The Simcoe County community has been around for 155 years. Simcoe County is located between Toronto on the south and Canadian Shield cottage country on the north. Its western border is the sandy and rocky shore of Georgian Bay, and its eastern border is the rural shore of Lake Simcoe.

A half-hour drive from Toronto delivers you to the County's southern border and a 474,242 hectare (1,830 square mile) area of two cities, seven towns and nine townships, rolling farmland and ski hills, historic sites and the energy of more than 330,000 people.

Simcoe County is comprised of:

Towns

• Midland
• Penetanguishene
• Wasaga Beach
• Collingwood
• Bradford-West Gwillimbury
• Innisfil
• New Tecumseth

Cities

• Barrie
• Orillia

Townships

• Tiny
• Tay
• Severn
• Oro-Medonte
• Clearview
• Essa
• Springwater
• Ramara
• Adjala-Tosorontio

The Town of Penetanguishene is a picturesque community located on the southerly tip of beautfiul Georgian Bay. Penetanguishene is a historic community first recognized in 1793 by John Graves Simcoe with the establishment of a naval base. Incorporated on February 22, 1882, this thriving billingual community has grown to approximately 8,200 residents.

The Town offers numerous amenities as well as an array of recreational activities and tourist attrations such as:
- Discovery Harbour - a recreated naval and military base with Tall Ships.
- 70 hectares of waterfront and inland parks.
- Town Dock - full service transient marina and launch ramp at the Penetanguishene Town Dock.
- Brian Orser Arena
- Curling Club - Home of the World Champions and year-round special events.
- King's Wharf Theatre - home of the Drayton Festival Theatre.
- Converted turn-of-the-Century General Store - functions as the Town's Museum and Sports Hall of Fame.

Penetanguishene dervied its name from the "White Rolling Sand" that blankets the many beaches in the area.

To learn more about the Town of Penetanguishene visit their site at http://town.penetanguishene.on.ca/

Wasaga Beach has long been regarded as one of the premier tourist destinations in Ontario, Canada. Rated as the fastest growing community in Ontario, Wasaga Beach is located on the 14 km shoreline of the longest freshwater beach in the world.

More than two million tourists travel here every year to swim in the warm, clean waters of Georgian Bay. The Town is also popular for its Provincial Park with recreation trails for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Wasaga Beach derived its name from Nottawasaga.
Nottawasaga based on the Algonquin words for "Iroquois" (Nahdowa), and "outlet of river" (Saga)

To learn more about the Town of Wasaga Beach visit their site at http://www.wasagabeach.com

To learn more about the town of Collingwood visit their site at http://www.town.collingwood.on.ca/

In 1991 the former Town of Bradford, and parts of the former Townships of West Gwillimbury and Tecumseth were amalgamated to form the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.

The name Bradford came from Bradford, England where some of the original settlers originated. West Gwillimbury "Gwillim" was the maiden name of Lady Simcoe.

To learn more about the town of Bradford West Gwillimbury visit theire site at http://www.town.bradfordwestgwillimbury.on.ca/

The history of Innisfil, hewn from almost unbroken virgin forests which had been home to the Huron Indians, spans a period in excess of 170 years. The Township of Innisfil was surveyed in 1820 and was comprised of an area of 68,653 acres which at that time included Allandale, Tollendal, Painswick, Minets Point, and Holly.On January 1, 1991, by virtue of the South Simcoe Act, the Township of Innsifil, a north section of the Township of West Gwillimbury, and the Village of Cookstown were amalgamated and incorporated as the Town of Innisfil.

The County of Simcoe Act provided for further restructuring of Simcoe County on January 1, 1994 when the Village of Thornton was amalgamated with the Township of Essa and a small section of the Township of Essa, adjacent to Cookstown, was amalgamated with Innisfil.
Innisfil has a population of 26,000.

Innisfil is a pictorial name for "Ireland".

To learn more about the town of Innisfil visit their site at http://www.town.innisfil.on.ca/

The Town of New Tecumeth was created in January 1991 and encompasses the former municipalities of Alliston, Beeton, Tottenham, and Tecumseth Township.

The name Tecumseth came from a famous Shawnee Indian Chief called Tecumseh who fought and died for the British cause in 1813. A derivation of his name, Tecumseth, was given to the township on April 14, 1821 when the bill was passed in the Ontario Legislature establishing the names of the Townships that would make up Simcoe County.

The current estimated population of the Town of New Tecumseth is 26,500

Tecumseth was a Shawnee Indian Chief Tecumseh.

To learn more about the town of New Tecumseth visit their site at http://www.town.newtecumseth.on.ca/

Barrie is a vibrant and attractive city with swimmable beaches and challenging ski opportunities on our doorstep. An abundance of parkland, totalling over 90 parks, comprising in excess of 300 ha. are scattered throughout the city. Several of these parks line beautiful Kempenfelt Bay with extensive biking, roller blading and walking trails. Cultural attractions include the renowned Gryphon Theatre, and international concert and performance venue at Molson Park the Barrie Molson Centre, a 4,200 seat multi-purpose entertainment facility, and the MacLaren Art Centre.

Barrie derived its name after Commodore Robert Barrie, Head of the British Fleet at Kingston in 1828.

To learn more about the city of Barrie visit their site at http://www.city.barrie.on.ca/

To learn more about the city of Orillia visit their site at http://www.city.orillia.on.ca/

The Township of Tiny is nestled in the Southern Georgian Bay region in Ontario, Canada. With a combination of permanent and seasonal residents, the Township is approximately 43 miles long or 160 square miles. The Township of Tiny allows for great beaches and fishing areas as well as the wonderful golfing opportunities at the Brooklea Golf and Country Club and the Balm Beach Golf Courses. For the nature buffs, don't forget to visit our 3 inland lakes namely Farlain Lake, Lalligan Lake and Second Lake as well as the Tiny Marsh. Hike on the 17 miles of trails known as the Tiny Trails. Awenda Park, which is located northeast of the Township, is one of the largest Provincial Parks in Ontario. You can ski, camp, hike and bike on the numerous trails within the park. Come and discover the beauty and what the Township of Tiny has to offer. Click on the link to view our online maps to bring you through the Township of Tiny to visit our many attractions, landmarks and streets.

Tiny was name by Lady Sarah Maitland who named them after her dogs: Flos, Tiny and Tay.

To learn more about the township of Tiny visit their site at http://www.township.tiny.on.ca/

The Township of Tay is a "community of communities" which will work together to build a prosperous and progressive future. We are proud of our heritage and value the unique environmental features, waterfront areas, and natural setting that are a part of our community.
Township of Tay municipal office is located at 450 Park Street, Victoria Harbour, Ontario.
For area wide information visit our Economic Development Consortium's web site, Southern Georgian Bay Community Profile http://www.southerngeorgianbay.on.ca
Port McNicoll was named after David MacNicol, a vice president of the C.P.R.
Victoria Harbour was after Queen Victoria.

To learn more about the township of Tay visit their site at http://www.tay.township.on.ca

Travelers along the Trent-Severn Waterway enjoy a unique perspective of severn, from end to end. Visitors are intrigued by the Big Chute Marine Railway, the only operation marine railway in North America.

It may be "resort to cottage country", but heritage and culture are also important dynamics of our community. The respected antics of the Village Players and the historical tales depicted in the Coldwater Canadiana Museum are fine examples.

Township facilities such as the Coldwater & District Community Centre, Washago Centennial Park & Campground and municipal docks contribute to a vibrant recreation scene. Activities and programming opportunities for young and old are impressive, thanks to the efforts of many community organizations. Special events take place throughout the year and throughout our community - from Canada Day Celebrations to the Coldwater Stampede to Fall Fairs.

Coldwater was known to the Ojibways as Gis-si-nay-se-bing; "cold river" or "cold water"

To learn more about the Township of Servern visit their site at http://www.townshipofsevern.com/

Oro-Medonte is a diverse and beautiful community with a central location in Ontario. A community of 18,315 full-time residents, Oro-Medonte covers a land area of 61,000 hectares, stretching from the northern border of Barrie and Lake Simcoe to the southern fringes of Orillia and north to Tay and Severn Townships.

Oro is a Spanish word for - "Golden Sands" while Medonte is the Indian word- "Evil Spirit"

To learn more about the township of Oro-Medonte visit their site at
http://www.oro-medonte.ca/

The geographic location of this pro-development municipality is less than one hour from the Toronto Markets and the Toronto International airport.
Clearview benefits from such natural resources as the Niagara Escarpment and the Blue Mountains as well as being in close proximity to the largest fresh water sand beach in the world -- Wasaga Beach.

Nottawasaga is based on the Algonquin words for "Iroquois" (Nahdowa), and "outlet of river" (Saga).

Creemore was a selected by Senator J.R. Gowan, knowing the love of sons of Auld Scotia for their own, he selected two words of their gaelic language "cree mohr", meaning a "big heart"

Stayner was named after prominent local personage.

Sunnidale got its name after a traveler lost in the wilderness, described the area as a "Sunny Dale" after he was found.

To learn more about the township of Clearview visit their site at http://www.clearviewtwp.on.ca/

Historically, the primary economic activity of the Township was agriculture. Although in recent years the local economy has diversified to include a thriving commercial retail and service industry sector, farming and a rural based economy remains important to the overall economic well being of the municipality.
The Canadian Armed Forces Base Borden is located in Essa.
The total population of Essa, as reported in the 1996 Census, was 16,363

Essa was named after an Indian Chief's daughter.

To learn more about the township of Essa visit their site at http://www.essatownship.on.ca/

The Township of Springwater is a local municipality within the County of Simcoe, in the Province of Ontario, Canada. The Township is located approximately 100 Kilometres northwest of Toronto between the City of Barrie and the Town of Wasaga Beach. Highway 400 runs through the southeastern portion of the municipality and forms part of its eastern boundary.
The Township of Springwater was incorporated on January 1, 1994 as a result of restructuring in Simcoe County. The Townships of Flos and Vespra (excluding the Craighurst area) were amalgamated with the Village of Elmvale and the Hillsdale/Orr Lake area from the Township of Medonte. A small 200 acre parcel from the Town of Wasaga Beach was also merged with the new municipality.

The Township is a collection of urban and rural communities. The population of over 16,000 is concentrated in nine urban settlement areas. The largest is Midhurst with a population of approximately 2400. Midhurst is located in south Springwater just north of the City of Barrie.. Elmvale is located at the junction of County Roads 19, 27 & 92 in north Springwater. Elmvale's commercial district serves its 1700 residents and tourist traffic destined for the cottage areas at Orr Lake and along the shores of Georgian Bay. Other settlement areas include Anten Mills, Centre Vespra, Hillsdale, Minesing, Orr Lake, Phelpston and Snow Valley.

About half of the Township's 53,000 hectares are utilized for agricultural purposes. Another third of the land base is forested. These "greenlands" include the 6,000 hectare Minesing Swamp which has been internationally recognized as a RAMSAR site.

Elmvale was originally known as "Elm Flats"

Vespra was named after the evening star or an evening service (Vespers)

To learn more about the township of Springwater visit their site at http://www.springwater.ca/

Ramara Township is situated in Central Ontario along the north-eastern shores of Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching. We are in the heartland of Cottage Country, offering a touch of urban lifestyle in beautiful rural surroundings. Ramara is a gateway to relaxation, recreational activities, and retirement communities.
Miles of shoreline properties, clean water, public beaches, cottage rentals, summer resorts, family camping,, sporting activities, Casino Rama, conference centres (Geneva Park and Fern Resort) Lagoon City & Bayshore Village (retirement/resort communities)

Rama is the Biblical name (meaning high place)

To learn more about the township of Ramara visit their site at http://www.township.ramara.on.ca/

Adjala-Tosorontio derived its name from Adjala The wife of Tecumseh, a Shawnee chief and Tosorontio is
Indian for "Beautiful Mountain"

To learn more about the township of Adjala-Tosorontio visit their site at http://www.townshipadjtos.on.ca/