Georgetown

West of Toronto, in the municipality of Peel, is

the small community of Georgetown. It is in

the town of Halton Hills, along the Credit

River on the Niagara Escarpment.

Georgetown is named for George Kennedy, who was

among a group of settlers who arrived in the area in the

early 1800s. Kennedy built a metal factory and a saw,

wool, and grain mill, which established an economic

foundation for the community. Kennedy was partially

blind in both eyes, a souvenir for his participation in the

War of 1812.

By the end of World War II, nearly 4,000 people

resided in Georgetown. Although once mainly a farming

society, today several major industries have built their

head offices here, such as Mold-Masters Limited, CPI

Canada, and Neilson Diary. However, you can still get a

sweet taste of farm life by sampling the fresh produce

from the apple orchards and corn fields when in season.

Get in touch with nature on the Niagara

Escarpment's famous Bruce Trail. The trail follows the

edge of the escarpment and is one of 12 UNESCO

(United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural

Organizations) World Biosphere Reserves in Canada, a

status that preserves the area's biodiversity and ecology.

The trails are gorgeous and are perfect for hiking,

cycling, or cross-country skiing. Or just unwind and

enjoy the escarpment's wondrous beauty-the many

rivers and waterfalls and the abundance and diversity of

the wildlife are a spectacle unto themselves.

You can also visit Georgetown's main feature,

Cedarvale Park, which is open year-round with activities

for all ages.During the warmer months enjoy a barbeque

in the park or relax on one of the riverside benches.

Hiking trails loop through the park's forests and open at

the playground, which has new equipment. Soccer fields

are open to the public when no games are scheduled.

When the weather cools down, try zipping down the

park's toboggan hills at any time of day or night (lights

keep the area illuminated when it's dark out).

Georgetown residents also enjoy spending their leisure

time at the hockey arenas and golf courses. And everyone

loves the Georgetown Marketplace, a shopping centre

with over 60 stores, services, and restaurants designed for

your convenience.

Georgetown also hosts the annual Classics Against

Cancer charity event. Every Father's Day for the past 18

years, a classic car showroom has been set up with money raised for the Canadian Cancer Society. Attendees

number in the thousands, and in 2005 the event was

extended due to its overwhelming success.

The community has developed over the years from the

small farm town that it once was and is now said to be the

fastest-growing community in Canada. Halton Hills is

home to over 48,000 residents, 15 per cent of whom are

immigrants. Many are of European descent and, as a

result, Georgetown boasts a multitude of traditional

Italian and Portuguese restaurant and bakeries. The

average income in the community is over $52,000.

GO Transit and VIA Rail access Georgetown station

for easy transportation to and from surrounding areas.

Community Resources

GENERAL

www.georgetown-online.org

Hospital

905-873-0111

Police

905-873-0377

Fire

905-877-1133

Town of Halton Hills Municipal Office

905-873-2600

Georgetown Municipal Office

905-878-8113

Acton Municipal Office

519-853-0501

Halton Hills Hydro

519-853-3700

LIBRARIES

Acton

519-853-0301

Georgetown

905-873-2681

SCHOOLS

Peel District School Board

905-890-1099

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

905-890-1221

ARENAS

Acton

519-853-0020

Memorial

905-877-9612

Alcott

905-877-8488