You won’t find Georgina as a pinpoint on a map, as it is really a collection of towns and hamlets covering nearly 300 square kilometers. This unfolds within large areas of prime farmland, giving the municipality a distinct rural character.
The main “towns” within the Town of Georgina are Keswick, Sutton, Jackson’s Point and Pefferlaw, and there are smaller centres like Belhaven, Baldwin, Virginia and Udora.
But Georgina is no longer a sleepy farming community, with a seasonal boom from summer cottagers.
Lake Simcoe may have once defined the town, but this vibrant and increasingly diverse area has much to offer in addition to boating, watersports and fishing.
Georgina has evolved to a thriving year-round economy, supported by residential development that includes a mix of housing types, along with expanded shopping, including big box, and an upcoming business park in Keswick’s southeast corner.
Much of this has stemmed from the recent Highway 404 extension, which now travels north from Green Lane in East Gwillimbury to Woodbine and Ravenshoe – the Town’s southern border.
Residential and economic development
It is expected the nearby Simcoe Landing subdivision will reach 5,000 people when it fully builds out. And the adjacent business park, which should begin over the next 2-3 years, will include both industrial and small-scale commercial development.
On completion, it is estimated to provide 7,500 jobs, increasing local employment so that more Georgina residents can live near where they work – and spend less time commuting south.
But for those that do, Highway 404 has significantly reduced travel times, giving commuters a direct highway link in and out of Toronto.
Recreational opportunities
Plenty of day-trippers also travel north to Georgina, to enjoy the scenic waterfront and the many recreational opportunities it provides.
In warmer months, you’ll find several marinas in which to launch, dock or store your boat – the largest being Krates Marina in the south end of Cook’s Bay. Still, there are several others following the 52-km shoreline northeast to Pefferlaw.
Fishing is popular in the clear waters, but it’s in winter where Georgina distinguishes itself as the “Ice Fishing Capital of North America.” Home to several competitions each season, it is a huge draw for tourists, and a boost to the local economy.
There’s no shortage of things to do inland as well.
One of the big draws is the ROC: Recreational Outdoor Campus. Here you’ll find year-round fun for kids and active adults. Most notable is the Tube & Terrain park for tubing and snowboarding (with carpet lift and snowmaking), along with free outdoor skating and tobogganing.
In the warmer months, there’s a bike park with boulders, rollers and jumps to challenge riders and build their skills. The ROC also offers a ropes course and climbing wall, along with adventure programs spanning archery to outdoor survival.
How about beach volleyball? There are three courts here, as well as basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts, baseball and softball diamonds. And for a gentler approach to exercise, the Georgina Lawn Bowling Club provides an opportunity for fun and friendship.
Georgina offers several more sports facilities, like the Ice Palace, Sutton Arena and Pefferlaw Ice Pad, not to mention the leisure pool in Sutton, and numerous playgrounds and sports fields throughout neighbourhoods from Keswick to Pefferlaw.
The trail system is immense.
Some of these use existing roadways, some meander through natural areas – and all provide linkages throughout the Town, encouraging users to bike, walk and jog while enjoying the unique landscapes.
Be sure to explore Lake Drive, which follows the shoreline from Keswick to Jackson’s Point. Or visit Sibbald Point Provincial Park, with its sand beaches, picnic areas and campgrounds.
Cultural experiences
Residents and visitors can take a deep dive in local culture and the area’s rich history.
Within Sibbald Point Park is the Eildon Hall Museum, where you can view a collection of original art, artifacts and furnishings from the Sibbald family.
Or for a more extensive collection of artwork, visit the Georgina Arts Centre and Gallery in Sutton. It is home to a rich collection of paintings and photographs, along with the work of First Nations artists.
Near the Civic Centre is the Georgina Pioneer Village and Archives. It was inaugurated by Chief of the Chippewa of Georgina Island in 1975, and opened with two buildings: a log house circa 1870, and the Free Methodist Church built in 1889. There are now 16 historic structures from between 1850 and 1920.
Nearby is the Georgina Military Museum, with its many artifacts, uniforms, armoured vehicles and artillery.
If live performances are a passion, visit the Stephen Leacock Theatre in Keswick. Named after one of Canada’s best-known humourists, the 295-seat facility provides an affordable opportunity to enjoy world-class entertainers that have included Rita MacNeil, Jeff Healey and Jully Black.
The Town is also home to three libraries: Keswick, Sutton and Pefferlaw. Each has an extensive collection of books – hardcopy, audio and eBooks – as well as DVDs, downloadable movies and TV shows. Libraries also offer early literacy programs for children, along with a variety of classes and workshops for teens and adults.
Education
Georgina has 12 public elementary schools – including one with French immersion – and the Waabgon Gamig First Nations school. There are two public secondary schools: one in Keswick and one in Sutton.
The Catholic Board offers two elementary schools (one with French immersion), and one high school. Because of distances, many children require bussing. Visit yrdsb.ca or ycdsb.ca for more information.
Events
Starting with the Mayor’s Levee in early January, the Town of Georgina hosts many annual events that draw residents from neighbouring municipalities. There’s the SnoFest winter carnival in February, followed by the Lake Simcoe Championship and other ice fishing derbies. How about an Easter swim and in-water egg hunt?
As summer begins, there’s Music in the Streets, RibFest and Canada Day celebrations, and the start of the weekly farmer’s market. August includes the Sutton Fair and Horse Show – an annual favourite for more than 160 years.
Fall presents Halloween fun with the Family Fright Fiesta and Pool Haunt, and to wrap up the year, the tree-lighting events and Sutton Santa Claus Parade of Lights are not to be missed.
Moving to Georgina
Real estate prices in Georgina are significantly less expensive than the rest of York Region. And even with the 404 extension, this market still offers tremendous value – and provides first-time buyers an opportunity for home ownership.
Along with a great place to start a family, launch a business and establish roots.
Originally Posted on: YorkRegion
