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.

Keys to Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events

As if Collingwood doesn’t have enough great events, The Keys to Collingwood Festival will again return to the delight of residents and visitors of the area. This one-of-a-kind event features 90 hours of performances on ten street pianos throughout Collingwood over the Civic Holiday long weekend. After the performances are complete, the pianos will remain on the streets for visitor use and enjoyment. What a treat for anyone in the area!

In celebration of Canada’s 150th, each piano will display iconic images from all of our provinces and territories. The music will pay tribute to all genres including gospel, rock, classical, blues and jazz.

Along with the performances all weekend, there will be a special evening farmer’s market on August 5th. In addition to their regular morning market every Saturday, the Market by Night will happen from 6pm until 10pm in its usual location (Pine and Second streets). Along with the regular vendors, there will be performances by The Suitors and The Mike McCarthy Band, plus balloon twisting, face painting, crafts and a magic show.

The locations of the pianos are:

·         Sol Kitchen

·         Espresso Post

·         Opposite Sheffer Court

·         Federal Building

·         Town Hall – this will feature the Monster Ground Foot Piano

·         Smarts Flowers

·         Scotiabank

·         The Tremont Cafe

The list of performers is large and you don’t want to miss out on the talent that will be playing Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

·         Xiaoyu Hu has been playing piano since she was seven years old and plays genres from classical to ragtime.

·         Billy Macpherson has been playing for 45 years and plays as BillyMac/One man Band. His music features influences from pop, rock, blues, and country.

·         Collingwood’s own Aaron Bell is the Arts Department Chair at Collingwood Collegiate Institute. He teaches the Instrumental Program there, which is Simcoe County’s largest award-winning band program.

·         Henry Cobb is a music student at Western University and has a passion for jazz and big band styles.

·         Christopher Tufaro is an award-winning performance artist and has performed at a number of large events, including the TD Jazz Festival.

·         Another Collingwood local, Nathan Stadig is also award-winning and is currently studying music at Wilfrid Laurier University. He has been playing since he was five years old and has travelled extensively performing and teaching music.

·         One not-to-miss performer is Joe Passion, a Jerry Lee Lewis tribute artist who has won various awards over his 35 years of performing.

·         Maureen Smith can play over 2000 songs in a number of genres.

·         Catherine Brown, Collingwood native and co-founder of the Collingwood Street Piano Project has been playing piano since early childhood.

·         Michael Danckert has been playing for over 25 years, featuring rock, folk, blues and jazz and he is also a vocalist.

·         Bruce Tournay has performed at a number of prestigious spots and has written the scores for two original musicals.

·         Robert Gasidlo has performed extensively through the Georgian Bay area, as well as internationally.

·         Keiko Yoden-Kuepfer immigrated to Collingwood from its sister city – Katano-ciy, Osaka, Japan – and it has been her home for over 10 years. She’s performed with many orchestras around the area and has won numerous awards.

·         Susan Connolly currently lives in Collingwood and plays music with the Georgian Bay Symphony Orchestra.

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Collingwood Elvis Festival

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

Officially Collingwood’s biggest event, the Collingwood Elvis Festival is known around the world. Happening this weekend (July 28th to 30th), visitors and residents are in for an epically-good time!

Among the many performers who will be taking the stage this weekend, there are a number of other great events happening. With a huge street party that goes into the wee hours, there are many vendors, a beer garden, storyteller chat, gospel, dining with tribute artists, street dancing, and you can even channel your inner Elvis.

The list of tribute artists and impersonators is huge and the competition to be crowned the best Elvis is fierce. You don’t want to miss the grand champion showcase, where the top 26 competitors will compete. The Grand Finals happen on Sunday. Both events happen at the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena on the Showcase Stage and require tickets that start at $20. There are a number of other shows happening at the arena, which also require tickets. Other venues that require tickets include the Royal Canadian Legion at 490 Ontario Street, the Leisure Time Centre at 100 Minnesota Street, and the Historic Gayety Theatre at 161 Hurontario Street.

The beer garden is located at 32 Simcoe Street and is for ages 19+. There will be many Elvis Tribute performances during the day, where you can sit and watch while having a cold and refreshing beverage. The special free performances happening throughout the weekend will be at the Centre Stage on Hurontario Street, with free entry for people of all ages and at the Blue Mountain Village Stage, at the mountain. You also don’t want to miss a free performance at midnight called Elvis at Midnight, happening at the McDonald’s Restaurant on First Street on Saturday.

If you want to dine with a tribute artist, there are specific dates and times when the artist will be at one of Collingwood’s many local restaurants. Make your reservation or head in early to get a seat.

The Collingwood Elvis Festival began in 1995, held at the Georgian Manor Resort (then the Vacation Inn) and was known as the Canadian Elvis Tribute and Convention. As time went on, the festival grew larger and larger and in 2014, it celebrated its milestone 20th anniversary and Priscilla Presley was actually in attendance. The festival has seen many a VIP attending, many of which were friends of Elvis, including Joe Esposito, J.D. Summer, Christopher Ameruoso and so many more.

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Healthy Parks, Healthy People

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

Tomorrow, July 21st, Ontario Parks is giving free day use to all of their Provincial Park sites. You can head to any location where you can visit the park for free and take part in fun events. All of this is for their part in the Healthy Parks, Healthy People initiative, which urges people to get outside to improve their health. Healthy Parks, Healthy People is a worldwide movement educating people about the link between better health and a better environment. This free one-day event is just one way that Ontario Parks is urging people to get outside and enjoy everything that Ontario has to offer.

Wasaga Beach is a provincial park and they are no exception to the day’s events. Head to the Nancy Island Historic Site for a free day of exploring. The site is open from 10am until 5pm. From 11am until 2pm, you can take sailor’s tours, which will teach visitors about how Nancy and her crew helped shape Canadian borders. Visit the theatre and museum and then take a trip to the lighthouse to cap off the day.

Along with visiting Nancy Island, you can partake in another healthful event, occurring at Beach 5. Join the Healthy Parks, Healthy People initiative as they launch their Butt Free Beach initiative. We all know how disgusting smoking itself is, but pair that with cigarette butts in the sand and water at your favourite beach and even those who don’t smoke have a price to pay at our beaches. Cigarette butts are the most littered item on our Canadian beaches, they don’t biodegrade and often can’t be picked up by standard beach cleaning equipment due to their small size.

Wasaga Beach is staging a clean-up of all the butts at Beach 5 on July 21st, partnering with various Wasaga Beach community groups and organizations including the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation, the Environment Network and Georgian Bay Forever, to get this job done. A free toolkit was designed to help the Wasaga Beach community and its beach become butt-free.

Research suggests that spending time in nature has immense benefits on our health and with our increasingly urban lifestyles, we aren’t getting enough time with the trees and the water. Nature Deficit Disorder is a real and harmful ailment that affects adults and kids. By keeping our environment clean and getting out in nature as much as possible, we can improve our mental and physical health. Whether you’re a resident or visitor of Wasaga Beach, you’ll have a fun and educational day.

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Protecting Yourself Against Mosquitoes

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood News

While you may not recognize that summer is here because of the dreary weather, cooler temperatures and abundance of rain, it is definitely the middle of July. Unfortunately because of this weather, many cities and towns across Ontario are seeing a proliferation of the dreaded mosquito. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has released evidence that mosquitoes in Collingwood have tested positive for the West Nile virus this year. This doesn’t mean that Collingwood is seeing an outbreak of West Nile Virus, just that Collingwood, like other areas in Ontario, have a positive testing for the virus. While the majority of people won’t get sick if bitten by a West Nile infected mosquito, there are things you can do to protect yourself from getting bitten.

Mosquito Repellents

One of the best ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites during peak times (dusk and dawn) is to use a repellent. Consumer Reports did testing to determine the most effective mosquito repellents that deter mosquitoes from biting. Their testing found that natural repellents, like those made with plant oils were not very effective. Rather, the most effective ones were those that contained 15 to 30 percent deet, 20 percent picaridin or 30 percent OLE. Their recommended use is that you apply it on your clothes and only on exposed skin and applying to your face with your hands.

Find a breezy spot

If you are in a situation where you really don’t want to use repellant, but still want to keep the bugs away, consider a fan. Mosquitoes have a hard time flying in wind, so install a fan on your Collingwood deck or patio. Angle the fan down, as many mosquitoes fly close to the ground to avoid the wind.

Wear protective clothing

You definitely know that mosquitoes can bite you right through your clothes, but only certain ones. Clothing that has a tight weave, like high-tech athletic apparel or others made with synthetic fibers will be good to keep the mosquitoes out. On the other hand, cottons and linens are not enough to stop a bug from biting you through your pants or shirt. Mosquitoes are also attracted to dark clothing, so try to wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.

Remove mosquito habitats

As a Collingwood homeowner, you have a duty to ensure mosquitoes don’t breed in your yard. Any standing water is the perfect spot for this to happen so ensure you remove standing water in:

·         Gutters

·         Old tires

·         Plastic covers

·         Containers

·         Toys

·         Bird baths

·         Fountains

·         Wading pools

·         Potted plant trays

If the water is flowing or moving, then you are good, like in your swimming pool or hot tub or a fountain that stays on.

What doesn’t work?

Bug lights, zappers, traps, citronella candles or torches, and mosquito plants have been studied and found to not be good prevention from mosquito bites.

 

 

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New Additions to Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Real Estate

With the summer season, also comes the season of construction, but for many, that isn’t a bad thing. In Collingwood, there are a number of new and interesting developments that will only make the city a better place to live, work and play. From something for the kids to something for the adults, here are some of the best new construction projects happening in the Collingwood area!

New skateboard and BMX park

The kids are going to love the newest addition to Heritage Park in Collingwood, with construction to be completed by October. The ground was broken just a few days ago in anticipation of the building of the skate park. The cost is approximately $300,000 but will provide area teens with a fun, safe and interesting place to hang out and practice their tricks.

New paramedic station

With the increase in population in Collingwood, the current paramedic station built above a garage wasn’t adequate. A new 5,900 square foot facility will be built at the corner of Ontario and St. Paul streets and will include five garage bays and be fully accessible. The cost will be $3.6 million for the new station, including the land and it will be completed by the fall of 2018.

New condominium complex

The former Admiral Collingwood school site will now be a condominium and commercial complex. The property, located at the corner of Hume and Hurontario streets has been through a lot of hand-wringing and finally has a plan. The development will include unique and upscale condos, with construction set to start in 2018 and occupancy to be available in 2019.

Collingwood’s Harbourfront Plan

While it is going to take many years to come fully into fruition, Collingwood’s Harbourfront Plan is definitely a huge boon to the city. You can expect to see new pavilions in Harbourview Park, a non-motorized boating hub, cafe, skater’s lounge, skating trail, splash pad and more in the next few years. Sunset Park will also see some major developments with a new EnviroPark.

Whether you are just looking to visit Collingwood, or want to come here to stay, these major developments are helping to make our town a wonderful place to live and play.

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Canada Day in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events

As you will definitely know, Canada is celebrating its 150th birthday this year. Celebrations are going on all over the country, but there is no better spot to celebrate this historic birthday than in Collingwood. There are so many events going on that you truly don’t want to miss.

Collingwood Festival for Canada

Happening all weekend from June 30th until July 2nd, this family festival is exciting and one-of-a-kind. Start on Friday by heading downtown and celebrate not just Canada, but also Collingwood’s 40th anniversary. From 4pm until 10pm in the parking lot at Pine and Second streets, there will be entertainment from the 70s, food, dancing, trivia and a cash bar. If that doesn’t appeal to you, the Centennial Aquatic Centre is hosting a free family swim from 7 until 8pm. If you want to get out on the water, there are a number of harbour cruises available.

On Canada’s birthday, the list is endless for things to do. Start with a pancake breakfast at the town hall, prepared by celebrity chefs. After that, head to the kid’s fishing derby in the Collingwood Harbour. Get a prize for the biggest, the smallest and the ugliest fish. The bike parade starts at 10am and the anniversary BBQ and free family swim is from 10am until 3pm.

You’ll enjoy a lumberjack show, fashion show, a presentation by Princess Emilie, a rubber duck race, face painting, balloon creations, plus art exhibits and a Canada150 reaffirmation ceremony. Don’t forget your free piece of birthday cake! Kids will enjoy the kid’s activity centre and the healthy kids community challenge.

There will be many musical entertainers at Millennium Park including:

  • Brianna McGowan
  • Sharing Dance
  • Songbird Music Studio
  • Mila Filatova and Friends
  • Ninety-One 1
  • Harmony North Chorus
  • Coming of Age
  • Austin McCarthy
  • Mike McCarthy Band

Watch the sunset over the water, while you have a family picnic with a free meal compliments of Loblaws at Millennium Park starting at 7pm. Enjoy the evening together while waiting for the fireworks, which start at 10pm. Millennium Park is the best place to watch from, but anywhere along the waterfront will work! If you’d prefer to watch from the water, consider a harbour cruise.

The celebrations aren’t over yet! On Sunday, there’s still lots more to do. The Georgian Bay Cup Race happens at 7am, and is followed by another lumberjack show, children’s activity centre and more. The evening starts with a farm to table street feast. Simcoe Street will transform into a pedestrian-only outdoor celebration of local food, with a menu prepared in collaboration with local chefs. There will be one long community dinner table of 150 people with two seatings. The Simcoe Street Theatre will play short films between seatings.

Cap off your night with the Mudmen in concert at the Shipyards Amphitheatre.

Happy birthday Canada!

 

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First Time Homebuyers Get a Break in the Blue Mountains

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Real Estate

In an effort to help first time homebuyers get into the market, the Town of The Blue Mountains is launching a loan program that will offer special loans to first time homebuyers who need it. Many young homebuyers who live in the area are finding it difficult to buy a home in the Town where they grew up because homes are reaching unaffordable ranges. The program will provide approved applicants with a maximum of a $20,000 interest free loan (5% of the total purchase price) that will go towards their down payment on a home in the area. They will have a 20-year grace period at which time they will have to pay it back. The loan is available for first time homebuyers who are buying homes that are under $400,000.

Called the Down Payment Assistance Program, it is being provided by the Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation, a non-profit corporation that was established just a few years ago to help create healthy, affordable and sustainable housing in The Blue Mountains. Positioned as an advocate and not as a social housing program, they are community based leaders who take action.

There are a number of qualifications that applicants need in order to receive this interest-free loan from the town:

  • Must be first-time home purchasers
  • Must be purchasing a home in the Town of the Blue Mountains
  • Do not have a maximum household income of $100,000
  • Do not have assets greater than $100,000
  • Applicants will use the home as their sole and principal residence
  • Applicants qualify for a mortgage

There is an application process and incomes and assets will be verified.

While the median price for a home in The Blue Mountains is over $800,000, this includes 6-bedroom and luxury housing. The median price for a two-bedroom home is lower than the maximum $400,000 mark. A general search on realtor.ca brought up at least 10 homes in the area that may qualify for the program.

This program won’t be around forever, as once the funds for it are exhausted, the program will close. The program is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you are interested in buying a home in The Blue Mountains, don’t delay in getting your application filed.

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Treat Dad in Collingwood this Father’s Day

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

He helped you with your homework, threw the baseball until you finally hit it and wiped your tears away when you felt you had no friends. He’s your dad and he deserves to be celebrated this weekend! What better place than Collingwood to celebrate Dad and all he stands for. Here are some great ideas for celebrating this weekend.

Fossils on Father’s Day

Head to Delphi Point Park and have a tour of the fossil beds. Any Dad will enjoy the fun day out that is also a great educational opportunity for the kids. Families pay $5, but Dad is free!

Go caving

Visit Scenic Caves this weekend and Dad gets free admission with a paid child admission (that’s a switch we like to see!). A great bonding experience for Dad and the kids, this deal is on both Saturday and Sunday. There is a printed coupon that you must take as mobile reproductions aren’t accepted.

Let him have time to himself

All Dads need time to themselves to recoup and be the best Dad they can. How do they do that? At Scandinave Spa of course. Let Dad enjoy soaking in the hot pools and cooling down in the cold pools. Buy him a book, a robe and a reusable water bottle and his day is set!

Take him golfing

I don’t know one Dad who wouldn’t appreciate a day on the links (with or without the kids) and Collingwood is amazing spot to hit them. Visit the Blue Mountain Golf Course, Cranberry Golf Resort or check out Monterra Golf. Tee times are probably filling up so call and see if they can squeeze in a time for you! If the day is full on the courses, you might want to try out the mini golf course at the mountain instead – it will still be tons of fun!

wasaga beach

Head to the Beach or go Boating

Living on beautiful Georgian Bay is a pure treasure and any resident or visitor of Collingwood should take advantage of this amazing body of water. Wasaga Beach, which is a very short drive east of Collingwood is very popular and is the world’s longest freshwater beach. Sunset Point Park is a rock beach, but also a great place to spend the day with a Frisbee and a picnic basket.

Take him out for a beer

Dads love beer more than they love golf, so any Dad will appreciate the great number of brew options in the Collingwood area. From the Collingwood Brewery, which is a definite local wonder where you can kick back and watch the beer being made or the Northwinds Brewery, which has an amazing atmosphere and tasty offerings.

Head to the mountain

This one is so obvious that we almost don’t need to mention it, but a day spent at Blue Mountain’s Village is better than any day spent anywhere else. Walk around, enjoy the scenery and then people watch from Rusty’s patio. Dad will love it.

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10 Best Patios in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

Patio season has officially begun and what better way to enjoy a day on the weekend than sitting on a patio with friends in Collingwood, enjoying the food, the drink and of course the gorgeous scenery. Here’s a list of the best patios in the town!

1.       Duncan’s Cafe

A great spot for people watching, this local favourite located right on Hurontario has comfortable seating, fresh squeezed orange juice and is the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

2.       Tremont Cafe

Another spot for lunch, brunch and dinner, this charming patio located outside of a heritage building – the Tremont House – is a not-to-miss this season. The food is outstanding and so is the service.

3.       Trattoria Azzurra

For a romantic night with an al fresco meal, take your date to the Tratoria Azzurra and visit their lovely patio. On the other hand, bring the entire gang for family-style Italian dining in the great outdoors. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

4.       Bent Taco

Known by visitors as the best patio in town, people rave about sitting outdoors enjoying a meal at Bent Taco. Not only is the food amazing, the service is top-notch and if you get chilly, you might even get blankets to keep you warm! If blankets aren’t your style, drink a few tequila shots or Bent margaritas instead.

5.       Lakeside Seafood and Grill

With amazing waterfront views, this restaurant opens right up to its patio, so you’ll enjoy the beautiful weather inside and out. Their homemade soups are definitely a must-try, even during the warm weather.

6.       Santtini’s Restaurant

With a small sidewalk patio, you can people watch while enjoying your glass of wine and frito misto. You’ll feel like you’re right in Italy.

7.       Sol Kitchen

If you are looking for something fresh and delicious on a sunny day, look no further than Sol Kitchen. With a small sidewalk patio, you can enjoy healthy fare and soak up that vitamin D.

8.       Rusty’s

Rusty’s patio is great any time of the year. Right at the base of the mountain, this is the spot to go for a party atmosphere and great drinks. The food isn’t bad either.

9.       The Dam Gastropub

Actually in Thornbury, it is definitely worth making the drive. The food is delicious and local and the drinks are worth raving about. The patio may just be the best in the area.

10.   Firehall Pizza Co.

And last, but not least, this spot is centred around all of the action at the mountain and is a great family-friendly spot for hanging on the patio while munching on some tasty pizza.

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A Taste of the Town

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events

You don’t want to miss this gastronomic event, happening in Collingwood and now in its 15th year! Imagine, tasting delights of food and drink from 20 of Southern Georgian Bay’s best restaurants while overlooking beautiful Georgian Bay.

A Taste of the Town happens on June 4th at Sunset Point Park from 12 noon until 3 pm and your $135 ticket price goes fully back to local and international charities. Because of this, you’ll get a tax receipt for most of the money! Local charities on the list to receive donations from this event include Big Brothers Big Sisters Georgian Triangle, Georgian College’s Collingwood campus and Hospice Georgian Triangle. Hospice Georgian Triangle provides trained volunteers to support individuals in their last days who are living with life-threatening illnesses. They only get 50% of their required funding from the government, so events like this really help this important charity in our area. This event has raised close to $500,000 in its 15-year history.

With only 500 attendees, your ticket allows you unlimited tastings of all food and beverage samples. You do have to be over 19 to attend, so don’t bring the kids!

Sunset Point Park is an iconic spot to have this event, known for being a local favourite spot for having picnics. A Taste of the Town is like one big, classy and delicious picnic, otherwise known as a waterfront garden party! Once you’re done at the event, you can walk off all that food and drink on one of their many waterfront trails.

collingwood event

The list of local restaurants attending is fabulous and you know you’ll delight in some of their favourite dishes, with many utilizing the 100-mile diet mindset. Not only will you be enjoying great food and drink and supporting some amazing charities, you’ll be eating local too! Here are some of the local restaurants that will attend:

·         Bruce Wine Bar

·         Farm to Table

·         Sol Kitchen

·         Heavenly Café

·         Tesoro

·         The Pottery

·         Kaytoo Restaurant and Bar

·         Tim Hortons

·         Men with Knives

·         Collingwood Sweet Shoppe

·         The Tremont Café

·         Gustav Chophouse and Bar

·         The Smoke

·         C&A Steak Co.

·         Cabin Bistro

·         The Mill Café

·         Memories Bar and Grill

The local wineries and breweries include:

·         Georgian Hills Winery

·         Creemore Springs Brewery

·         The Collingwood Brewery

Head to the Brown Paper Tickets site to get your tickets that you can pick up at will-call, since the event is only one day away!

 

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