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.

How to Prepare for Snow Days this Winter

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do / Uncategorized

With winter officially here, and the New Year upon us, it will soon be time to start back up at school for the 2018 year.  And with those two combined, comes the threat of snow days, stormy weather and school cancellations.  Take these steps over the holiday break to prepare for the impending snow days in the New Year and know what to do so that you can initiate your action plan at a moment’s notice.

Get the Information

The most important thing when it comes to a snow day is to be informed.  This means to check the weather forecast and its predicted severity, as well as to inform yourself about what is closed or cancelled.  The local radio station is a good place to do this, and they will likely have regularly updating reports, as well as weather forecasts.  School websites typically post when school is cancelled on their website, and for other businesses or locations, visit their website as well to see if it has been updated.  In addition, social media options, such as Facebook and Twitter are great ways to see up to the minute information.  Finally, for school bus cancellations, you can view the Simcoe County Bus Information website.

Do something fun

Instead of seeing snow days as a cause of stress, or an unexpected burden, look at them as a chance to have some fun or do some things that you wouldn’t regularly get to do on a typical Tuesday or Wednesday.  If you have young kids, and are able to take the day off work, this will give you an uninterrupted day together, where you can do crafts, play games, bake treats, or maybe even play out in the snow if the weather subsides later in the day.  To set you up for this, get a container and create the “Snow Day Basket.”  In it, you can put things like arts and crafts supplies, a deck of cards, or a few board games.  You can also have a similar basket in the pantry so that you’re ready for snow day baking.  Keep a stock of the staples such as flour, baking powder, sugar, and vanilla.

Find a babysitter

If you know that it will be difficult for you to stay home and look after the kids on snow days, put a plan in place for what you can do for alternative childcare options.  For example, if there is a neighbor who could come over, a relative, or maybe there is a local student who is free certain days of the week.  Whichever option you are choosing, get in contact with these people and put a plan in place so that when the snow day arrives it can simply be put into action and you just have to make a call.

 

While snow days may be inconvenient for parents, and a celebration for the kids, there’s a way to meet in the middle and keep everyone happy.  Do a little planning, reach out for support, and make this the year that you all get to enjoy snow days together.

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Frozen in Time Festival

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

If you are looking for family fun over the holidays, be sure to add the Frozen in Time Festival to your calendar. Happening December 28th until the 30th, this completely free festival happens throughout downtown Collingwood.

Start by checking out the seemingly amazing ice sculptures around town. You will be wowed as you see what local ice sculptors can do with a chainsaw and ice! These sculptures are extra special too, because they will focus on Collingwood’s history and celebrate Canada’s 150th year. Be sure to download the map so you don’t miss even one! If sculpting ice wasn’t enough, these ice carvers will also do a battle! Each day at 1pm, check  out the carving skills of these talented people.

Thrill your kids or impress your loved one with a horse-drawn old-fashioned wagon ride around downtown. Leaving from Town Hall each day of the festival, the rides will be happening from 12pm until 4pm.

Don’t go hungry! There will be local vendors selling delicious baked goods, along with hot chocolate to warm you up, just in case you are frozen as well. Of course, you’ll want to dress warm, but there will be complimentary runny nose and chilly toes supplies being handed out for those who need a little extra. You can also stop in and warm up with soup, hot apple cider, wood-fired pizza and lattes from all of the best restaurants on Simcoe Street. The Tremont Café will be serving mulled wine and German sausage on their patio, where you can sit by the fire and enjoy. Another not-to-miss will be, Soco who will be cooking wood-fired pizza from their 1951 Mercury Truck.

There’s so much family fun to be had. Start with the brand new for this year, giant double ice slide! It is just as fun as it looks! Enjoy some giant classic family games like Jenga, Connect Four and Yahtzee. These are all compliments of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge. There will be spirited games of street hockey and free concerts and theatre too. Every day at 2pm, head to the Quarter Century Theatre for classic children’s stories told by interactive performers. The kid’s craft centre will be at the Collingwood Public Library and includes toy testing, baby and me stories and an imagination playground. Moving around is one of the best ways to keep warm and you can do this at the Living Water Celebration Stage where there will be high-energy performances each day at 3pm.

If you enjoy the arts, there is an open house at the Tremont Studios at 65 Simcoe Street. As well, the Simcoe Street Theatre will show free films, starting at 3pm.

If all of this impresses you, or if none of it does, be sure to warm up at the Fireside Lounge in the Winter Wonderland Village and just connect with family and friends. See you there!

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Generosity in the Collingwood Community

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events

If you live in Collingwood, you undoubtedly know the generosity of its residents. Our community is one of the best, not just because we live where the landscape is beautiful, but because of great entrepreneurial opportunities and a giving spirit.

Chris Dopp of The Mortgage Centre in Collingwood is one of the people here who proves this giving spirit, year after year. On December 22nd, Dopp and his company will give away 250 turkey dinners to those in need in the community. This will be his 18th time give away turkeys (and other items) to those who need it most at Christmas.

Anyone in need can attend and pick up a dinner, with no applications or process to go through. The dinner includes a turkey, vegetables, dinner rolls, potatoes, juice, apple pie, plus a toque and socks.

Pickup starts at 9am at 192 First Street and everything is first come, first served. You can call ahead at 705-445-1300 to be put on the list or have someone put on the list who could use this generous offering this year. For those who can’t get there on the day, because of mobility issues or a lack of transportation, Dopp’s team will deliver.

While the Collingwood community does have some affluent residents, there are many in need as well.

The Salvation Army in Collingwood is also a good resource for families in need. Every month they and the churches in the community host a warm and tasty dinner for those who need it. The Trinity United Church will be hosting a dinner at 6pm on December 20th and this happens every third Wednesday of the month.

The Salvation Army also does a Christmas hamper program for low income families. Register with them until December 13th.

Of course, it is up to us in the community to help those that are less fortunate. It is easy for you to do your part, by donating to one of these causes or any other community cause. There is a Simcoe County toy drive across the region, and the next one happens today at the Walmarts in Barrie and Elmvale Foodland. If you wait until December 16th, you can drop off new toys at the Craighurst Foodland.

You can also donate to the food bank, which is always in need at this time of year. There are many in the area and three in Collingwood:

  • Trinity Church
  • The Salvation Army, Collingwood Community Chruch
  • Society of St. Vincent de Paul (St. Mary’s)

Be sure to do your part this year and keep the Collingwood giving spirit alive!

 

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Community in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do / Uncategorized

The holiday season is the time of year where we catch up with friends, spend time with family, meet the neighbors for the annual neighborhood potluck, and take the kids into the town square for the tree lighting.  In essence, the holidays are about community and about cultivating connections.  They’re about coming together, uniting and celebrating. This holiday season – and in the New Year ahead – make every interaction count. Here are some fantastic ways to embrace your Collingwood community:

Support the Community

While many community events this time of year are holiday and Christmas themed, participating in any events organized by the community supports community mentality and of course, encourages community economic growth.  Head to the Collingwood Winter Farmer’s Market, where you can support local farmers and local small business owners. Happening every Saturday, it’s a great way to get out in the community, plus get some fresh food for the week ahead.  You can also take part in the local art scene. The Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts Annual Winter Gift Show and Sale is on until December 31st at the Arts Centre, and the Broadway Tenors are visiting Casino Rama on December 2nd.

Involve the Kids

The holiday season has an array of special activities and events that happen only once a year, and this is especially exciting when you’re a kid and have been waiting for it all year long. There is something special and heart-warming about being out in the community, surrounded by snow and seeing storefronts all aglow with their Christmas displays. It is the perfect setting to share with your family.  Head out to the streets for several Holiday Gift Market and craft fairs around town, or take in a performance of The Nutcracker.  You can visit Santa and his reindeer, or enjoy the Festival of Lessons and Carols.  All of these are kid-friendly events so they are a great chance to get the whole family out into the community as well as meet other families who live within the Collingwood bounds.

Relish in the Rich Culture

Whether you are learning about the history of the town, or attending culturally supportive events, holding onto culture and history is an important part of building a strong community.  You can think of it as building a foundation: when you understand the culture and seek to preserve it, this acts as the building blocks for a community everyone wants to support and maintain.  Support cultural awareness by attending events at the Simcoe County Museum, such as Christmas Past and Present or at the Meaford Hall Arts and Cultural Centre.  The cultural centre regularly has plays and concerts on, so be sure to check the schedule and get your tickets!

 

Despite the busyness of the upcoming weeks, put in an extra effort to show your support and get involved in the Collingwood community.  You’ll have fun, meet new people, and in the process, contribute to helping support this charming place we all love and call home.

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Collingwood in the Winter

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do / Uncategorized

If the colder temperatures, snow-covered ground, and icy roads have you feeling like you just want to hibernate inside, think again! Collingwood has an amazing winter scene.  There is so much to see and do here at this time of year, you’ll be sad that you missed it if you wait out the winter inside.

 

Play in the Snow

Located as the gateway to the Blue Mountain Ski Resort, a Collingwood winter isn’t complete until you go play in the snow.  Take advantage of Collingwood’s proximity to the mountains and stay in town by night, visiting the mountains to ski by day.  If skiing isn’t quite your thing, there are still lots of snow playing opportunities around town.  There are many hiking trails, which go along Georgian Bay for you to explore – by foot or on snowshoe.  Pack a thermos of hot soup and make a day of it.  If you are interested in some old-fashioned snowman building and rolling in the powder, head to Harbourview Park where kids and adults alike can play. In addition, although a bit colder, the beaches are still a great winter destination and create the perfect landscape for a nice weekend walk or afternoon out with the dogs.

Go to Events

If you can’t get the family out walking outdoors in the winter, it’s a wonderful time of year to get them together and go to some local community events.  The winter market happens on Saturday mornings, and is a great way to support local farmers as well as stock up on healthy food for the week. There are several Santa Claus Parades coming up in early December, and you can take the kids to visit Santa and his Reindeer every Saturday all month long! And don’t forget to look into upcoming Christmas craft and gift markets.  These happen most weekends around the town and are the perfect opportunity to tick some shopping off your list or find a unique gift for that hard to buy for person.

See the Town

Once you’ve done your shopping, it’s time to take a little stroll around town.  You may have spent plenty of time strolling around Collingwood under the summer sun, but have you seen it in it’s snow-covered glory? The town takes on a completely different life when you walk around under starlit skies, seeing rooftops laden in freshly fallen snow, and houses glowing with Christmas lights.  Instead of ice cream, stop in to one of our lovely cafes and get a hot chocolate or warming tea to walk around with, and finish the evening staring up at the gorgeous Blue Mountains or sitting on the waterfront.  It might be a bit chilly, but you’ll appreciate the town that little bit more for its ability to be a delight in all four seasons.

 

Don’t let Old Man Winter fool you and keep you inside.  There is lots happening around town over the winter months and you’ll be sure to find something you enjoy.  And even if it is a little colder than sitting inside by your fireplace, it will totally be worth it.

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HoHo Holiday 5K

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events

This weekend, a very fun event is happening right before the Santa Claus Parade in Collingwood. The HoHo Holiday 5K is five-kilometer run through the streets of Collingwood, with some fun activities thrown in.

Starting at the parking lot at 2nd and Pine Streets, meet with over 1000 of your neighbours dressed in Santa suits (which include pants, belt, jacket, hat and even a big, white beard!) to take part in the run. Registration starts at 8am and the race starts at 10am. After you pre-register online, you’ll come down and register downtown and get your free Santa suit to run in! You thought you had to bring your own, didn’t you?

Not only that, you’ll get:

  • a limited edition bracelet
  • 365 sports string bag
  • free photos fro downloading
  • race bib
  • finishers medal

Any age can participate and kids four and under are free. Children do need a guardian with them if they under 13.

Once the race is over and you’ve patted yourself on the back for a job well done, head over to the festival area for more fun! Here you can check out the Christmas tree toss, hay bale road hockey, Christmas light tug of war, vendor alley, beer tent and Santa’s village. The beer garden will open at 11am until 4pm. After that, you’ll want to get your seat and get ready for the Collingwood Christmas Parade.

Not only is the HoHo Holiday 5km fun, it is for a great local cause. All net proceeds from the event go straight to Collingwood’s Healthy Kids Community Challenge for their You’re the Chef program. This program takes action to promote the health of local kids through healthy eating and physical activity. The You’re the Chef is an after-school program for kids in grades 4 to 6 that teaches kids and parents how to prepare healthy snacks. The program runs at various Collingwood public schools.

Even if you aren’t interested in doing the run, be sure to go down and cheer on the racers, visit with the Claus family and engage in all the family fun. While you’re there, be sure to visit some of the amazing businesses downtown for a bite to eat or to pick up a unique Christmas gift.

 

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Collingwood Santa Claus Parade and Other Festivities

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

Whether you were elated or depressed by the sign of that white stuff falling from the sky this week in Collingwood, the first signs of winter are definitely here. And with winter inevitably comes Santa Claus, right down the streets of Collingwood, for the annual Collingwood Santa Claus Parade.

The festivities get started on November 18th at 5pm for this night parade and you truly don’t want to miss the fun.

There will be a tree lighting downtown on this day, where the city will be magically lit and stay that way for the rest of the year. Fireworks will complete the night. Who doesn’t love fireworks!

This year’s Santa Claus theme is Christmas in Canada, which is very timely during the year of Canada’s 150th birthday.

Not only will Santa be making his way down the streets during the parade, there will be much more to see and do. Many of the downtown merchants will be having open houses and you can start doing your Christmas shopping at many of the unique shops and of course stop for a bite to eat before the parade. There will be carolers serenading the crowds and dancers and clowns will delight all of the little kiddies while they await Santa’s arrival. Storefronts will feature unique Nutcracker dancers along Hurontario Street before the parade, from 3pm until 5pm.

You don’t have to wait until evening to join the fun. Head to the Town Hall between 12:30 and 3:30 that day so kids can visit with Santa’s reindeer in training.

The parade itself will feature floats from all over the community, as it makes its way down the downtown streets of Collingwood. Find a spot anywhere along Hurontario from Hume to First Street, but get there early for the prime spots. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony will happen at the end of the parade. The fireworks will happen at the harbour and your best spots for viewing will be by the Sidelaunch Basin Ampitheatre.

There is still time to register your float and there is a chance to be judged in three categories to win prizes.

The annual Santa Claus Parade is a great tradition that helps get kids and adults into the spirit of Christmas. The beautiful and historic downtown of Collingwood is always a delight to see at this time of year, so even if you can’t make the parade and all its festivities, be sure to take a walk downtown and revel in all its beauty.

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Art Events in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events

Collingwood is a town not only known for its fantastic skiing and recreation, but also a thriving art scene. During the month of November, there are a number of art events to keep anyone even vaguely interested in the arts busy while you wait for the snow to fall.

Music for a Sunday

This event has been happening since September, but if you haven’t heard of it yet, you’ll definitely want to check it out in November. It is a series of 10 concerts over five Sundays and four of them are happening this month. ZimZum, CCI Jazz Band, the Venuti String Quartet and Rowyn Campbell are all playing at the Simcoe Street Theatre this month. Ticket prices vary, but you can get through Blue Mountain Music or at the Simcoe Street Theatre box office.

Points of View: John David Anderson and Mark Hope

Head to The Blue Mountains Public Library to witness the points of view of John David Anderson and Mark Hope, as expressed through a painting exhibition. Their work will be displayed from November 3rd until the 30th.

Annual Square Foot Show

At the Loft Gallery in Thornbury, this show happens on November 4th from 4pm. You’ll start at the Corner Café, across the street, where you’ll be getting a numbered ticked for the show. All paintings sold will be 12×12 in size and sell for $144 plus tax. All work is original and gorgeous!

Candle Making Workshop

You don’t have to just view art, you can make it. Head to Serendipity Candles at 20 Balsam Street, Unit 14, for a 60-minute candle making workshop, where you’ll learn to make four candles. You’ll select your scent and jar and do all of the fun stuff yourself!

Creative Collingwood Symposium

An initiative for arts and positive change in communities, the 4th annual Creative Collingwood Symposium happens on November 8th at the Simcoe Street Theatre. This incredible event brings together what they call “creatives” from across the South Georgian Bay area for learning and networking. There will be keynote speakers, breakout sessions, plus networking with refreshments. The event is completely free and you just need to register to reserve a spot. Anyone who is a creative professional or even who has an aspiring talent is welcome to join.

Sweetwater Film Festival

Film buffs will love the lineup of 11 short films focusing on the outdoors and outdoor recreation. Happening at the Gayety Theatre, this event donates 100% of the proceeds to outdoor programs for local youth. It happens on November 11th at 7pm and tickets are $25.

Do you know of any other great arts events happening in our region? Let us know!

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Halloween in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

Halloween is just a few days away and Collingwood is a fun place to be for all trick and treaters. Here are some great events that are happening in the area for Halloween.

Spirit of Collingwood

While this isn’t a traditional Halloween event by any means, you have the choice to wear a costume. Tickets are $100 and get you a super fun day of tastings and local spirits at a number of local spots. You are get on the hop on/hop off bus for a tour, then have dinner at the Bear Estate. There will be a silent auction as well. Some of the stops include:

  • Collingwood Brewery
  • Creemore Springs
  • Georgian Bay Spirits
  • Georgian Hills Wines
  • Thornbury Cider and Beer
  • Duntroon Cyder House

This event happens October 28th starting at 4pm.

Northwinds Halloween Party

On October 27th at 7pm, head down to the Northwinds Brewery for a night of fun, food and beer. There will be prizes for the best costume, live music, Halloween-inspired beer, food specials and scary movies too!

Halloween Hill Haunt

You definitely want to head to the Blue Mountain Village on October 28th and 29th and prepare to be spooked. There are a number of amazing events happening all weekend throughout the village with fun for the entire family.

Starting at 10am on Saturday, all mountain attractions are 50% off. There will be a spooky scavenger hunt, haunted hill hike, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin checkers, gourd decorating and a creation station. The ghoulish DJ party will happen on the Coca-Cola Stage from 12-4 on both days.

Black Harvest Festival

Also on October 28th, the Black Harvest Festival happens in downtown Collingwood. Starting at 11am along Hurontario Street there will be a number of great activities. These include creating your pumpkin, balloon creations, a costume contest and there will be special trick or treating at all of the downtown merchants. Wear your costume and look for the orange witch sign to know which merchants are giving out treats.

Of course, on October 31st, there will be kids trick or treating all throughout Collingwood. Be on the lookout for the kids on the road and be safe on this night!

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The New Woodview Mountaintop Skating Trail

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

Get ready to go skating on top of the mountain this winter! The Woodview Mountaintop Skating path will be a 1.1 km path located at the top of the ski hill in Blue Mountain. A very unique twist on traditional recreational skating, the path will meander through a tree-covered trail with gorgeous scenic views.

Construction has already begun on the skating trail, which will be located at the top of the Orchard Express and Southern Comfort chairlifts. The trail will open in January 2018, not long after all of the ski hills and chairlifts open for skiing and snowboarding at Blue Mountain.

Using the snowmaking equipment that Blue depends on during those winters when it just doesn’t snow enough to make skiing enjoyable, the skating trail will be flooded and then smoothed with a Zamboni machine.

There will also be a skating hut located at the top of the mountain, where visitors can purchase tickets, rent skates and lockers. It will also be a spot to warm up with a hot chocolate or a coffee while taking a break for skating.

After its grand opening, the skating trails will be open weekdays from 12pm until 5pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am until 8pm and Sunday from 10am until 5pm. On Friday and Saturday, the skating trail will be closed from 4 until 6pm for maintenance. After that, at 6pm, they will have tiki torch illuminated skating.

Two hours of skating will cost you $16 for adults and $13 for youth (kids 12 and under). Tack on skate rentals to that and adults will cost $22 and youth will cost $19. Helmets are required on the skating trail.

If skating at the top of the mountain doesn’t interest you, or you are wondering what other activities there are to do in Collingwood at Blue Mountain, there is so much to do this winter.

As always, there is also skating on Mill Pond in the village. Hike and Tube lets you sit and slide down the mountain. Snowshoeing is a great way to see the scenic Niagara Escarpment and there are guided tours if you need them. Bring your own equipment or rent snowshoes at the base of the mountain. Winter caving is also seriously cool and something that will make your holidays extraordinary. Discover all of the wildlife who live on the mountain this winter.

While we are having a beautiful and warm fall so far, the forecast is calling for a ton of snow this winter, which to some is a great thing. Winter will be here before you know it!

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