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 Winter Farmer’s Market

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events

Many of us Collingwood residents were sad to see summer come and go and along with it, the summer farmer’s market, held downtown every weekend. But, the good news is that the Collingwood Winter Farmers Market is going to be in full swing starting this weekend! It won’t be at its regular spot downtown, but instead it will be located at the Trinity United Church at 140 Maple Street in Collingwood.

Make your way over the Winter market every Saturday from 10am until 1pm every Saturday. The market will run until February 24th and from then until the Summer market reopens, you’ll have to settle for other ways of getting your local produce, baked goods, coffee, meat and so much more. The regular market reopens on May 6 at 10am and is a 100-mile market.

For the winter market, you can expect to buy local winter vegetables and produce, along with other items sourced or crafted in the Collingwood area.

The Trinity United Church in Collingwood also hosts a number of events, which means that on some weekends, the farmer’s market won’t take place. In addition to their regular church service, they also offer special events a space to take place.

In addition to the market, upcoming events include a romance and reality night, which is a speaker panel with free admission and open seating, although a ticket is required. Another day of exploring happens on November 4th called The Way Forward.

The 17th annual craft sale is happening on October 28th, which means while you can’t get your winter produce, you can get some great local crafts. On October 21st, their twice-yearly mom to mom sale will be held. Great for moms with kids of all ages, you can either sell or buy (or do both) and get some great deals on gently-used items for kids and their moms.

They also hold potlucks, strawberry suppers, silent auctions, country hoedowns, bbqs, dances, pancake suppers and so much more! The farmer’s market is just one of the very special events happening at the church.

 

 

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Picking Pumpkins in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

Thanksgiving weekend is a glorious time here in Collingwood. The trees are changing colour and losing their leaves and the scenery is just magnificent. Not to mention that harvest time is now here and it is the perfect time for reaping its benefits namely by means of picking pumpkins and apples!

Fernwood Farms

This farm and market is located at 7865 Hwy 26, just outside of Stayner between there and Wasaga Beach. You can’t miss the farm, as the barn has a big red roof on it. Not only can you pick pumpkins, they have so much fun for the entire family. You don’t want to miss the corn maze, which comes in at a cost of $5 per person. Afterwards, get some family photos in the pumpkin patch and then pick a few to take home. Prepare to come hungry, as the bakery features old-style donuts, soft pretzels, pies (which includes their famous pie in a bag) and so much more. They also serve Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream and have gift baskets, seasonal vegetables and pre-made entrees. This October the 21st, come out to see the Pumpkin Pyramid Lighting, where they’ll light up 546 pumpkins. Bring a flashlight.

Farmer’s Pantry

Located at 788030 Grey Road 13 in Clarksburg, The Farmer’s Pantry is just outside of Thornbury. You’ll want to check their site for directions so you don’t get lost among the trees! With all sizes of pumpkins, this is the perfect spot to get your fill. Not only can you pick a pumpkin, you can enjoy the Farmers Fun Fields, which includes mini-golf on a ¼ km trail through their orchard, a wildlife interactive center, mazes, petting zoo and picnic areas. You can spend the entire day there for only $7 a person. Afterwards, head to the market to get some preserves, local meat and cheese and check out the local artisan corner.

Round’s Ranch

If you want to drive a little further out, check out Round’s Ranch, which is located at 1922 Country Road 92 in Elmvale. Not only can you check out the Pumpkin Patch, there are a number of other family-friendly features of the ranch. In fact, your admission guarantees you a free pumpkin for your family! There are also crazy pumpkin games during their Pumpkin Mania event including pumpkin hockey, pumpkin toss, and a pumpkin pie eating contest.

Do you know of any other great spots to get a pumpkin in the Collingwood area this fall? Let us know!

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2nd Annual Story Telling Festival

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

The second annual storytelling festival is comprised of a number of events in a variety of genres where artists can tell a story. These events happen all through the month of October and are open to the general public.

6 Word Photo Essay Exhibition

Participants entered into this photography exhibition in both adult and youth categories. You can view it from October 4th until November 1st at the BMFA Centre. On October 15th from 1 until 3 pm, there will be a reception and awards.

Meet with Cecily Ross

Acclaimed author Cecily Ross, writer of the novel The Lost Diaries of Susanna Moodie will be speaking with guests at the BMFA Centre on October 4th at 7pm. There is free admission for this event.

Moderated Panel

On October 20th starting at 6:30, you can check out the moderated panel discussion on topics of design and art. Jim Campbell will lead the discussion, which will happen at the Simcoe Street Theatre. Tickets are $15 and there will be a cash bar.

Meet with Brett Preston

Brett Preston, organic farmer and author of The New Farm: Our Ten Years on the Front Lines of the Good Food Revolution will be hosting a 3-course dinner at Azzurra Trattoria. All are welcome and you can buy tickets, which are $55 for this fabulous event happening on October 23rd. The dinner will be held Pranzo style, which means shared at a family-like table with those who have a common objective. In this case that’s learning and eating great food!

Children’s Illustration Workshop

We can’t forget the children during this important month of celebrating art! Author and illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi will be hosting the Children’s Found Art Workshop at the BMFA Centre. On October 29th, children will learn how to tell stories through illustration of everyday objects. Pre-registration is required and tickets are $15 for kids aged 7-12 years old.

Teen Acting Workshop

Older kids can join in the fun too. On November 2nd, the Collingwood Improv Artists are hosting a teen workshop that will teach teens how to tell their story through camera and film. This event happens from 7 until 9pm.

Evening of Fun

The Collingwood Improv Artists are putting on a fun evening that includes comedy, music, sketch and improv. This event happens at the BMFA Centre on November 4th.

The Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts has been around since 1975, serving the arts community of South Georgian Bay. Located next to the Gayety Theatre in downtown Collingwood, their mission is to inspire excellence in visual arts in the community. A non-profit organization, they put on monthly exhibitions of art from local and regional artists and artisans, along with other educational and entertaining events. Their physical location (the BMFA Centre) is comprised of two galleries for exhibitions and performances.

Build a Life You Don’t Need a Vacation From

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Real Estate

Build a life you don’t need to take a vacation from: that’s the mantra that many are putting into effect in 2017. Part of building that dream lifestyle is finding a home that lets you be on vacation 2/47, 365 days a week. Stop looking, because 120 Brooker Blvd in the Blue Mountains is that home that will be the perfect retreat each and every day.

Whether your family is into winter activities like skiing, snowboard and snowshoeing or into warm-weather activities like mountain biking, swimming and hiking, this house is the perfect home base. Located steps away from Blue Mountain Village and a short drive or hike from Georgian Bay and all of Southern Georgian Bay’s best trails and hikes, your family can bike, ski, boat or simply lounge while living here.

With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, this 2100-square foot ski chalet has enough room for your large family and their guests. Gorgeous views of the mountain through the large windows in the open concept living space are just what you need after a long day at the office. Warm up by the gas fireplace when the weather is cool or sit on your large deck when the weather is warm.

The Blue Mountains has a rich history of being a place where everyone comes to ski, but there is so much more to enjoy. Of course, you can’t forget about all of the fantastic places to eat and things to do in the area, because location is truly what makes a home worth it. Ever wanted to try your hand at rock climbing, there are many great opportunities here for that as well.

Priced at $885,000, just try to compare that to what you can get in Toronto for under $1 million and you’ll realize that Blue Mountain can truly be your home.

If you would like to book a viewing of this fabulous home and see if your lifestyle needs a little something, contact Paul Casey at 705-606-2510 or by email at [email protected]. What are you waiting for?

 

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See The Salmon Run Event

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

One of the best things about the Collingwood area is the beautiful abundance of water and wildlife we have. The second best thing is the number of great, family-friendly events we have. The See the Salmon Run event celebrates our environmental diversity and is the perfect opportunity to get educated about the Blue Mountain Watershed. This event happens on September 23rd from 11am until 4pm at 609830 12th Sideroad in the Town of Blue Mountains. It is just west of the intersection of 6th Street and Grey Road 19 (also known as Osler Bluff Road). There is onsite parking for hundreds of attendees.

Every year, salmon make their way up Silver Creek on their annual spawning ground. It is a beautiful and incredible sight to see and definitely something that should not be missed. Silver Creek is an important part of the watershed and is one of our regions few cold water streams, which makes it very unique and it recently got the designation of being provincially significant. This was based on the water purity, temperature and the fact that it is a spot for migrating fish. It is also an important spot for migrating birds and is the only remaining coastal wetland in south Georgian Bay.

The event is being put on by the Blue Mountain Watershed Trust Silver Creek Stewardship Initiative, which launched in 2016 to raise awareness about the creek and protect our area’s wetlands.

The day starts off with a 20-minute self-guided hike through the woods at Silver Creek. You can watch the salmon as they swim upstream. Along the way, you’ll hear from conservation experts from Ontario Streams, who will educate you on fish spawning and migration. Kids will love the fish passports, which will be stamped at each stop!

Afterwards, you can enjoy a true gourmet lunch put on by Men with Knives and there will be local beer available from the Collingwood Brewery. The kids lunch is absolutely free, which is even more incentive to come on out.

After lunch, the kids will enjoy the inflatable salmon, turtle and gut hut as well as games, crafts and zorbs for climbing and bouncing.

Tickets will be $10 and lunch for adults will also cost $10. Pints of beer will be $5.

What’s Happening at the Collingwood Public Library this Fall?

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

It was once said that libraries were dead as people downloaded books and no longer needed to borrow them. But that is definitely not the case, as libraries have evolved and aren’t just about books anymore. The Collingwood Public Library is definitely a treasure in our town, with a historic downtown location. Opened for business in 1903, it serves the residents of Collingwood and beyond. Check out all of the great happenings and events there this fall (and ongoing).

Want to learn how to speak French?

The library hosts a free weekly French speaking class for adults. Every Friday from noon until one, join with a French language tutor in a comfortable environment and get learning how to parlez vous Francais. You do need to register for this one first.

Does your teen aspire to write?

Why not have them join with other teens for the teen fiction writers group. Weekly at the library from 4-5 on Fridays, they can drop in to discuss writing and get tips and advice from their peers.

Need some tech help?

Register for a free event that will tell you how to maintain your computer. Happening on Tuesday, September 12th at 7, you are sure to learn some great computer maintenance tips. Tech support hour happens every Wednesday from 4-5 and is a drop in that will allow you to ask and get answers for any tech-related question.

Want to understand your mind?

Check out Understanding Our Mind: a Buddhist perspective series put on by the Jampa Ling Kadampa Buddhist Centre. You’ll learn how to stop thinking negatively and replace bad thoughts with better ones, using teaching, Q&A and guided meditation.

What’s there for the littlest ones?

Toddlers and young kids love the library. It is a great place to go, relax, learn and play, especially for tired parents. Toddler tales happens on Wednesday mornings, where kids from age 1-3 will engage in stories, finger plays and more. Story Time is on Wednesday afternoon for the older ones from ages 3-5, with songs and crafts. On Thursdays, you can bring the littles to Baby & Me, where infants will hear songs, rhymes and where you can relax with all the other exhausted parents.

What is there for seniors?

While events change regularly, the library definitely caters to the seniors in the area. On Monday, September 11th, they’ve got a renewing your driver’s licence talk. Register for this free event.

You’ll want to check the calendar regularly, as besides the weekly events, the library puts on special events. One example is the Fall 2017 Author Talks and next Thursday the 14th, Cecily Ross will be there and this event is also free!

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Fall Activities in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

 

While ski lovers covet the winters in Collingwood and beach lovers covet the summer, fall could just be one of the best times to be here. With the colours of the trees and the abundance of fall activities, you won’t want to rule out a visit to Collingwood in the next few months.

Hike/bike the Georgian Trail

One of the best ways to see the leaves and all of the wildlife that come out once the weather cools is to take in the Georgian Trail. In the winter you can cross-country ski on it, but for now, use your two legs or your bike and check it out. Spanning 34kms from Collingwood to Meaford, this trail is definitely a fall must-do.

Sit on a patio

While patios seem to be relegated as a summer to-do, grab a sweater, a friend and enjoy the many outdoor patios that Collingwood has to offer.

Take in a show

Collingwood has some great theatre and the fall is one of the best times to catch a show. Theatre Collingwood will be putting on Dean & Jerry: What Might Have Been at the Historic Gayety Theatre from September 12th to the 16th. In October, you can watch the hit musical Alice’s Restaurant, which features music and stories from the 60s and 70s. This one starts October 19th until the 21st.

Go golfing

Fall is the perfect time to get in those last few rounds of golf before the snow hits. What’s great about golf in the fall is that the greens won’t be damp and cool like in the spring and it the weather won’t be sweltering like it can be in the summer. Everything will be perfect.

Have a spa date

Collingwood abounds with spas and whether you’re looking for a massage, a facial, or to spend the days relaxing in hot pools, steam rooms and saunas, Collingwood is the place to do it. Of course, our famed Scandinave Spa is perfect in the cool fall weather, allowing you to experience the pools without sweating or freezing when you get out. Imagine relaxing on a hammock under the trees watching the leaves fall around you, watching a bunny hop by with nothing but silence surrounding you.

Visit an art studio

On top of all of the other wonderful things to do in Collingwood, art studio visits are a must-do. The Tremont Studios is a beautiful, cultural and artistic place to visit and you can check out the lunch or brunch at the downstairs cafe.

Apples!

Collingwood is known for being a part of the famed Apple Pie Trail and fall is the best time to enjoy it as the bounty of apples gives you many more reasons to take it in. Last year there was a fantastic Apple Harvest Festival, which will hopefully be repeated for 2017!

What’s your favourite thing to do in the fall in Collingwood?

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The Moonlight Market

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood business / Collingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

With all of the hype over the solar eclipse this week, many in Collingwood may have forgotten about an important event – the Moonlight Market. This once-a-year event happens in downtown Collingwood and is just as magical as the solar eclipse. This year Moonlight Market will celebrate its fifth year.

Our very successful Saturday morning farmer’s market holds a special event every September called Moonlight Market. In addition to the morning market from 8:30am until 1pm, the vendors will be open and ready for business on Saturday, September 2nd from 6pm to 10pm in their usual location, which is located in the municipal parking lot at the corner of Second and Pine Streets.

Have dinner at one of Collingwood’s great restaurants or buy dinner at the market, then shop the other vendors for all the best in produce, meat, baked goods, artisanal foods, crafts and artwork. The market employs the 100-mile market mantra and all of the produce is grown within 100 miles of Collingwood.

The market isn’t just about shopping either! There will be a number of entertainers for adults and kids. Jimmy and the Extractions, a local Collingwood band favourite will be there to play rock, alternative, and folk music. The Stilt Guys (who you may have seen at the Collingwood Elvis Festival) will be there as well, in glow-in-the-dark attire, to keep both adults and kids entertained.  

U-Pick Parties will have some balloon twisting and face painting for the kids (and the adults if you dare). There will be free (healthy!) treats from The Healthy Kids Community Challenge, an initiative that helps kids move, drink water and up their fruit and veggie intake with a number of great activities. If that isn’t enough, kids can play at the Imagination Playground, a block-based creative play system that kids love. The Mobile Active Play Trailer will also be there, offering free recreational activities for kids of all ages.

The regular market closes down after Thanksgiving weekend, so there isn’t much more time to enjoy this seasonal delight. Get out next weekend and check out the Moonlight Market, and revel in this time of harvest before the snow puts a damper on it!

 

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Fun is For the Dogs in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

Is your best friend 4-legged with a furry body and an ever-wagging tail? If so, Collingwood is a great place to live, because there are so many dog lovers and fun places for dogs and the people they own to go.

Pawplar Park (also known as Dog Town)

Opened in May 2009, this off-leash dog park has been very successful in Collingwood. You can spend the day there, frolicking with your pups, meet other owners and let your dog get some off-leash socializing in. Located at the Train Trail on Poplar (“Pawpler”) Side Road, there is ample parking at the water pumping station. There is five-foot fencing all around the park, so your dogs can run freely without a chance of escaping the area. There is a double gate at the entryway so you can safely bring dogs in and out without any running out when you open it. Note that dogs are not allowed in the pond, as it is a water supply pond. You can use the area from sunrise to sunset and it is completely free to use!

The Bark Park

Located at 5 Elm Street, the Bark Park is a business that allows your pups to socialize and have playtime with other dogs in an open-concept setting. With 800 feet of indoor space and 1,000 feet of outdoor space, you can leave your dog in their doggie daycare for $15 – $25 a day and they also offer overnight care. When the weather is right, they even offer water play for the dogs who love to get wet!

On-leash spots

While many dogs love to roam and play, some love the comfort of walking on a leash beside their owner. Collingwood abounds with trails and places for you and your dog to walk, whether you are taking a quick 10 minutes or the entire day.

Heather Parkway

You can spend the entire day walking this trail that goes throughout the entire town. It is over 20 km, but you can make a number of stops along the way for drinks, food and rest.

West Circle Route

If you aren’t quite as keen as walking the entire town, how about 7.7 km? The West Circle Route follows the Georgian Trail and goes along the Black Ash Creek, so your dog can get a quick drink if needed.

East Circle Route

If you want a scenic route for you and your dog to enjoy, try the East Circle Route, which is 5.8 km and should take you about 1.5 hours. You’ll head along the Train Trail, the Pretty River and through Sunset Point Park. There are even interpretive signs that speak about history of the town, which is great for new residents or visitors of Collingwood.

Year-round there is fun to be had for humans and dogs in Collingwood.

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Highway 26 Improvements

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood News

Collingwood is growing and getting improvements all the time. This time, the improvements are to our roadways, as the province has recently announced that they will be widening a stretch of Highway 26 to improve traffic flow and ensure families get home safely. With 22,500 vehicles travelling on this route daily, and that number growing, the province’s mandate for improving and widening the highway in Collingwood is to reduce congestion and improve road safety along that stretch, which is definitely a boon for the Collingwood community – for residents and visitors alike.

The stretch of highway 26 from Sixth Line to Pretty River Parkway will be widened to five lanes and encompasses 1.6 kilometers. There will be two lanes in each direction and a shared median left turn lane. The intersection at Highway 26 and Hume Street/Pretty River Parkway will also be widened.

Sixth Line will be closed at Highway 26 and it will become a cul-de-sac. An extension of Sandford Fleming Drive will then connect those residents to Highway 26.

Not only will the roads be improved, but the walkways will be as well, as Ontario will also be constructing a recreational trail on the north side of Highway 26, as well as a sidewalk on the south side of Highway 26. This trail and sidewalk will go from Pretty River Parkway to Marine View Drive.

Construction is set to start in spring of 2018, which will mean some headaches next spring and summer for visitors and residents of Collingwood, while the construction is underway. But, the improved roads, trails and sidewalks will be a reward well worth the trouble.

Many critics say that the province took its time getting to this crucial project for our community and the province reasons that there were many communities which also lacked infrastructure and each needed the province’s funding and attention. Ontario has committed to spending $2.5 billion on provincial highways and bridges this year and next.

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