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History of Georgina |
Georgina dates to the late 1790s, when Lieutenant-Governor John Graves
Simcoe named the eastern portion of the modern-town Georgina in honor
of King George III, and the eastern portion North Gwillimbury, for his
wife’s maiden name, Gwillim. It wasn’t until 1986 that the Townships of
North Gwillimbury and Georgina amalgamated as the Town of Georgina.
Settlement began after Duncan McDonald surveyed the area in 1817. The
first land grants were issues to retired military officers, veterans of
the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. This had a powerful impact on
the area’s development and character. Whereas most communities in York
Region were founded by hard-working, modest folk, Georgina was created
by aristocratic families---in addition to military officers, wealthy
merchants and English landholders---who built stately manors and
manicured estates that resembled those found in Britain. In fact, most
of Georgina’s communities are named for these individuals (Jackson,
Roche, Sibbald, Mossington) or their home towns or estates in Britain.
Because of the social standing of its settlers, Georgina became known
for its culture and refinement, attributes that later transformed it
into an urbane playground for wealthy urbanites. By the late 19th
century, tourists had discovered the allure of the lake and flocked to
its south shore in droves. Hotels and dance halls catering to this
seasonal clientele dotted the lakeshore, and numerous cottages were
built. Georgina also became a literary sanctuary, where the likes of
Stephen Leacock, Mazo de la Roche, Peter Gzowski, and Lucy Maud
Montgomery could find inspiration on the placid waters of the lake.
It’s interesting to note that Keswick, today by far the largest
community in Georgina, was far removed from all this action. Originally
called Medina, it was even overshadowed by neighbouring Roche’s Point,
which at one time was destined to be the capital of Ontario! In 1879,
Keswick stole the post office away from its rival, but remained a
small, agricultural village well into the 20th century.
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Georgina Today |
Located on south-western shores of Lake Simcoe, the Town of Georgina
straddles the line between the Greater Toronto Area and cottage
country, between the contrasting urban and rural lifestyles. It offers
lakeshore living, wide open spaces, and sandy beaches, but with all the
amenities of a modern town within easy reach.
Georgina is probably better known for the communities it encompasses,
most notably Keswick, Pefferlaw, Sutton, and Jackson’s Point. Whereas
Jackson’s Point and Sutton may be at the historic heart of Georgina,
the modern core is undoubtedly Keswick. Keswick is by far the largest
community in the Township, its population of around 20,000 accounting
for nearly half of Georgina’s total of 43,700. It’s the most urbanized
community, with a strong commercial sector, modern schools and
infrastructure, and excellent community facilities. And Keswick is also
the fastest growing community, with an annual growth of over 3%, well
above the Georgina average.
Much of Keswick’s growth, and that of Georgina as a whole, is
attributed to the modern 404 Highway, a relatively recent addition. It
provides access to downtown Toronto in less than an hour from Keswick,
and in only an hour and a half from even the furthest point in Georgina.
GO Transit also offers service to Toronto and other parts of York
Region via buses that run between Pefferlaw, Sutton, and Keswick and
link with the GO train station in Newmarket. In addition, York Region
is in the midst of developing a new rapid transit network that will
provide a truly viable alternative to automobile travel. It will be
fast, inexpensive, will reduce congestion, and most importantly support
the sustainable development of Georgina.
Georgina isn’t just a great place to live; it’s also a great place to
play. Its 52 kilometres (32 miles) of shoreline provide numerous
beaches for swimming and harbours for boating in the pristine waters of
Lake Simcoe. Year-round fishing has earned Georgina the title of
Ice-Fishing Capital of the World.
Area attractions include the Stephen Leacock Theatre in Keswick;
Sibbald Point Provincial Park, with its beaches, trails, and historic
buildings; the Red Barn Theatre; Georgina Pioneer Museum, with 14
buildings recreating 19th century life; and the elegant hospitality of
The Briars resort.
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