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.

Collingwood Youth Centre

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

Whether you are new to the community, or you have lived here for a long time, the Collingwood Youth Centre definitely needs your attention. Not your attention as in something is wrong, but your attention as in let’s take some time to look at this wonderful asset to the city of Collingwood and celebrate what it does, see what it offers and understand how you can take advantage of all that is the Collingwood Youth Centre.

Why is it here?

The main objective of the Collingwood Youth Centre is to help youth, ages 10-16, “build the skills that will take you where you want to go.” Whether that is skills in social interaction, skills in specific jobs and training, or specialized skills in personal development, the centre seeks to act as a place to meet all of these needs. Designed to help the city invest in its youth, it acts as a safe and welcoming hub for the youth of Collingwood, and a place that offers both work and play, in an educational environment. The are opportunities to develop employable skills to allow individuals to go out in the community and find a job; there are activities and events to encourage youth to get involved in the community; and perhaps most importantly, there are resources for alternative choices when it comes to offering help to you youth who spend time on the streets or tend to get in trouble with the law.

What does it do?

The centre offers a selection of programming including a technology centre and recording studio, a teaching kitchen, and lots of open space for educating, facilitating and learning. The goal of the programming is to allow for a balance of fun and socialization, while still encouraging youth to pursue personal development, learn life skills and gain training in specific job-based skills. In addition, there are regularly scheduled special events and field trips, and of course, you can always just drop in and come hang out with fun people on comfy couches! Drop in is held weekdays from 3:30 to 9pm, Saturdays 12-8pm and Sundays 12-6pm.

Can I get involved?

Please do! Come drop in and say hi any day of the week. If you are looking for specific resources, such as help with employment, would like to talk to an open, willing-to-listen adult, or are interested in options related to improving your health and wellness, visit the website to learn more. In addition, you can find out how you can volunteer and help out at CYC, or just get some more information about this amazing place that is a mainstay of the Collingwood community.

 

Welcome to the The Collingwood Youth Centre: another amazing component that makes up this great city we get to call home.

24HRs of Blue

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

The countdown is on to the start of the Blue Mountain 24-Hour ski relay fundraiser, held at Blue Mountain Resort on February 24-25, 2018. During this time and in the months leading up to the big day, Individuals and teams raise money to support local Collingwood charities, including Special Olympics Ontario and G&M Hospital Foundation. If you are not familiar with the event, or haven’t been able to attend in previous years, you are in for an exciting weekend filled with lots of snow, lots of skiing, and of course, lots of community spirit.

How it Works

Every February, Blue Mountain Resort organizes a 24-hour ski relay charity event as a chance to raise money, raise awareness and to bring the community of Collingwood and surrounding areas of Ontario together. Each individual looking to participate as a skier, must register for the event and purchase a ticket. This includes a lift pass for the weekend, reception Friday night, Saturday morning breakfast, a gift bag, and of course a ski bib and timing chip for your team for the weekend. You can register as a team or if you do not have a team, enter as an individual and you will be placed on a team for the weekend.

Special Guests

Not only is the event for a good cause, but it will also bring in some good people! Brian Semmle, 4-time Olympic skier will be coming on as an event ambassador, bringing his experience, expertise, and long-standing support of the Special Olympics to the forefront of the event. In addition, Kate Pettersen, sports reporter and host, will be hanging out on the mountain for the duration of the event to act as the official on-air host and supporter of the event. Kate grew up as a skier in the Escarpment, and now comes back ready to act as an enthusiastic event host and supporter.

How You Can Get Involved

While you can register to participate in the skiing, there are lots of ways to get involved and support the cause, even if you aren’t into skiing. All participants will be looking to raise $150 in addition to their registration fee, so feel free to donate to any team or individual who is participating. You can show up on either day during the event to donate money, act as the cheer squad, or just take in the events and hang out at Blue Mountain to show your support. There will be a live band Friday night, fun skiing events to watch, guest speakers, and of course loads of fun.

Get your hat and gloves and ski pants ready, because when relay weekend arrives, Blue Mountain is the place to be. What are you doing February 24-25th?

 

February Arts Scene

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

It’s time to take your mind off the snow and the cold, stop wishing for spring and the sunshine, and immerse yourself in Collingwood’s arts scene. The month of February is stacking up to be a great show when it comes to taking full advantage of the city’s arts and culture. Whether you’re into film, theater, or want to take a workshop to learn about art yourself, this month is the time to make it happen.

Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts (BMFA)

A mainstay in the community when it comes to promoting art and encouraging art education, BMFA is going to be busy this month with workshops and events. First up is the Intuitive Abstract Painting Workshop, on February 21st. This workshop will use individuals’ current knowledge of colour theory to educate on using intuition to complete abstract paintings. Next up, on February 24th and 25th, participants will be able to study evocative landscapes. In this workshop, participants will learn how to use color for emotional emphasis and learn how to create inspirational landscapes.

Sweetwater Film Festival

Coming on February 23rd to the Simcoe Theatre, the Sweetwater Film Festival is offering a selection of four films, which are not to be missed! The theatre will be screening Frozen Tails, a collection of films that celebrate individuals who choose to head outside in the winter and snow, instead of staying in. These films are all about people who go and freeze their “tails” off in the pursuit of new adventure, new records, and new self-motivated success. With four films to choose from, ranging in everything from skiing to cycling to scootering, you’re sure to find one (or four!) that will make you laugh, smile, shed a tear in triumph. And maybe even make you rethink you decision to hibernate inside for the season!

Meaford Cultural Centre

If music, concerts and performing arts are more your scene, the Meaford Cultural Centre is the place to be. Get out of house and head to a sing-a-long performance of Grease on February 16th – open to everyone, even if you think you can’t carry a tune! On February 21st, take in the Led Zeppelin show, where Classic Albums Live will be performing Led Zeppelin 1. On the following night, you can enjoy an “Intimate Evening with Jully Black,” before finishing off the month on February 25th with The Beckett Family. They’ll put on a classic country music, toe-tapping fiddling show that is sure to have you bouncing in your seat!

This month in Collingwood, there are lots of opportunities to soak up the culture, get creative, and sing along to your favourite musical songs. Get a few friends together, or join up with your family and head out to enjoy the Collingwood arts community.

Welcome to Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

As a new Collingwood resident, know that you have come to a great part of the world, and we are so excited to welcome you into our town. From skiing and snowboarding on the slopes in the winter, to sitting along the beach in the summer, Collingwood is a year round delight and offers lots of opportunities for families, kids, millennials, and everyone in between. As you get settled into your new home, take advantage of some of the amazing features that Collingwood has to offer.

Blue Mountains

In the heart of winter, this one may already be the most prominent, but visiting the mountains, buckling into your skis and enjoying the snow and great outdoors is indeed one of Collingwood’s greatest offerings. Not just for the snow season though, you can take advantage of hikes, zip lining, and special events on the mountain at other times of the year. And their proximity to Collingwood makes it all that much more accessible!

Get Fit

If your preference for getting active isn’t tied to skis and slopes, there are several other options that you can try. Active Life Conditioning offers several opportunities for you to get fit, including Pilates, spin classes, group conditioning and new mom programs. If Crossfit is more your style, join Crossfit Mozomo and test your skills at the daily WOD or many of their other specialty programs and classes.

Ocean Views

While you are doing your Crossfit, you may notice that you are nice and close to the ocean! The city comes alive in the summer, offering several water based activities and events, as well as having a bustling waterfront with restaurants and special summer scheduling. Take a walk along the water and then check out the Collingwood Brewery for some delightful afternoon beverages!

Arts Scene

Another bustling area of Collingwood is the arts scene. Whether you are into music, theater, or visual arts, the city has lots to offer and there are constantly new and rotating events popping up on the calendar. Theatre Collingwood has an exciting line up for 2018, including a much-loved Elvis Festival, while the Collingwood Cinema Club also has a line up of festivals and special movie screenings for the year ahead.   Finally, if you’re more into viewing visual art and walking through galleries, check out The Press Gallery on Simcoe Street and enjoy their art exhibits in the months to come.

Collingwood is a great place to live, work and play: it has lots to offer, no matter what your preferences or interests. Start with these options to get you out the door to enjoy your new home. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with what you find!

 

Beat the Winter Blues

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

When January starts to come to a close, with February almost here, it’s easy to start to get excited by the prospect of warmer weather. “Spring is just around the corner,” you think, as the groundhog pops out to have a view, only to remind you of how much winter is left. If you’re starting to feel a bit of winter doom and gloom, suffering from a case of the winter blues, try some of these fun activities to get you through to sunnier days!

 

Arts and Crafts

Whether you have craft supplies already at home, or you go out and stock up on a few things like paint, brushes, paper, and glue, there are so many amazing craft ideas that you can do at home, that the whole family will love. You can purchase wooden letters and have everyone paint their initials; you can get a big canvas and have everyone contribute to a family mural. Buy a variety of beads and a spool of cord and make your own bracelets and necklaces. Or better yet, make them as friendship bracelets to share together. Let the winter be a chance to get creative and crafty and don’t let the weather dampen your spirit!

 

Baking Day

Perfect for families, or as a solo adventure, there’s nothing like warming up from having the oven on all afternoon while you by fill the house with the amazing smells of fresh baked treats. Choose your favourite recipes, or make this the time to try something new or take on a challenging dessert. Always wanted to try making baklava? How about homemade bread? Winter has us craving hearty, home-cooked food, and home baked goods fit perfectly into that category, making it the perfect time to try out all those new Pinterest finds. Plus, no one ever complained about having some delicious treats to share and enjoy with friends and family!

Home Theater

This one is the best for particularly cold and stormy weekend afternoons. Find your favourite movie, layer the floor in front of the TV with comfy cushions, blankets and pillows, and nestle yourself in for an at-home theater experience. You can pop popcorn, or make some special treats, hand around a carton of ice cream, and share a sneaky bag of Smarties or Starburst. Go all out: get all the treats you wouldn’t normally buy, before choosing a family-friendly movie and then settle in together for the afternoon.

While winter may still have some time to go, it doesn’t mean it has to leave you feeling down and blue. Instead, take advantage of the storms that lock you in to enjoy some fun indoor activities, and when the weather finally allows, get outside, breathe in the fresh air and run through the snow. You’ll be surprised to see just how happy you can be when you see the winter season as a new opportunity instead of just a long wait until spring arrives!

Collingwood Family Day

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

A cherished holiday every year, Family Day in Collingwood is a chance to forget about work, leave all the weekday stresses behind, and get out in the community with your family. This year, there are lots of family friendly activities happening throughout Collingwood, and lots of ways for you to get involved. On February 19th, check out some of these locations for your Family Day celebrations:

Blue Mountain Resort

Family Day weekend at Blue Mountain Resort promises to be filled with active adventure, entertainment, outdoor activities, and events that the whole family can participate in. And the best part is, you can take in events starting Saturday morning, and going straight through until Monday afternoon! Start the weekend enjoying family activities and taffy on the snow, before enjoying a DJ party Saturday afternoon and taking in the fireworks in the evening. Sunday brings special Birds of Prey shows, along with interactive drumming in the afternoon, and Monday is filled with family activities, including Groove Dancing and a Wildlife Rescue Show. Pack up the car, grab your skis, and enjoy this weekend as a family affair at the resort!

Blue Mountain Village

The Village at Blue Mountain also has some exciting family events happening to help you celebrate the holiday weekend. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning start with a guided snowshoe tour, presented by the village Columbia Store. Snowshoes will be provided and participants will have the chance to explore beautiful parts of the mountain and the surrounding village area, all with the experience and expertise of a professional. This is only the beginning though: in the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday, the village will welcome the characters of Frozen! Roam around the village with them as they meet each family, sing songs, and take in the frozen winter wonderland that is the Blue Mountains.

Central Park

When it comes to free events for Family Day, Central Park is the place to be. Hosting the Collingwood Family Jam, all day on Monday, February 19th, the park is offering activities for the whole family to enjoy and to encourage getting out together in the community. There will be swimming and an open gym for getting active and playing inside, while outside activities will include public skating, Shinny hockey, a scavenger hunt, and a campfire. You can take in Fat Bike demos, or participate in a family obstacle course, and when you get too cold, just pop into the Central Park Arena to enjoy some free hot chocolate. Pack a lunch and make a day of it, enjoying time with your family getting active and supporting the community!

This year, Family Day weekend is all about getting out and getting active. Choose your favourite activities and get ready to have a jam-packed weekend of fun, all while supporting the Collingwood community and strengthening family ties.

Snowshoeing the Scenic Caves

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

Situated less than 10 minutes from the Blue Mountains Resort, and closer still to the Scandinave Spa of Blue Mountain, you’ll find Collingwood’s Scenic Caves. Dating back to 1850, these caves were first discovered by explorers in the early 1800s, before Collingwood was even incorporated. They were later settled as a farm and with additional acreage. In 1932, the caves were established as a tourist attraction. Owned by a former Toronto police chief, opening the location to the public gave visitors the chance to explore the farm as well as attend guided tours of the caves. Today, it continues to grow in popularity and it offers cave tours, as well as 420-foot suspension bridge, children’s adventure playground, a train, and now a zipline, featuring as the longest Twin Zip Line in Canada. And with winter in full swing, there is something even more exciting: exploring the park on snowshoe!

Held at night, snowshoeing tours happen underneath the stars, where the nighttime sky creates a perfect setting to experience nature in a completely different way. The park, covered in snow, is transformed into an entirely new adventure, making it a perfect addition to the Scenic Caves Adventure Tours offerings. The hike is usually about two hours in length and is led by an experienced guide who knows all the best places, all the park secrets, and even all the tricks to help you get up the hills! Because don’t think this will be a walk in the park: indeed you are in for a delightful evening workout as you strap on your shoes and gear up in your hat and mittens.

The trail takes you throughout the countryside of the park, winding through paths that intertwine amidst 100-foot tall tress of the mature forest. As you look up at the trees and try to take in the amazing surroundings, you may be surprised to hear it’s time to take a rest! Stopping at the Suspension Bridge, you will have a chance to take in the magnificent views and lookouts of the Niagara Escarpment, before crossing over the bridge (if you dare!). And with a little luck, you may even see the glowing eyes of animal nightlife.

If just reading about it is exciting you, it’s time to get out your calendar and book in your adventure. Held most Saturday nights (weather permitting) from now until March, make sure to reserve your spot so you don’t miss out. Participants are provided with a headlamp to use during the hike and are required to wear hiking boots as well as to dress in layers appropriate to the weather. The pace is moderate and the atmosphere relaxed, but it is recommended for individuals ten years of age and older. And the best part? At the end of your hike, be treated to hot chocolate or cider as well as the option to purchase additional cold snacks and hot beverages!

Winter is here to stay for a few more months, so make the most of it and explore the great outdoors on foot, under the nighttime sky, romping through the pristine snow. Head over to the Nordic Centre to book your adventure!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collingwood Snow Sports

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

Winter rages on here in Collingwood, and while it may be cold outside, if you are into winter sports, it has been a ski-lovers’ paradise. With lots of snow, temperatures that allow the hills to stay in good condition, and proximity to the pristine Blue Mountain region, it’s time to ramp up your ski season and make sure you are taking full advantage of all Collingwood has to offer with these fun, upcoming skiing events.

Celebrate Winter

On January 20 and January 21, come celebrate winter all day long. Presented by Blue Mountain Resort, start in the morning with your usual ski and snowboarding plans, then stop at the top of the mountain for Woodview Mountaintop Skating. There is a snowshoe tour and family activities, along with interactive drumming and wagon rides to round out the morning. In the afternoon, take in the DJ’s set, go eat taffy off the snow, and try your hand at the Beavertail eating. In the evening, the village comes aglow with the torch light parade, a family dance party, and fireworks to finish off the night. Head over to check out the schedule and get ready for a weekend of fun.

Badlands Slopestyle

Whether you go in as a spectator, or go in as a competitor, the slopestyle competition hosted by Blue Mountain on January 27 is sure to be exciting for everyone. Taking place at the Badlands Terrain Park, the course will include a selection of jumps, rails, and creative competition features, and will also include cash prizes for Open Divisions. There is something for everyone, starting with the kids, and going all the way through to amateur to open men and women. This event will be a great show of talent to watch, so be sure to head out and support your local community athletes.

Winter Blast

Held as a fundraiser for the Shelter Foundation and Hospice Georgian Triangle, Winter Blast is a day of skiing, yoga, snowshoeing, gourmet food, and outdoor fun sponsored by Royal LePage Locations North. The event takes place at the Craigleith Ski Club with tickets on sale now, which include your day of skiing, eating, and après ski events, all in the name of a good cause. Now in its 33rd year, this popular event seeks to raise money to support local women and children and offer them access to shelters and support programs in the area. The Hospice Georgian Triangle uses funds raised to train volunteer community members to support individuals living with life-threatening illness.

Not into skiing? Don’t worry; the Skate Trail is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to allow you to sharpen your skating skills instead, or just to enjoy some fun winter activities with the family. The line up of fun changes weekly, so be sure to check it out and decide when you want to attend. Or of course, you can always combine the two: spend the day on the slopes and hit the ice at night. Here in Collingwood there is no shortage of winter activities to enjoy: get outside and experience all that it has to offer!

How to Protect your Home in the Bitter Cold

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Real Estate

As if the snow wasn’t enough, Old Man Winter has certainly made his presence known with the freezing temperatures and wind-chill that are currently overtaking the Collingwood region.  And while you may do a good job of bundling yourself and your kids up, have you considered your house? The cold temperatures and biting wind can be very damaging to your home, and it’s worth putting in some time to focus on protecting it from the nasty winter weather.

 

Focus on Insulation

Poor insulation within your house allows cold air to enter, creates drafty areas, and can lead to moisture from rain and snow getting inside. You can purchase new insulation strips to add around the outside of doors and windows and this will prevent drafty winds from blowing through, as well as reduce unwanted moisture from melting snow and condensation from seeping in. Furthermore, don’t be afraid to use expandable foam filler to seal any cracks, in your walls or foundation, especially those that lead to the outdoors. Finally, ensure all windows and doors have functioning locks on them, and use them during winter windstorms. This minimizes the risk of the windows and doors accidentally blowing open, allowing cold air and snow to enter your home and cause damage.

winter house in Collingwood

Focus on your Pipes

If you are at home and are regularly running water and using the pipes throughout your house, there is minimal risk of the pipes bursting or freezing. However, if you have pipes in an area of your house that is not well insulated and not used very often, or you go away during the winter, there may be a bigger risk of damage. In the area of the house which you don’t heat, or don’t use regularly, make it a habit to frequently turn on the tap and run water through the pipes. You may also want to turn on the thermostat occasionally to maintain a suitable room temperature. Likewise, if you are going out of town, program your thermostat to turn on if the temperature in the room drops below a certain value, or have someone stop in at your house and warm it up for you to protect your pipes.

 

Focus on the Exterior

While it is important to monitor the pipes and insulation on the inside, what is happening on the exterior of your house is critical as well.  Always try to clear snow from your walkway and steps to ensure it doesn’t build up and become icy and hazardous. If there is a particularly large amount of snow or ice, be mindful of rooftops and awnings and watch for signs of weakening due to weight, such as buckling, bending and cracking. If necessary, and it is safe, remove snow and ice from rooftops that you feel may be at risk, or which aren’t clearing up on their own.

 

Cold weather is the perfect time to curl up inside with a blanket, a book, and a hot cup of tea.  With these preventative tasks taken care of, you can relax without worrying about how the cold weather will affect your home, and instead just focus on trying to stay warm and enjoying the beauty of winter.

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Collingwood in the New Year

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do / Uncategorized

As we enter into January, and the prime of the winter season, in many ways Collingwood is just starting to come alive.  The days may be short, and the darkness comes early, but there are lots of fun and exciting events to get you through the winter and into spring.  Not to mention, a great line-up of exciting things to come in the latter half of the year, and plenty of events to look forward to for kids and adults alike as we embrace a new year with new possibilities as a community.  Get out your calendar to mark down some dates and get ready to join in on the fun!

Celebrating Winter

As a town located at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, and spending much of the time in winter mode, there are still several months of snow and snow activities to look forward to as we kick off 2018.    The Skate Trail through Discovery Harbour will open on the weekends until (hopefully!) mid March, and this year, in addition to skating, will be offering a snowshoe trail and a snow tubing hill.  As has become an annual event, Locations North will host their annual Winter Blast fundraiser as a ski and snowshoe day in February.  Book your tickets now to enjoy a day of outdoor winter fun and support a good cause at the same time. And finally, for all the pie lovers and food connoisseurs in town, don’t miss out on the Apple Pie Trail Feest!  For an evening combining snowshoeing, wine, and pie, strap on your snowshoes and trek across moon-lit trails and stop at fire-lit cabins where you get to enjoy food and drink featuring local chefs and local products.  Definitely an evening not to pass up!

Take in the Arts

We have mentioned before about the amazing arts scene available in Collingwood, and this year will be no different.  With an exceptional line up of plays and on-stage performances happening at Theatre Collingwood, and Meaford Hall, and the Elvis Festival taking over the scene in July, if your heart lights up when you see shows on stage, you’re in for a delight in the year ahead.  The call for artists has gone out for the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts annual Juried Art Show, and awards will be presented on April 22.   Put your talent to the test and submit your artwork for the whole community to enjoy.

collingwood in summer

Let’s Do Summer

While there may be lots to love about Collingwood in the winter, things come alive in the summer too!  The prime location on the Georgian Bay means there are endless options for beach days, spending time with the kids building sand castles and swimming.  And don’t think that the mountains are only best when they are covered in snow.  In fact, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster is a summer-only activity in the Blue Mountains and is a must-do in the warmer months – if you dare!  While you’re there, go on a hike or enjoy a gondola ride, and then enjoy a beer at one of the many local breweries once you reach the bottom.  Summer has lots to offer and spending it out in the community in the sunshine is the best way to take it all in.

With 2018 just around the corner, start now to plan your year, book your vacation and secure your theater tickets.  Collingwood is sure to live up to your desires for a year of fun.

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