HISTORY OF GRAND VALLEY

The Town of Grand Valley was formed in an amalgamation between the former township of East Luther (a rural farming area) and the former village of Grand Valley. The area was originally settled in 1855 a man named George Joyce claimed himself a place to build a log home, a barn, and eventually a tavern.

The first post office and then municipal council followed a short few years later and by 1870, it had a whole 15 residents, nine buildings, and it’s very own store! Many settlers within East Luther had to walk upward of 10 miles to receive or send mail until they got their own post office.

Prior to becoming Grand Valley, the tiny little historical hamlet was called Luther Village. The economy of the village depended almost wholly upon the surrounding farmers in the area until railroad access came through, which allowed residents in the area to acquire or sell goods elsewhere. Grand Valley is said to have been quite well known for its Whiskey at one point, and considered the ‘wildest’ town in the county. It was the last place in all of Ontario to go dry during prohibition in 1915 so it drew folks from all around who desperately needed a stiff drink!

LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

The town is nicknamed ‘Nature’s Playground’ and it’s easy to see why. The Grand River snakes its way through the small but growing community. It is located within Dufferin County, and includes part of the Luther Marsh, which is said to be a “biological treasure” of the Headwaters.

The 5,900-hectare Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area centres around Luther Lake, which was created by a dam built in the 1950s. Surrounded by wetlands, fields and forests, it is considered one of the best bird-watching spots in all of Ontario. It’s also a fan favourite among hikers.

Aside from the epic access to the great outdoors, Grand Valley also continues to have a large agricultural and farming community, kitschy new businesses, and an adorable little downtown area that is reminiscent of Stars Hollow in the early 2000s primetime TV show, Gilmour Girls.

As an attractive option for families young and old, the town’s small population has been steadily growing in recent years with new developments popping up around the existing tree lined streets of century homes.