Collingwood, Ontario has a population of over 21,000 people and is located along the southern shore of Georgian Bay. The town covers 33.78 square kilometers and is situated near the communities of Owen Sound, Barrie, Orillia, and Orangeville. Collingwood is named after Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood, who took part in the Battle of Trafalgar of the coast of Spain. The town was known for its shipyards and shipbuilding services until the late 1980s.
The western section of Collingwood is a mix of natural, residential, and industrial spaces. Golf courses, a heritage museum, hotels, bed and breakfasts, conference centres, and waterfront views are all on offer in this area. There are also some agricultural operations located in this region.
Most of Collingwood’s amenities, such as restaurants, shops, a library, a community centre, and schools, can be found in the town’s central section. Commercial corridors run along First Street and Hurontario Street and tend to be busier than other areas of the town are. Several parks are also located in the central section and offer outdoor recreation opportunities for residents.
In the eastern section, a strip of waterfront residential properties can be found, as well as several automotive-related businesses, and greenspace. There are also a few hotels and motels for those who travel to Collingwood to enjoy the beach areas. The Collingwood Regional Airport is also located in the eastern section.
Entertainment and Tourism
Golf lovers have plenty of courses to choose from, both in Collingwood and just outside of town. Cranberry Golf Course is part of the Cranberry Golf Resort and features 18 holes on beautifully forested land. The resort offers golf lessons, dining establishments, accommodations, and various events and tournaments. Blue Mountain Golf and Country Club has an 18-hole course, a pro shop, and onsite dining. The course is the oldest in the area, having been developed in 1964.
Sunset Point Beach, located in the northern section of the town along the Georgian Bay coast, offers a sandy beach area, walking paths, greenspace, picnic areas, a concession area, and outdoor public art. Harbourview Park, also located in the northern section of the town, features an arboretum, walking paths, a pergola, benches, a fishing area, soccer fields, treed areas, and greenspace.
Economic
Collingwood’s key industries include health care, construction, advanced manufacturing, arts/entertainment/recreation, and tourism (which employs 37% of the town’s population). Large businesses in the area include construction company MacLean Engineering, healthcare service Right at Home, and advanced manufacturing company AGNORA. Tourism includes businesses near Blue Mountain, a popular spot for skiing; Craigleith Provincial Park; Wasaga Beach Provincial Park; numerous local ski clubs; and various marine and watersport-related businesses. There is also the performing arts company Theatre Collingwood.
Collingwood has a chamber of commerce, a downtown business improvement association, a small business resource centre, and a centre for business and economic development.
Real Estate Market
A mix of condominiums and higher priced single-family homes can be found in Collingwood’s western section. Lot sizes for single-family homes tend to be large in this section. Vacant land and large commercial options can also be found here.
Most of the town’s real estate options can be found in the central section, and these include older, reasonably priced single-family homes; newer and more expensive single-family homes; commercial property; and some vacant land.
There are many large luxury homes in the town’s eastern section, which come with higher price tags than the smaller, older homes also located here. Lot sizes tend to be large, and provide a rural feel to each property. Homes on the waterfront tend to fetch higher prices than those that are farther inland. Vacant land is also available here, as are some commercial properties.
Education
Private and public schools in Collingwood include Mountain View Elementary School, Connaught Public School, Collingwood Collegiate Institute, Jean Vanier Catholic High School, St. Mary’s Catholic School, Admiral Collingwood Elementary School, Cameron Street Public School, and Pretty River Academy. Most of the schools in the area are operated by the Simcoe County District School Board or the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board.
Georgian College is the only post-secondary option in Collingwood, but residents can also access options in nearby communities, including Academy of Learning College, CTS Canadian Career College, and Liaison College.