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The Hills of Headwaters—With its fresh air and open skies, rolling hills and green forests dotted by character-filled little villages and towns, you can experience almost any self-renewing pursuit your heart desires. There’s nothing ‘mass produced’ about it! The region’s unique topography makes all this possible. Home to the Niagara Escarpment, recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere, it provides scenic slopes for skiing, hiking and biking. It also contains part of another scenic protected area, the Oak Ridges Moraine, with its myriad of little lakes gleaming between hills and forests. The flatter Peel plain provides fertile growing soil for farm crops.

What do the Hills of Headwaters offer? Locally grown food you can buy fresh, right from the farmer, or in local markets, or even pick yourself! One of a kind shops have everything from fashionable accessories to sports equipment. Cultural and outdoor activities are available for all seasons. Behind those experiences are the welcoming local residents, farmers and professionals, the people whose visions and passions for what they do will make your visit complete.

This guide contains everything needed to find these gems and local events that will make the Hills of Headwaters into a vacation in a day, or weekend, for you and your family!

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264244www.thehillsofheadwaters.com

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Published by Frontline Media on behalf of the Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association.

Publisher: Katie Burchell Editor: Sally MorellText: Diana Wronski, Rodney Barnes, Michele HarrisDesign & Production: SDB Creative GroupPhotos: Simon Burn Advertising & information: info@frontline-media.ca

Photos, graphics and text in this publication are copyrighted materials and may not be reproduced or reprinted without written permission.

Stephanie GairdnerRenaissanceMichael PottersHockley Valley ResortDarrell KeenieDufferin County MuseumBrendan CallanIcarus Skate and SnowKate GarviePlowshare FarmLarry KurtzPresident of OrangevilleJazz and Blues FestivalJanet Simmons SweetArtistRobert McClureOsprey Valley Golf Course

Looking for a quick getaway? Within an hour of Toronto there exists a world so far away from the urban hustle and bustle that you will feel refreshed!

We can’t wait to meet you!

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Collingwood

Shelburne

Alliston

Barrie

LakeSimcoe

GeorgianBay

Lake Ontario

Newmarket

Palgrave

Bolton

Georgetown

Acton

To Guelph

To Hamilton

Erin

CaledonVillage Caledon

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Orangeville

The Hills ofHeadwaters

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Accommodation

Map

Festivals & Events

The faces of the past

Explore our towns & villages

Tour the region

You’ll love our great outdoors

The hills are alive with art

Fresh and fabulous for foodies

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Headwaters farms and orchards have been feeding us since they were first settled. Crops start with rhubarb and asparagus, through to winter squash. The best part is the stories you can tell of the passionate people you bought from, and their welcoming smiles!

When Michael Potters mentions terroir, he’s not talking about wine. The chef de cuisine of Hockley Valley Resort’s newest restaurant ‘cabin’ uses the term to describe the taste of local produce and livestock. The geographical connec-tion is important, he says, “It gives the food an identity—there’s a connection to the land. We’re always looking for stories; the farmer has a story, the food has a story. If you know where your food comes from, it’s a reality you don’t get from buying vegetables from California or Guatemala. And the flavour—the perfect eggplant, the ideal peppers, potatoes and tomatoes, the beautiful lamb—the land gives the food a unique flavour that defines our area.”

Michael has set out to make Hockley Valley Resort one of the first restaurants to go 100 percent local. The 65-seat ‘cabin’ restaurant has a 2.5-acre garden from which the perpetually changing menu reflects the seasons. For most of the winter Michael focused on proteins and cellared products; soon he will be out picking fiddleheads. “Our philosophy is not only to cook local but to grow our own food, combined with local market produce.”

Michael spent 20 years working in some of Toronto’s top restaurants. For the past decade he ran his own ventures in Prince Edward County, placing a heavy emphasis on local food. Moving to Dufferin County last October to help open ‘cabin’ for the new

“In season and locally grown” are the big food trends among celebrity and home chefs alike. Where better than the Hills of Headwaters to travel no more than 100 miles to get that really fresh food?

Fresh and fabulous for foodies

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Ultimately, the value in serving local food is that people feel good and know the origin of what they’re eating.

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Chef de cuisine of ‘cabin’ restaurant, Michael Potters, at the Hockley Valley Resort.

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year, Michael can take his passion further. “I love food; that’s just the way it is.”Michael has been developing connections with local farmers all over

the area. He brings in beef and boar from farms in Tottenham; whole lamb, pig and potatoes are also sourced locally. All become part of a menu that “reflects a rustic, elegant style,” he says, with four to five appetizers and six mains. Local food not only helps define our area, but the country’s palate. “We are defining Canadian cuisine every day, and the more we cook, the more that definition is enhanced. The unique flavour is what makes the dish, and where the farmers shine. Ultimately, the value in serving local food is that people feel good and know the origin of what they’re eating.”

Come to the Headwaters’ various farmers’ markets or straight to the farm for Bert Nieuwenhuis’ naturally raised lamb. Bert spent 20 years in real estate, a “temporary career” to fund his true dream, a life in agriculture. In 2004, after a few false starts, Bert bought his first sheep. “I’ve lived in the country, never in town,” he says. “When I was in school I was working on farms in the summer. That’s where my love of agriculture grew.”

Bert didn’t always have his eyes set on sheep, but in 1997 he was showing a sheep farm in Fergus and “really liked it.” Seven years later he’d start his own. Today his farm is home to 250 ewes and Bert has a presence in farmers’ markets all over the county. “The way it is now, we’re going full tilt 12-14 hours a day from May to October.”

The road’s never been easy. After weathering the protracted recession of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, having owned and sold a farm in that time and seen his aspirations slip from his grasp, Bert, despite having done his research, struggled to learn the ropes of his startup sheep farm. “Sheep can die faster than you can say Jack Robinson,” he says. “They’re fragile, and they

tend to hide the fact that they’re ill. You basically learn everything through the school of hard

knocks.”

Local sheep farmer Bert Nieuwenhuis. You’ll find his naturally raised lamb at the farmers’ markets.

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Amaranth Farmers’ Market Wednesdays 5:00 to 8:00pm, Amaranth Municipal Office, 374028 6th Line, Amaranthwww.amaranth.ca

Caledon Farmers’ MarketSaturdays 8:00am to 1:00pm, 150 Queen St South, Boltonwww.caledon.ca/farmersmarket

Erin Farmers’ MarketFridays 3:00 to 7:00pm, from June 29Erin Fairgrounds / Main St, Erinwww.erinfair.ca

Be sure to visit our Farmers’ Markets during the growing season

Hockley Valley Farmers’ Market Sunday 10:00 to 3:00pm,Hockley Valley Resort,793522 Mono 3rd Line, Orangevillewww.hockley.com

Inglewood Farmers’ Market Wednesdays 3:30 to 7:00pm, 15596 McLaughlin Rd, Inglewoodwww.eatlocalcaledon.org

Orangeville Farmers’ MarketSaturday 8:00 to1:00pm,2nd St & Broadway, Orangevillewww.marketonbroadway.ca

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Then he had to deal with the auctions. After two years of loading his sheep into the truck and selling them at fluctuating prices, he looked into selling them directly to the customer. “Traditional farming involves speculating and hoping you’ll get a return at the end of the day, which is insane if you think about it,” Bert says. Selling directly allows him more control over the price and gives him a closer connection with the people and community buying his produce. This takes a lot of time to cultivate, but his years in real estate paid off to help prepare him for a more public role. And the community is happy to support him. “There is a strong level of support for farmers, locally,” he says. “I think if people actually see and interact with the farmers in their area, there’s a real connection. That’s the real

strength of purchasing local, you’re purchasing from local people.”Besides regularly grown food in the Hills of Headwaters, much is available as either “naturally

raised” or “organic” to suit buyers’ preferences. Growers’ passion for what they do extends to being part of food movements. MyPick® assures you are buying directly from the local farmer; Local Food

Plus (LFP) identifies growers of locally sustainable foods; Collaborative Regional Alliance of Farmers in Training (C.R.A.F.T.) has one generation of farmers tutoring the next in sustainable and ecological

methods.How do you get such wonderfully grown food? Pick your own strawberries and beans from local fields, and apples from well-tended orchards. Another option is to buy already picked produce

from the farmers’ markets. Roadside stands during the season invite you to stop and browse. You can follow tree-lined farm driveways, directed by signs on the road telling what they sell

to the public.No good meal comes without libation. Spirit Tree Estate Cidery is a unique place to

quench your thirst in the Headwaters area. The Cidery may only be three years old, built of straw bales, but it comes from very old traditions indeed, of getting spirits from apple trees and chasing bad spirits away, and wassailing in the orchard to ensure a good crop. In fact, you can bring your family during the Cidery’s annual Family Day Wassailing Festival! The Cidery also bakes traditional European style breads in a specially built wood-fired oven.

LEFT Chef Erik Kjaer, owner of The Market Hill Cafe in Mono Mills. An establishment considered by the locals as a hidden gem!

TOP Chef Malcolm Muth, owner of the Terra Nova Public House. Like many chefs in the region, he sources his ingredients locally.

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The bucolic Hills of Headwaters area attracts creative people in abundance. There is so much art, and ample opportunity to explore galleries and talk to the artists themselves almost anywhere in the region.

The hills are alive with art

A great place to start is Orangeville’s Dragonfly Arts on Broadway. Typifying the people in the Hills of Headwaters, Dragonfly won the Best Customer Service Experience award in 2010 from Headwaters Tourism. Come through the front door to be greeted with a big smile from owner Joan Hope. Dragonfly carries a wide selection of Canadian art and fine crafts. It represents literally hundreds of area artists whose works include pottery, wood, silver jewellery, glass and folk art. A ‘hands on’ kind of place, usually an artist or two can be found painting their latest creation in the studio area. Your experience doesn’t end there as, at the end of the art-lined corridor, you will find Beads on Broad-way where each beautiful bead is handmade right there by the torch. And yes, they all accept commissions to create one-of-a-kind gifts for yourself or someone else!

Ann Randeraad’s work in pottery involves a dialogue with the land in Dufferin County, sometimes quite physically. Having practised for 20 years, the artist has experimented with the red clay found on Hockley Valley Road. “Which is not very practical,” she admits, “but it’s very exciting. It’s indeed going back to the land.”

Growing up in the area brought Ann into contact with art. “I wanted to be an illustrator, at first,” she says, “but got distracted by pottery.” She would watch a friend throwing clay while she sketched, and soon found herself drawn to the

more physical process. “Pottery is a passion, something I can’t live

without. It’s my voice for all the things around me, all the things you find in nature.”

Ann recently took the plunge and committed to pottery full-time, having moved

three years ago into the Alton Mills Arts Centre. It’s important to remain in

Headwaters, close to her source of inspiration. “It sounds simple,

but really it is the beauty of the area,” she says. “One single elm on a roadside against a fantastic sky; you’d never see that in the city.”

In another corner of Headwaters, you’ll find

Jennifer McKinnon, who has been turning wood

for nearly a decade, using deadfall and material gifted to

TOP Pottery serving bowl by Indira Singh.

ABOVE Caledon landscape by local photographer Simon Burn.

LEFT Artistic Director of Theatre Orangeville, David Nairn.

BELOW Sterling silver bracelet by Christine Phillippe.

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Ann Randeraad, potter

Pottery is a passion, something I can’t live without. It’s my voice for all the things around me, all the things you find in nature.

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her from a whole network of friends who keep a keen eye on the brush in the

area. Maple, cherry, walnut, elm, though “Elm doesn’t get very big anymore,”

Jennifer admits. “But I’d like to think that I’m making it into something that will

stay around for a while.”

From wood found in the region, Jennifer makes functional pieces including

bowls and vases. “I can tell you pretty much the very tree that any piece I’ve ever

made has come from,” she says. With a log or piece of deadfall, Jennifer will

perform a green-turn to rough out the shape and then let the piece air-dry. The

whole process can take up to eight months, with most of that time spent drying.

“I like to let the wood lead me. I look for interesting things that may be inside it.

My initial vision is never what it turns out to be. The wood reveals itself to you.”

Inspired by animal tracks, impressions of leaves on the ground, and burned

patterns made by nature, McKinnon takes pieces from the land and people

around her and channels them into her work. “You listen to their stories, and the

history of the region, and it all inspires pieces of the area,” she says. Counting

the rings on the wood she works with, McKinnon imagines the history, “the agri-

culture, the settling that took place here so many years ago.”

Under Artistic Director David Nairn, Theatre Orangeville provides exceptional

professional productions, plus it develops and premieres new Canadian works.

Top theatrical artists from all over Canada, such as Michael Burgess, Michael

You listen to their stories, and the history of the region, and it all inspires pieces of the area.

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Joan Hope, owner of DragonflyArts on Broadway, Orangeville.

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Therriault, Rod Beattie, Avery Saltzman, Douglas

Chamberlain, Lally Cadeau and Ted Follows, have performed here.

If music is your thing, experience the sights

and sounds of the Canadian Old Time Fiddle

Championship in Shelburne. Started as a Rotary

fundraiser 62 years ago, this unique five-day

Fiddlefest attracts hundreds of top fiddlers from

across Canada and over 3,000 attendees to the

small town. The festivities include a parade, a

Beer Garden and camping, throughout which the

Legion offers 24-hour food service.

“People are excited and they’re happy, but at

the same time it’s a competition so it’s very tense.

Every time there’s a little mistake the whole audi-

ence will gasp,” says Caroline Mach, who has

helped organize the festival since moving to

Shelburne and joining the Rotary Club 15 years

ago. “Shelburne is known as Fiddleville,” Mach

says. “If you talk to anyone about Shelburne

they’ll go, ‘Oh, is that where they have that fiddle

contest?’ At the end of the festival people will line

up to buy their tickets for next year!”

Janet Simmons Sweet, one of the many artiststo be found at Alton Mill Arts Centre.

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Open skies and spaces, forests, slopes, trails and more, are close at hand in the Hills of Headwaters. So are outdoor and leisure activities that include most interests in all seasons. Besides your family, bring the dog along!

You’ll love our great outdoors

In the northwest corner of Headwaters you may revel in nature’s beauty in East Luther Grand Valley, “Nature’s Playground.” It includes part of the 13,000 acre Luther Marsh and 3,500 acre Luther Lake, plus the area’s wildlife. The scenic Grand River, designated a heritage river, meanders through the countryside and community of Grand Valley. Natural beauty does not stop there, as a significant portion of Headwaters is still rural, but within an hour’s drive of Toronto. The area also contains two major and protected land features, the Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine, where varying terrain provides drama in any vista.

Barrie Burchell, local fishing enthusiast and outdoorsman.

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Headwaters region has the largest concentration of horses in Ontario, by far. This is your chance to find out what the sport is all about! Many horse activities in the area promote the best of various aspects of equitation, and the magnificent animals which participate. Some are showcased in September’s Destination Equitation, a week-long series of events, from stable open houses to workshops and lifestyle offerings.

The Caledon Equestrian Park, located in the beautiful Village of Palgrave, is host to equestrian competitions from mid May until the end of September, concluding with the very popular Canadian Show Jumping Tournament, offering international show jumping and a wide variety of entertainment, education and shopping for the entire family.

Other horse thrills are provided by Orangeville’s RAM Rodeo in July, with its Old West flavour. Besides the bucking broncs ’n bulls, you can enjoy barrel and chuck wagon racing, trick riding, food and entertainment. With many English and Western stables in the area, you can learn how to ride a horse yourself! Why not?

Keen on golf? The Headwaters area has a tremendous selection of public access clubs. Ever played in Scotland? It’s closer than you think. The highly regarded Heathlands course at Osprey Valley, designed by renowned Canadian architect Doug Carrick, is a must play. It has a four-star rating by Golf Digest and is rated fifth in Ontario by The Southern Ontario Golf Directory. Better yet, set out early and play all three of Carrick’s master-pieces at Osprey Valley. The Hoot course is wasteland style with large waste bunkers and pine and spruce trees, while the Toot course is traditional park-land style with mixed forest, penal bunkers and large sloping greens.

Goin’ fishin’? You can cast your lines at many places including conserva-tion areas, stocked fishing ponds and streams. Try ice fishing in winter!

Speaking of winter, Headwaters activities don’t stop then! Check out skiing here, without the long drives. Downhill and cross country are both readily accessible in resorts, public parks and local ski clubs. Snowshoeing has become very popular too.

Icarus Skate and Snow is the “go to” shop for Skateboard and Snow-board equipment and influenced apparel. Beginner or expert, the staff will help you find whatever you need, including great clothing and shoe selections for men, women, school aged enthusiasts and children. Icarus Shreducation is run by professional snowboarders to produce professional snowboarders. An elite snowboard coaching program, it

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provides the highest level of coaching to all ages of athletes in all free-style disciplines, from learning how to turn properly all the way to inventing signature tricks and competing in the Olympics. Every summer, Icarus hosts its annual Skateboard Competition ‘Throwdown in O’Town’ at Orangeville’s Rotary Skateboard Park. This is one of the top events in Canada. Hundreds of spectators and contestants come from all over for good times and great prizes. Please stop by for high fives and smiles!

The Rotary Skateboard Park is a “happening” place, opened in 2006 by the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with Orangeville Rotary Club and Rotary Club of Orangeville Highlands, so skaters, bikers and in-line skaters have their own place to show off their talent. It’s open every day, dawn to dusk, in good weather, for anyone to use. The Town also offers a BMX park, for mountain bikers wanting to try some hills and jumps, at the Alder Street Recreation facility. Be sure to wear your helmet!

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Robert McClure, Director of Golf at Osprey Valley Golf Course, Caledon

A view across Hockley Valley Resort’s golf course in the Town of Mono.

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We held a photo contest last year in Orangeville Living magazine, asking local residents to submit favourite photos that they felt best represented the natural splendour of the region. Here are the four runners-up and overall winner.

Windmill and wind turbines, taken just north of Grand Valley.Jon Tamlin

Old barn in the Amaranth Township, Dufferin.Allan D. Thompson

Old driveway off a country road north west of Orangeville.Lesley Lamourie

A field in Amaranth Township, Dufferin.Mike Lawson

WINNERCows grazing in a field just south of Shelburne.Tom Garnett

We loved the simplicity and strong graphic nature of Tom’s image.

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Headwaters region through the eyes of our residents

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There are many ways to tour our region, including car, motorcycle, bike, or on foot—and even by plane or train! You can use the roads, or go off-road in some places. Whatever your interest, there is lots to explore.

Tour the region

By car is the obvious choice, using the map on the previous page. Sites to look out for include the “Badlands” in Caledon. These striking red-striped hills are a geologic storybook, created over millions of years and exposed by more recent soil erosion. They are a popular destination for sightseeing, photos and even movies and commercial filming. Don’t miss the very picturesque twisting, winding drive along the Forks of the Credit Road, with its midway hairpin turn reminiscent of mountain roads—please take note that it’s impossible for trucks and buses. You may travel the same roads by bicycle or motorcycle. If you are more adventurous, there are many trails for mountain biking through wooded areas.

Don Coats has run, cycled, hiked, snowshoed, skied and snowboarded the Hills of Headwaters. When the weather is warm, Don rides five days every week with the Caledon Hills cycling club. In winter he takes the same trails on cross-country skis. “It’s great being in the outdoors,” he says. “We have so much green space. I never get tired of the trails.”

Through the shop Don offers Spin Nights, Hike Nights and rides with the cycling group. The shop doubles as a social hub for

all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts. “It’s quite busy year-round. People just hang out here; must be the free coffee.”

For people with an idea of how they would like to tour the area, Don will draw up a custom route. For

urban cyclists, the area offers quiet roads and old railway lines in back of the farmlands, with more than

25km of multi-use trails from Cataract through Erin and Hillsburgh. For the mountain

biker, there are more than 100km of trails through Albion Hills, Palgrave Forest and Glen Haffy Conservation Area. And for road enthusiasts, the scenic routes along the Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine are unlimited. “People drop in and tell us they want to ride for 25, 50,100, 200 kilometres

and we just map it out for them.”Many of these same trails can be

used for hiking and winter snowshoeing and skiing. Don points out that the Bruce Trail runs throughout Headwaters, and cross-country skiers have dedicated trails

in Albion Hills, Terra Cotta Conservation and Mono’s Monora Park. The opportunities are

PHOTO: CREDIT VALLEY EXPLORER

George Church, local photographer and hiker, can often be found on the trails making fine art images.

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endless. “Essentially we just step out our back door and it’s all there,” Don says. “I feel spoiled. But I never take it for granted.”

Revel in the splendour of fall in Hills of Headwaters via several organized studio tours. Artists welcome you into their homes and studios where you can experience who they are on a personal level, and learn firsthand what inspires them.

Exploring nature on foot is another great option, by hiking in warmer seasons or the increasingly popular snowshoeing in winter. The Bruce Trail, Trans-Canada Trail, Upper Grand Trailway and Caledon Trailway all pass through the Hills of Headwaters, giving ample opportunity to hikers. Spot wildlife such as does with their fawns and the many bird species from hawks to herons that populate the landscape. Also providing seasonal pleasure are changes in the landscape as trilliums give way to summer lilies, and then the spectacular fall colours in the trees. You might even come across a ruin or two from the early days of settlement!

How about a train ride? Go First Class in the Credit Valley Explorer Tour Train, leaving from Orangeville. You don’t have to be a train buff to enjoy this kind of ‘off-roading’! The views from the 125 year old route following the Niagara Escarpment, along with commentary, are amazing!

No matter how you tour, you will always find something interesting in the Hills of Headwaters!

We have so much green space. I never get tired of the trails.“ “

PHOTO: CREDIT VALLEY EXPLORER

Don Coats, owner of Caledon Hills Cycling.

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Great shopping is available in the Hills of Headwaters and you will find things which are out of the ordinary. A lot of shops are located in historic towns and communities with charming names like Violet Hill, Belfountain and Erin.

Explore our towns and villages

Unearth the many gems which are too numerous to mention individually, beginning in Bolton, close to the Toronto border. The historic ‘four corners’ of Bolton are found down at the bottom of big converging hills. Traffic on the main street still crosses the Canadian Heritage Designated Humber River over a bridge decked out in flowers in the summer.

Located in one of the Victorian brick storefronts, women will adore Klementine Designs where owner Sabrina Olivieri brings in the latest in European styles, some of which are exclusive to her in Canada! Sabrina extends her personal touch to producing some of her own designs and providing alterations for a perfect fit.

Rosa Alvarez, owner of Bolton’s Mille Notte lingerie boutique, is involved in the intimate side of fashion, which has also put her in touch with some of her customers’ more sensitive issues. That’s why Rosa founded the Caledon Breast Cancer Foundation, and today organizes the annual Pink Tie Gala fundraiser and three support groups for women affected by breast cancer. She is also organizing a Martini Event fundraiser later this year. “I wish I could do more to help,” she says. “It gives me strength seeing these ladies going through so much; they’re so strong, they just accept it and move on.”

Historic Orangeville, with its restored main street storefronts, has much to offer with several first class restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries. A plethora of inviting stores provides shopping from kitchenware to fashion. The landscaped parkette down the centre of Broadway offers good weather seating and views of the storefronts, and speaks to the history of the mills which put Orangeville on the map.

Another historic town, Shelburne, is on the northern boundary. Founded in the early 1860s by William Jelly, a local entrepreneur, the town’s growth exploded in the 1870s when the railways arrived, and the impressive store-fronts on the main street attest to this economic growth. Today they are filled with interesting shops and boutiques to browse.

Palgrave was painted by David Milne, a contemporary of the Group of Seven. It’s near walking trails, the Albion Hills Conservation Area, and has a few places to grab a bite, or even book a trip!

Belfountain, picturesquely positioned, also has a number of charming little shops, eateries and food outlets. The Belfountain Conservation Area isadjacent, with its lovely trails, waterfall, suspension bridge and grinding stone from an old grist mill. The property was originally owned by Charles Mack who invented the cushion backed rubber stamp. South on Missis-sauga Road, the restored 1837 White Church is celebrating its 175th anni-versary this summer. Also on Mississauga Road is a historically designated 1800’s drystone wall, recently restored to its glory. A short drive away is the historic village of Inglewood that has retained the quaint atmosphere of yesteryear in its shops.

Caledon East has no shortage of unique shops and services, but you’ll be particularly impressed by the variety of food purveyors in the commu-nity. Gourmandissimo is an ‘up country’ experience where visitors and patrons are treated to the award-winning cuisine of chef Gilles Roche and his pastry chef wife, Adriana. The best of fresh fish, honey sliced hams,

ABOVE Jelly Craft Bakery & Cafe in Shelburne has old world charm and delicious baked goods made on the premises.

RIGHT Rosa Alvarez, ownerof Mille Notte Lingerie in Bolton.

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and Ontario-raised beef, pork, chicken and lamb can be found at Howard the Butcher’s right in the heart of town. There are also plenty of places to stop for a quick bite including Tom’s Family Restaurant and the Trailside Bistro Café and Bakery.

Ireland was remembered by the original surveyors of the district in the early 19th century who named the area Erin. The village itself came later. Just beyond the western edge of Caledon, Erin’s picturesque main street is a great place to spend an afternoon browsing many chic clothing and home furnishing shops, or treat yourself to a meal at one of several restaurants, or try a baked ‘goodie’ or ice cream cone from the old-time food purveyors.

Stephanie Gairdner opened Renaissance antique store on a sunny day in June with friends attending to celebrate, and local merchants. “One of the most unique things about our village is that merchants support each other,” she says. “It’s very festive; in our village we turn everything into a party.” Stephanie has been involved in antiques since she was a teenager, and has owned stores in both Toronto and Aurora. She moved to Erin 15 years ago on a lark and was welcomed by the whole neighbourhood. “When we moved in, all of our neighbours walked the bridge over the river and brought us food. We’ve never looked back; we love it here.”

Stephanie opened Renaissance five years later (the store is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year) and has witnessed a community coming into its own. “Erin’s kept its charm and its history. But at the same time it’s become very sophisticated.” Stephanie’s store was nominated best original historical building a couple of years ago. “That could go to any of the other shops in town,” she says. “But when you go inside, what they’re selling is very refined.”

Renaissance has become one of the pillars of the community along Erin’s Main Street and Stephanie is happy with the way Erin has devel-oped. Many historical villages isolate their downtown shopping from everyday things, but that’s not what happens in Erin, she says. “Every-thing you need is all in that two-block radius.”

ABOVE Take a breakfrom shopping to enjoya high tea at Tintagels Tea Room, Erin.

BELOW Take a stroll and enjoy the colour and charm of Erin.

LEFT Tanya Hughes, owner of Pear Home on Broadway, Orangeville.

PHOTO: DAVE LANDRY

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It’s very festive; in our village we turn everything into a party.“ “

StephanieGairdner, owner of Renaissance,Erin

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www.orangevilleliving.ca

www.caledonliving.com

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The Hills of Headwaters is rooted in history. And while the history of the region has a deep connection to the waterways that traverse the landscape, it’s the people who came from generations past that have shaped who we are today!

The faces of the past

Today, the names of those founding settlers are still evident throughout the region in names on stores or on heritage buildings. Descendents of farmers who originally worked the land still work the family farms today, living in homes that their ancestors built. To fully understand how history shapes today, you need to know the people who came before us!

ALTONFirst settled in 1834 by Thomas Russell, the Village of Alton is located on Shaw’s Creek, a tributary of the Credit River. It is said that American John Meek, who settled in the town, suggested that they name the town after Alton, Illinois, ensuring that it would always come up near the top of any alphabetical listing.

BELFOUNTAINOne of the most iconic drives in the Hills of Headwaters region is along the Forks of the Credit Road, ending at the historic hamlet of Belfountain. Originally called McCurdy’s Village, Belfountain was given the unfortunate nickname “Tubtown” after a gentleman named McNaughton erected a crude, tub-shaped building in the hamlet’s core.

BOLTONIn 1820, when George Bolton arrived from Norfolk, England and viewed the rolling Albion Hills and the scenic Humber River valley, he recognized not only the stunning beauty of the landscape, but also the potential for developing a thriving business in the area. He immediately purchased 200 acres of land and, in partnership with his relative James, he constructed a grist mill in an area that became known as Bolton’s Mill.

ERINWhile the township of Albion was named for England and Town of Caledon was named for Scotland, Erin Township was named for Ireland, no doubt to reflect the Irish heritage of so many of its first residents. The village itself was originally named Macmillan’s Mills after Daniel McMillan, a young entrepreneur. In 1829, at the age of eighteen, he purchased the village’s first sawmill, eventually building five mills before his untimely death from blood poisoning at the age of thirty-eight, caused by a sliver in his finger, no doubt a result of working in the sawmill!

GRAND VALLEYIn 1855 George Joyce and his family settled at the corner of what is now Main and Amaranth Streets, opening a log tavern. At that time the village was known as Joyce’s Corners, and by 1869 the population had swelled to a total of 15 residents!

HILLSBURGHFounder William How opened Hillsburgh’s first general store soon after his arrival to the area in 1821. How, along with his sons, was a true merchant, establishing a trading post where he purchased product from settlers which he then shipped to markets as far away as Oakville. With both the Credit and Grand Rivers originating nearby, grist mills, saw mills and woolen mills opened before long in the village, making Hillsburgh a thriving industrial community!

Jeremy Grant, owner of the historic Alton Mill Arts Centre

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INGLEWOODGiven the name Inglewood by Hon. Thomas White, MP for Cardwell in Sir John A. Macdonald’s cabinet, until such time as the name took hold, historians might be excused for not realizing the names Corbett’s Mills, Riverdale, Sligo, Sligo Junction and Riverdale Junction all referred to the current town of Inglewood.

ORANGEVILLEWhile the first patent for land was issued in 1820 to Ezekiel Robinson, the Town of Orangeville is actually named after Orange Lawrence, who was born in Connecticut but moved to the area and purchased land from Robert Hughson. A captain in the militia during Mackenzie’s Rebel-lion in 1837, Lawrence was a well respected businessman who owned several mills in the village, which was named Orangeville in Lawrence’s honour in 1863.

SHELBURNEMelancthon Township’s history began in 1840 during construction of the Toronto-Sydenham Road. Fifteen years later, William Jelly, one of the earliest inhabitants, established the British Canadian Hotel known to locals as ‘Jelly’s Tavern’. A year later the post office adopted the name Shelburne, reportedly after the Earl of Shelburne.

Manager Darrell Keenie and Curator Wayne Townsend of Dufferin County Museum

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Headwaters Waterpower History Hills of Headwaters topography benefits from four major rivers and also four watersheds: the Humber, Credit, Nottawasaga and Grand. In early days, water-driven mills were vital for industrial and economic development until the 1870s, which brought settlement. Along the entire length of the Humber River alone, some 88 mills existed, many of them in the Headwaters area. By the mid 1870s, the water table dropped as the forests were logged off and most millers converted to steam power, which still required a water source, but didn’t rely on dams and wheels or turbines to generate power.

George Bolton built the grist mill on the Humber River and, later, sawmills in the early 1820s, which helped create Bolton, the town at Headwaters’ south-ern limit which still carries his name. Another very important mill existed near Bolton, in the hamlet of Glasgow. They had the contract to make Army blankets for the First World War and had to buy wool from as far away as Australia to complete the orders. In Dufferin, the earliest recorded mills were in Hornings Mills (1832) and in Orangeville (1837); both had a sawmill and a flouring mill. A number of sawmills flourished in Luther, Melancthon and Mulmur, and then disappeared as trees were cut and land was occupied for farming.

Most of these mills have disappeared as some were meant to be temporary and were moved. Others burned or fell into disuse with mechanization, and some were finally destroyed. But the settlements continue as scenic towns and villages with quaint shops and tearooms, and their names still live on as historic towns, villages and roadways.

Some mill sites are still visible:

ALTONNine originally existed starting in 1845 to 1881, and two remain. These are now converted into The Millcroft Inn and The Alton Mill Arts Centre.

CATARACT Adjacent saw, knitting and grist mills were built in 1858, later converted into a hydroelectric plant. The ruins are still visible.

BELFOUNTAINThe mill originally built in 1825 has disappeared. However the millpond remains to be enjoyed in the local conservation area. RIVERDALENear Inglewood, and started as a woolen mill in the 1840s, the stone structure rebuilt in 1871 is still owned by the original family and houses mixed commercial and industrial uses.

BOLTONBolton Mill Park recognizes the site of the Mill and the very large Mill Pond and dam. The remnants of the last dam remain, but are modified to provide a fish ladder in the hope that the Atlantic Salmon, bred and released from the ponds at Glen Haffey, can eventually return to breed.

OTHERSWhile there are remnants of some early water-powered mills elsewhere in Headwaters, none are accessible to the public.

The Millcroft Inn & Spa, Alton

Balloonmoldsfrom the Alton Mill

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www.thehillsofheadwaters.com

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SPRINGMay 1 to 27 MENOPOSITIVETheatre Orangevillewww.theatreorangeville.ca

May 19SPRING BUS TOURDufferin County Museumwww.dufferinmuseum.com

May 1 to 21SPRING REVEAL ART SHOWAlton Mills Arts Centrewww.altonmill.ca

May 25 to June 3 MURDER BY THE BOOK www.centurychurchtheatre.com

May 26MOULIN ROUGE15th Annual Dinner Headwaters Care Centrewww.headwatershealth.ca

May 26ERIN SPRING CELEBRATIONVillage of Erinwww.erin.ca

May 27ONTARIO SPCA FRIENDS FOR LIFE WALK-A-THON Orangevillewww.orangeville.ontariospca.ca

May 27GARLIC MUSTARD FESTIVALBelfountainwww.garlicmustardbusters.ca

May 28GRAND VALLEY DUCK RACE www.grandvalleylions.com

May 31 to June 3ORANGEVILLE BLUES AND JAZZ FESTIVAL www.objf.org

June 314TH ANNUAL CORN FLOWER FESTIVALDufferin County Museumwww.dufferinmuseum.com

June 9JUNE BLOOMS GARDEN PARTYPlant Paradise Country Gardens, Caledonwww.plantparadise.ca

June 9 to June 23THE WIZARD OF OZ Orangeville Music Theatre www.orangevillemusictheatre.com

June 16CALEDON DAYTown of Caledon www.caledon.ca

SUMMERJuly 1SHELBURNE CANADA DAY CELEBRATION Town of Shelburne www.townofshelburne.on.ca

July 1DOWNEY’S STRAWBERRY FESTIVALDowney’s Farm Market and Winery www.downeysfarm.com

July 1CALEDON STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Caledon Fairgroundswww.caledonfairgrounds.ca

July 6 and 7ORANGEVILLE FOUNDERS’ FAIR & SIDEWALK SALEDowntown Orangeville www.discoverbroadway.ca

July 7 DELPHINIUM DAYPlant Paradise Garden Centre, Caledonwww.plantparadise.ca

July 20 to 22ORANGEVILLE RAM RODEO TOUROrangeville Fairgrounds www.orangevilleramrodeo.com

You’ll find something interesting to do all year round in the Hills of Headwaters, from annual village Fall fairs to world class show jumping events. In particular, we’re known for our music, theatre, food and art!

Festivals & Events

Larry Kurtz, president of the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival

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July 20 to 22ORANGEVILLE ROTARY RIBFESTwww.orangevilleribfest.com

July 21 and 22CUISINE-ARTAlton Mill www.altonmill.ca

August 6LE TOUR DE TERRA COTTAwww.letourdeterracotta.com

August 8th ERIN SUMMERFESTwww.erin.ca

August 8 to 1262nd CANADIAN OPEN OLD TIME FIDDLE CHAMPIONSHIPwww.shelburnefiddlecontest.on.ca

August 8 to 12MID SUMMER CELEBRATIONPlant Paradise Garden Centrewww.plantparadise.ca

Aug 12ERIN OPTIMISTS ANNUAL RHYTHM AND RIBS WEEKENDwww.erin.ca

August 14 to September 2SUMMERFEASTThroughout the Hills of Headwaters www.summerfeast.ca

August 18 & 19GRAND VALLEY RODEOwww.grandvalleyrodeo.ca

August 15 to 19ORANGEVILLE SHOW JUMPING TOURNAMENTSOrangeville Agricultural Societywww.orangevillefairgrounds.ca

August 25MUD HEROAlbion Hills Conservation Areawww.mudhero.com

August 30 to September 3ORANGEVILLE FALL FAIRwww.orangevillefairgrounds.ca

AUTUMNSeptember 14 to 16146th SHELBURNE DISTRICT FALL FAIRTown of Shelburne www.shelburnefair.com

September 1518th ANNUAL HEADWATERS HOSPITAL AUXILARY HOUSE TOURwww.headwatershousetour.com

September 15,16HILLS OF ERIN STUDIO TOURwww.hillsoferinstudiotour.com

September 19 to 23CANADIAN SHOW JUMPING TOURNAMENTCaledon Equestrian Parkwww.equiman.com

September 21 to 23BOLTON FALL FAIRAlbion Bolton Fairgroundswww.boltonfair.ca

September 23 to 25HEADWATERS ARTS FESTIVALThroughout the Hills of Headwaters www.headwatersartsfestival.com

September 22, 23, 29, 30CALEDON HILLS STUDIO TOURTour throughout the Caledon Hills www.caledonhillsstudiotour.com

September 22 to October 8BUCKETS OF COLOURAlton Mill www.altonmill.ca

September 27 to 30HORSES IN THE HILLS SHOWCASEThroughout the Hills of Headwaters www.thehilsofheadwaters.com

Sep 29SALAMANDER FESTIVALBelfountainwww.belfountain.ca

October 5 to 8ERIN FALL FAIRVillage of Erin www.erinfair.ca

Oct 6 to 8DOWNEY’S PUMPKINFEST See web site for additional dateswww.downeysfarm.com

October 13 and 14 ORANGEVILLE ART GROUP 43rd ANNUAL FALL SHOW & SALE www.orangevilleartgroup.ca

October 22DOWNTOWN ORANGEVILLE HARVEST CELEBRATIONwww.discoverbroadway.ca

November 16WINDOW WINTER WONDERLAND & CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTINGVillage of Erin www.erin.ca

November 16MOONLIGHT MAGIC & TRACTOR PARADE OF LIGHTSDowntown Orangeville www.discoverbroadway.ca

November 17 – Orangeville November 24 – Erin December 1 – ShelburneSANTA CLAUS PARADES

December 31FIRST NIGHT CELEBRATIONTony Rose Centre, Orangeville www.orangeville.ca

For the latest event updates and details visitwww.thehillsofheadwaters.com

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A cozy bed and breakfast in a century home, or a luxury resort, you’ve got great options from which to choose!

Accommodation

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Pam’s Place B&B160 Church Street, Orangeville519 941 2549www.bbcanada/9103.html

Best Western Orangeville Inn & Suites7 Buena Vista Drive, Orangeville1 800 866 216 1988www.bestwesternorangeville.com

Hockley Valley Resort793522 3rd Line Mono, Orangeville1 866 462 5539www.hockley.com

Irvine House B&B25 First Street, Orangeville519 940 0260www.irvinehousebb.ca

The Farmer’s Walk B&B8333545 4th Line Mono E, Orangeville519 942 1775www.farmerswalkbb.com

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$355

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Millcroft Inn & Spa55 John Street, Alton1 800 383 3976www.millcroft.com

The Top of The Hill B&B14318 Creditview Road, Cheltenham905 838 3790www.thetopofthehillbb.ca

Inn on the Moraine15535 Mount Pleasant Road, Caledon905 880 0804www.innonthemoraine.com

Devonshire Guest House & Spa3 Union Street, Erin519 833 2187www.devonshireguesthouse.ca

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