community Blood Donor Clinic is hosting a blood drive at the Royal Canadian Legion starting at 2 p.m. on November 14th. It is important to donate blood and helps build a strong sense of community. If you are experienced or have never given blood but would like to, please contact 1-888-236-6283 for more information or to set up an appointment.

 

One of the best things about living in Collingwood is the amount of events that go on throughout the year. These are a great excuse to get out of the house, especially once the weather starts to cool down. Whether you’re looking for a night of entertainment, to chat about literature, or to serve your community, you can do it all in Collingwood. What are you waiting for? Go out and experience your community.

 

Autumn Adventures in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

Before you let your outdoor summer spirit be cast away, take a look at the beauty outside. That’s the beauty of the brightly coloured leaves, fresh fall mornings, chilly evenings, and the beautiful harvest fruits and vegetables you see at the local farmer’s market.  All of this is enough to say that autumn in Ontario is a pretty great season, and it’s certainly not one to spend inside. In fact, Collingwood has lots of autumn adventures for you to take advantage of, and there is no doubt that one would be perfect for you.

Everest Challenge

Do you have “climb Mount Everest,” on your bucket list of adventures? Good news: you can do it right here in Collingwood. Well, almost. Get ready to test your endurance and athletic abilities as you join in teams of 2,4,5,8 or 10 people to climb Blue Mountain – however many times you need to in order to equal Everest’s 29,092 feet. The event will act as a charity fundraiser for the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, and is a great chance to get active while supporting a good cause.

Free Spirit Tour

For over 19 years, Free Spirit Tours has been offering “unforgettable adventures in the South Georgian Bay.” From Collingwood and Wasaga Beach to Beaver Valley and Metcalfe Rock, the adventures abound and the fun is waiting. You can book your group for a brewery tour or to go caving, paddling, climbing, or wine tasting. In fact, make it even better by combining a wine tour after a day spent paddling on the water. During a new and popular tour, Edible Foraging, you’ll learn about plants growing right in your own community that are edible and offer health and medicinal benefits. The adventure awaits, so find your adventuring crew and reach out to Free Spirit today.

Adventures in Food

Your adventures in Collingwood don’t have to all be adrenaline-filled or take place outdoors. In fact, you can have some adventures sitting down indoors. The very best of these, of course, involves food. Collingwood is home to a rich cultural heritage, and as such, also offers a wide selection of cuisines. Going to restaurants that offer different cuisines presents a great opportunity to get adventurous with your food and maybe even find a new favourite dish. You can start with Jamaican, trying the Jerk Chicken at Angie’s Place in Stayner. From there, Italian awaits you at Trattoria Azzurra. Next up, make things a little spicier as you try Mexican cuisine and head to Bent Taco. And if you’re not feeling that adventurous yet, there are lots of pubs, breweries, and bistros for you to experience for more familiar fare.

 

Many people like autumn because of all things pumpkin, while others are into the season for the fresh apples and hot apple cider. Whatever your reason for loving the season, there are lots of adventures that await, and great ways for you to experience, support, and enjoy your Collingwood neighbourhood.

 

Real Estate Market Update

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood News / Collingwood Real Estate

Like much of the rest of Ontario, and other areas of the GTA, Collingwood is not a cheap place to find real estate. But it doesn’t make it any less desirable or put it down lower on the list of places to live when it comes to searching for a new home. Whether you’re a current resident and interested in the market status, or are looking to get into the Collingwood real estate market, here’s an update on some recent real estate news for the area.

Home Sales Down

The numbers are in for September, and much like the rest of Ontario, the trend continues, with decreased home sales numbers. The sales are “running at subdued levels compared to recent years,” says Matthew Lidnetter, President of the Southern Georgian Bay Association of Realtors (SGBAR). In fact, these current numbers are at historically low levels. This is partly to do with the change in mortgage rules that came at the beginning of the year, to which the province is still feeling the effects.

Value is Up

Home sales being down however, isn’t all bad. The total value of Collingwood properties sold this past month is up 1.5 percent compared to September 2017. This is good news for sellers but places an increased burden on buyers who are fighting the mortgage laws as well as increased home prices.

Supply has Increased

This combination of factors is also the reason that there is an increase in supply. When prices go up and fewer people can afford to purchase property, sale numbers decrease. As a result, there are more houses on the market and supply increases. In fact, according to SGBAR, there were 475 new residential listings this year, a 4.4 percent increases in a year over year comparison. But supply being up now, is not indicative of what the supply is normally. Overall, there were record lows in supply, with numbers down 0.7 percent compared to the same month last year. In essence, this makes supply the lowest it has been since the mid-1990s.

Sales Still Happening

Despite these dynamics, properties are moving quickly in the Collingwood market. Indeed, there is still plenty of desire to buy and live in Collingwood, and overall the region had a ten percent increase in units sold in September 2018 compared to September 2017. Broken down by region specifically, the western region sales, including the Blue Mountains area, was down by 16 percent compared to this time last year, while in the east, sales were down by just 2.4 percent compared to September 2017.

If you live in Collingwood, you already know how great of a place it is to live. You know how beautiful it is, how friendly the people are and all the great businesses, restaurants, boutiques, and breweries available to enjoy. And as a result, you probably also know why everyone wants to move here, despite the fluctuation in prices and sale numbers. After all, Collingwood is a great place to call home!