Georgetown, Ontario, is a sprawling community found within Halton Region and the town of Halton Hills. About 30 minutes west of Toronto within the Greater Toronto Area, it is known as a safe, friendly community with a rich history that has maintained its small-town vibe and offers plenty of amenities.  

Brief History of Georgetown, Ontario

The Halton area was surveyed in 1819 by Loyalist Charles Kennedy and land surveyor Richard Bristol, allowing for settlement in the coming years. Charles was one of five brothers – Charles, John, Morris, Samuel, and George. All of them acquired land in the Silver Creek Valley. Both Charles and George built a mill in the area, but it was George who the town was eventually named after when his was purchased by another family of brothers (William, James, Joseph and Robert Barber) in 1837. 

The Kennedy’s brother-in-law Benajah Williams also settled and built a mill in the area that is now Glen Williams. Most all of the settlers were drawn to the area to make use of the Credit River, harnessing its power for sawmills, flour mills and hydroelectric power. 

Georgetown started booming in the 1850s and grew into a paper town when the Barber brothers built a stone paper mill along the Credit River. It was said to be the largest wallpaper manufacturer in North America by 1864 and continued operations all the way until 1991! 

By 1960 Georgetown had reached a population of 10 000, and a year later, the community had its own hospital. In 1974, hamlets like the surrounding Glen Williams, Norval, as well as Acton Georgetown, and the rest of the Esquesing Township, were absorbed into the Town of Halton Hills. The town really started to grow rapidly in the early 1900s with the arrival of Rex Heslop, who transformed farms into what is known today as the Delrex subdivision (fun fact: he also built Rexdale in Etobicoke!). The town only continued to grow as neighbourhoods like those around Main Street and Church Street, Moore Park, and eventually, Georgetown South was added. 

Industry, Amenities & Things to Do in Georgetown, Ontario

Georgetown is home to some fairly major industry with head offices and facilities, including Mold-Masters Limited, Saputo, CPI Canada, Cooper Standard and more. The Georgetown Marketplace, which is the town’s mall, houses approximately 63 stores, including big retailers like Wal-Mart, Winners & Home Sense and Marks. In addition to well-known fast-food joints like Mcdonalds, Tim Hortons, and every pizza place imaginable, it also has a fantastic array of independently owned restaurants and a thriving Farmer’s Market that brings farmers from near and far every weekend throughout the summer and fall season. Residents can also rest easy knowing that the town is home to its very own hospital. 

Major events include the Georgetown Highland Games, the Georgetown Fall Fair, an annual Santa Claus Parade and a craft beer festival called “Head For the Hills.” 

Active folks will find no shortage of things to do at the expansive Gellert Community Centre located on Eighth Line. The centre boasts a large indoor swimming pool, splash pad, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, exercise classes, a soccer field and park trails. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy reaping the benefits of the Bruce Trail, which passes through just north of Georgetown. The town is also in the process of developing a multi-purpose trail system in Hungry Hollow on old rail beds and other locations throughout the area.

Transportation

Georgetown is an ideal location for commuters, as it is served by both Go Transit and Via Rail, with both bus and rail service operating out of the Georgetown Station. The stop is located along the Go Transit Kitchener rail line, which runs between Toronto and Kitchener. The bus service connects to surrounding communities like Brampton, Guelph, Acton, Kitchener, and of course, Toronto.