Our Community

A Prime Location on the Doorstep of Toronto

While Headwaters Country retains its unique heritage and characteristics, it is not a remote, isolated area. It is on the doorstep of Toronto – about an hour’s drive away, and close to Pearson International Airport.

Dufferin-Caledon is an area experiencing dramatic growth. Its current population exceeds 100,000 permanent residents, with an additional 10,000 weekend and occasional residents. The towns and villages within the Dufferin-Caledon area – Orangeville, Caledon, Bolton, Erin and Shelburne among them – offer a wide selection of affordable “in-town” housing in both new and resale properties as well as apartments, condominiums and townhouse developments. The area is known for its century farms, historic homes, estate residential developments and executive properties.

Education

Commitment to excellence in educational services and facilities is at the forefront throughout Dufferin-Caledon. Top-notch public and separate school systems are augmented by several private institutions. Georgian College and Sheridan College have local campuses and Humber College has announced plans to build an Orangeville campus. The Universities of Guelph, York and Waterloo are all an easy commute for under-graduate and continuing education students.

Business

While agriculture remains key to the economic base of Dufferin-Caledon, the entrepreneurial spirit thrives in a wide range of successful local businesses. The area continues to grow as a desirable place to live, work, shop and play, all of which is reflected in the number of national corporations that choose to locate here. [Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce]

Recreation

Two of Ontario’s most notable geographic features comprise much of Dufferin-Caledon: the Niagara Escarpment and the Oak Ridges Moraine. This unique terrain gives rise to five river systems – the Grand, the Humber, the Credit, the Nottawasaga and the Saugeen; hence the area is known as “Headwaters”. These features and a number of parks, conservation and recreational areas contribute to a variety of recreational activities, with something for just about everyone.

Hiking and cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers enjoy the Bruce Trail, the Caledon Trailway (part of the TransCanada Trail) and the Humber Heritage Trail. Characteristics of the terrain have inspired many challenging golf courses [Devil’s Pulpit, Hockley Valley, Osprey Valley] throughout the area. Trout fishing, downhill and cross-country skiing, horseback riding and snowmobile trails are all here to add year-round zest to the outdoor lifestyle. Organized sports enjoy strong community support with a wide selection of associations and leagues geared to all ages and skills of the participants. A new recreation complex in Orangeville opened in November 2003 with two rinks, two pools, and a competitive gymnastics facility.

Arts

Dufferin-Caledon supports a lively and thriving arts and cultural community. Theatre Orangeville features some of the best theatrical artists from across Canada. The Caledon Town Hall Players and Blackhorse Theatre perform in their own heritage locations. Orangeville, Erin and Shelburne all boast restored historic performance centres. Countless artisans operate studios and galleries in many media – from paint to glass, wood, pottery, metal and fabric. Each year the arts community is celebrated in a number of tours, fairs and festivals. [Headwaters Tourism]