Our community

Greater Dufferin Area– a prime location on the doorstep of Toronto

The Greater Dufferin area is a decidedly family-oriented community, offering opportunities to medical practitioners for growth and development. It equally offers a wide selection of challenging employment opportunities for their spouses, both within the community and close by.

While Greater Dufferin retains many unique heritage characteristics, it is neither remote nor isolated. It is on the very doorstep of Toronto – about an hour’s drive to the northwest, close to Pearson International Airport.

Leadership in Lifestyle
- a place to live, learn, work and play

The Greater Dufferin Area is experiencing dramatic growth. Its current population exceeds 55,000 and is expected to top the 60,000 mark by 2011. The median age of the Town of Orangeville’s population of more than 28,000 is just 33.3, well below the province’s 37.2 (according to current census figures).

The towns and villages within the Greater Dufferin area – Orangeville, Erin and Shelburne among them – offer a wide selection of affordable “in-town” housing in both new and resale properties as well as apartments, condominiums and townhouse developments. The area is known for its century farms, historic homes, estate residential developments and executive properties.

Commitment to excellence in educational services and facilities is at the forefront throughout Greater Dufferin. Top-notch public and separate school systems are augmented by several private institutions. Technological training, career and skills counseling are prominent in the curricula. Georgian College and Humber College have local campuses. The Universities of Guelph, York and Waterloo are all an easy commute away for under-grad and continuing education.

While agriculture remains key to the economic base of the Greater Dufferin area, the entrepreneurial spirit thrives in a wide range of successful local businesses. The area continues to grow as a desirable place to live, work, shop and play, all of which is reflected in the number of national and international corporations that choose to locate here.

The Greater Dufferin area abuts two of Ontario’s most notable geographic features : the Niagara Escarpment and the Oak Ridges Moraine. This unique terrain gives rise to five river systems – the Grand, the Humber, the Credit, the Nottawasaga and the Saugeen, hence the soubriquet “Headwaters Country.” These features and a number of parks, conservation and recreational areas contribute to a variety of recreational activities, with something for just about everyone.

Hiking and cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers enjoy the Bruce Trail, the Caledon Trailway (part of the Trans Canada Trail) and the Humber Heritage Trail and the trail through the Town of Orangeville. Characteristics of the terrain have inspired many challenging golf courses throughout the area. Trout fishing, downhill and cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails are all here to add year-round zest to the outdoor lifestyle. Organized sports enjoy strong community support with a wide selection of associations and leagues geared to all ages and skills of the participants.

Greater Dufferin supports a lively and thriving arts and cultural community. Theatre activities are exemplified by the thoroughly professional Theatre Orangeville with its extensive young peoples’ programs. The Caledon Town Hall Players and Blackhorse Theatre perform in their own heritage locations. Orangeville, Erin and Shelburne all boast restored historic performance centers. Countless artisans operate studios and galleries offering skillfully crafted works in many media – from paint to glass, wood, pottery, metal and fabric. Each year the arts community is celebrated in a number of tours, fairs and festivals.

The dining experience in Greater Dufferin area is second to none, whether an inexpensive outing with the kids or gourmet fare in luxurious surroundings. Pleasant restaurants and cafes, comfortable pubs and inns, attractive country tea rooms and elegant country resorts are all here.