Simcoe County: Difference between revisions

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'''Simcoe County''' is a [[List of census divisions of Ontario#Counties|county]] and [[Census divisions of Canada|census division]] located in the [[Central Ontario|central]] region of [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]. The county is located north of the [[Greater Toronto Area]], and forms the north western edge of the [[Greater Golden Horseshoe|Golden Horseshoe]]. The [[county seat]] is located in [[Midhurst, Ontario|Midhurst]]. The cities of [[Barrie]] and [[Orillia]] are geographically within Simcoe County, but are both [[independent city|politically independent]] single-tier municipalities.
'''Simcoe County''' is a [[List of census divisions of Ontario#Counties|county]] and [[Census divisions of Canada|census division]] located in the [[Central Ontario|central]] region of [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]. The county is located north of the [[Greater Toronto Area]], and forms the northwestern edge of the [[Greater Golden Horseshoe|Golden Horseshoe]]. The [[county seat]] is located in [[Midhurst, Ontario|Midhurst]]. The cities of [[Barrie]] and [[Orillia]] are geographically within Simcoe County, but are both [[independent city|politically independent]] single-tier municipalities.


==Geography==
==Geography==
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Simcoe County is informally split into two subregions, "South Simcoe" and "North Simcoe".  The dividing line between these two areas is Simcoe County Road 90 (Mill St.).
Simcoe County is informally split into two subregions, "South Simcoe" and "North Simcoe".  The dividing line between these two areas is Simcoe County Road 90 (Mill St.).


South Simcoe municipalities are situated at the northern boundary of the [[Greater Toronto Area]] (GTA) and therefore generally have a closer socio-economic association with the GTA.  South Simcoe is also within the Toronto commuter belt as it is home to a relatively high proportion of people commuting to the GTA.  South Simcoe is home to five municipalities, including: the Town of [[Innisfil]], the Township of [[Adjala–Tosorontio|Adjala-Tosorontio]], the Town of [[Bradford West Gwillimbury]], the Township of [[Essa, Ontario|Essa]] and the Town of [[New Tecumseth]] (which includes: [[Alliston]], [[Beeton]] and [[Tottenham, Ontario|Tottenham]]).
South Simcoe municipalities are situated at the northern boundary of the [[Greater Toronto Area]] (GTA) and therefore generally have a closer socio-economic association with the GTA.  South Simcoe is also within the Toronto commuter belt, as it is home to a relatively high proportion of people commuting to the GTA.  South Simcoe is home to five municipalities, including: the Town of [[Innisfil]], the Township of [[Adjala–Tosorontio|Adjala-Tosorontio]], the Town of [[Bradford West Gwillimbury]], the Township of [[Essa, Ontario|Essa]] and the Town of [[New Tecumseth]] (which includes: [[Alliston]], [[Beeton]] and [[Tottenham, Ontario|Tottenham]]).


North Simcoe is less connected to the GTA due to its more removed geographic location, is generally less industrial than South Simcoe, and generally has a closer socio-economic association with the [[District Municipality of Muskoka|Muskoka]] area, located immediately north. However, North Simcoe hosts two [[GO Transit]] train stations that provide daily commuter rail service to [[Toronto]].  North Simcoe includes the Township of [[Clearview, Ontario|Clearview]], the Township of [[Oro-Medonte]], the Township of [[Ramara]], the Township of [[Severn, Ontario|Severn]], the Township of [[Springwater, Ontario|Springwater]], the Township of [[Tay, Ontario|Tay]] and the Township of [[Tiny, Ontario|Tiny]], the Town of [[Collingwood, Ontario|Collingwood]], the Town of [[Midland, Ontario|Midland]], the Town of [[Penetanguishene]] and the Town of [[Wasaga Beach]]. The cities of [[Barrie]] and [[Orillia]] are geographically within North Simcoe, but both are [[independent city|politically independent]] single-tier municipalities.
North Simcoe is less connected to the GTA due to its more remote geographic location, is generally less industrial than South Simcoe, and generally has a closer socio-economic association with the [[District Municipality of Muskoka|Muskoka]] area, located immediately north. However, North Simcoe hosts two [[GO Transit]] train stations that provide daily commuter rail service to [[Toronto]].  North Simcoe includes the Township of [[Clearview, Ontario|Clearview]], the Township of [[Oro-Medonte]], the Township of [[Ramara]], the Township of [[Severn, Ontario|Severn]], the Township of [[Springwater, Ontario|Springwater]], the Township of [[Tay, Ontario|Tay]] and the Township of [[Tiny, Ontario|Tiny]], the Town of [[Collingwood, Ontario|Collingwood]], the Town of [[Midland, Ontario|Midland]], the Town of [[Penetanguishene]] and the Town of [[Wasaga Beach]]. The cities of [[Barrie]] and [[Orillia]] are geographically within North Simcoe, but both are [[independent city|politically independent]] single-tier municipalities.


==History==
==History==
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At its beginning, the County existed only for purposes of military enlistment.{{sfn|Hunter|1909a|p=235}} In 1823, it became a separate [[constituency]] for elections to the [[Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada]],{{sfn|Hunter|1909a|p=235}} but, as eligibility to vote was dependent upon having title to property, and Simcoe's first registrar of deeds was not appointed until 1826,{{sfn|Hunter|1909a|p=235}} it did not send a separate member to the Assembly until the election of [[John Cawthra]] in 1828.{{sfn|Hunter|1909a|p=235}} It was withdrawn from the Home District in 1837,<ref>{{Cite canlaw|short title  =An Act to authorize the Erection of the County of Simcoe into a separate District, by the name of the District of Simcoe|abbr =S.U.C.|year =1837|chapter =32|link=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.35112103435170?urlappend=%3Bseq=113}}</ref> with its territory divided as follows:
At its beginning, the County existed only for military enlistment.{{sfn|Hunter|1909a|p=235}} In 1823, it became a separate [[constituency]] for elections to the [[Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada]],{{sfn|Hunter|1909a|p=235}} but, as eligibility to vote was dependent upon having title to property, and Simcoe's first registrar of deeds was not appointed until 1826,{{sfn|Hunter|1909a|p=235}} it did not send a separate member to the Assembly until the election of [[John Cawthra]] in 1828.{{sfn|Hunter|1909a|p=235}} It was withdrawn from the Home District in 1837,<ref>{{Cite canlaw|short title  =An Act to authorize the Erection of the County of Simcoe into a separate District, by the name of the District of Simcoe|abbr =S.U.C.|year =1837|chapter =32|link=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.35112103435170?urlappend=%3Bseq=113}}</ref> with its territory divided as follows:


{| class = "wikitable"
{| class = "wikitable"
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|}
[[File:1850 Tallis Map of West Canada or Ontario ( includes Great Lakes ) - Geographicus - WestCanada-tallis-1850.jpg|thumb|1850 Tallis Map of West Canada - Simcoe County highlighted in red]]
[[File:1850 Tallis Map of West Canada or Ontario ( includes Great Lakes ) - Geographicus - WestCanada-tallis-1850.jpg|thumb|1850 Tallis Map of West Canada - Simcoe County highlighted in red]]
Between 1837 and 1841 several acts were passed by the Legislature of Upper Canada which set apart Simcoe District. These acts named the townships that the County would encompass and authorized the levying of taxes for the purpose of constructing a jail and court house. On January 11, 1843, the jail and court house having been duly erected, the Governor General proclaimed the County of Simcoe to be a separate and distinct District. The province of Canada also appointed [[James Robert Gowan|James R. Gowan]] as the first judge of the District of Simcoe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.simcoe.ca/Archives/Pages/Celebrating-175-Years-of-the-County-of-Simcoe.aspx|title=Celebrating 175 Years of Incorporation: The County of Simcoe, 1843-2018|website=www.simcoe.ca|language=en-US|access-date=2018-01-17}}</ref>
Between 1837 and 1841, several acts were passed by the Legislature of Upper Canada that set apart the Simcoe District. These acts named the townships that the County would encompass and authorized the levying of taxes for the purpose of constructing a jail and courthouse. On January 11, 1843, the jail and courthouse having been duly erected, the Governor General proclaimed the County of Simcoe to be a separate and distinct District. The province of Canada also appointed [[James Robert Gowan|James R. Gowan]] as the first judge of the District of Simcoe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.simcoe.ca/Archives/Pages/Celebrating-175-Years-of-the-County-of-Simcoe.aspx|title=Celebrating 175 Years of Incorporation: The County of Simcoe, 1843-2018|website=www.simcoe.ca|language=en-US|access-date=2018-01-17}}</ref>


The District was restructured in 1845,<ref>{{Cite canlaw|short title  =An Act for better defining the limits of the Counties and Districts in Upper Canada, for erecting certain new Townships, for detaching Townships from some Counties and attaching them to others, and for other purposes relative to the division of Upper Canada into Townships, Counties and Districts|abbr =S.Prov.C.|year =1845|chapter =7|schedule = B|link=https://archive.org/stream/provincialstatu03canagoog#page/n116/mode/1up}}</ref> changing its composition to the following 24 townships:
The District was restructured in 1845,<ref>{{Cite canlaw|short title  =An Act for better defining the limits of the Counties and Districts in Upper Canada, for erecting certain new Townships, for detaching Townships from some Counties and attaching them to others, and for other purposes relative to the division of Upper Canada into Townships, Counties and Districts|abbr =S.Prov.C.|year =1845|chapter =7|schedule = B|link=https://archive.org/stream/provincialstatu03canagoog#page/n116/mode/1up}}</ref> changing its composition to the following 24 townships:
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{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


Effective January 1, 1850, Simcoe District was abolished, and Simcoe County was organized for municipal purposes.<ref>{{Cite canlaw|short title  =An Act for abolishing the Territorial Division of Upper-Canada into Districts, and for providing temporary Unions of Counties for Judicial and other purposes, and for the future dissolutions of such Unions, as the increase of wealth and population may require|abbr =S.Prov.C.|year =1849|chapter =78|schedule =B|link =https://books.google.ca/books?id=ulQ1AQAAMAAJ&lpg=RA1-PA55&pg=PA440#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref>
Effective January 1, 1850, the Simcoe District was abolished, and Simcoe County was organized for municipal purposes.<ref>{{Cite canlaw|short title  =An Act for abolishing the Territorial Division of Upper-Canada into Districts, and for providing temporary Unions of Counties for Judicial and other purposes, and for the future dissolutions of such Unions, as the increase of wealth and population may require|abbr =S.Prov.C.|year =1849|chapter =78|schedule =B|link =https://books.google.ca/books?id=ulQ1AQAAMAAJ&lpg=RA1-PA55&pg=PA440#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref>


Between 1845 and 1851, there had been a campaign to have the part of West Gwillimbury south of the [[Holland River]] annexed to [[York County, Ontario|York County]]. The County Council finally agreed to this action in 1851, subject to arbitration as to the division of liabilities.{{sfn|Hunter|1909a|p=240}} It was implemented by an Act of the [[Parliament of the Province of Canada]] later that year.<ref>{{Cite canlaw|short title  =An Act to make certain alterations in the Territorial Divisions of Upper Canada|abbr =S.C.|year =1851|chapter =5|schedule=E, par. 1|link=https://books.google.ca/books?id=TwgvAAAAIAAJ&lpg=PA1857&pg=PA1801#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref>
Between 1845 and 1851, there had been a campaign to have the part of West Gwillimbury south of the [[Holland River]] annexed to [[York County, Ontario|York County]]. The County Council finally agreed to this action in 1851, subject to arbitration as to the division of liabilities.{{sfn|Hunter|1909a|p=240}} It was implemented by an Act of the [[Parliament of the Province of Canada]] later that year.<ref>{{Cite canlaw|short title  =An Act to make certain alterations in the Territorial Divisions of Upper Canada|abbr =S.C.|year =1851|chapter =5|schedule=E, par. 1|link=https://books.google.ca/books?id=TwgvAAAAIAAJ&lpg=PA1857&pg=PA1801#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref>
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| {{Percentage | 2850 | 372330 | 2 }}
| {{Percentage | 2850 | 372330 | 2 }}
|-
|-
| [[Southeast Asia|Southeast Asian]]{{efn|Statistic includes total responses of "Filipino" and "Southeast Asian" under visible minority section on census.|name=SoutheastAsian}}
| [[Southeast Asia]]n{{efn|Statistic includes total responses of "Filipino" and "Southeast Asian" under visible minority section on census.|name=SoutheastAsian}}
| 8,895
| 8,895
| {{Percentage | 8895 | 525080 | 2 }}
| {{Percentage | 8895 | 525080 | 2 }}
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The Corporation of the County of Simcoe comprises 16 local municipalities.  As an "upper tier" municipality, the County of Simcoe is responsible for municipal services which include social housing, land ambulance and emergency planning, environmental services (solid waste management), a [[List of numbered roads in Simcoe County|County road]] system, Ontario Works, children's services, homes for the aged, a library co-operative, museum, archives, County forest management, tourism, a Geographic Information System (computer mapping) and land use policy planning.
The Corporation of the County of Simcoe comprises 16 local municipalities.  As an "upper tier" municipality, the County of Simcoe is responsible for municipal services which include social housing, land ambulance and emergency planning, environmental services (solid waste management), a [[List of numbered roads in Simcoe County|County road]] system, Ontario Works, children's services, homes for the aged, a library co-operative, museum, archives, County forest management, tourism, a Geographic Information System (computer mapping) and land use policy planning.


The local, or "lower tier" municipalities are responsible for water and sewer services, local roads, public libraries, recreation services, fire and police services, land use development control and licensing and permitting services.
The local, or "lower tier" municipalities are responsible for water and sewer services, local roads, public libraries, recreation services, fire and police services, land use development control, and licensing and permitting services.


The cities of [[Barrie]] and [[Orillia]], although separate politically and administratively from the County, are geographically and economically part of the County and send elected representatives to serve on County committees which provide services to the residents of the cities, including paramedic services, long term care facilities, social services, social housing, archives and Museum.  They are counted within the census division.
The cities of [[Barrie]] and [[Orillia]], although separate politically and administratively from the County, are geographically and economically part of the County and send elected representatives to serve on County committees which provide services to the residents of the cities, including paramedic services, long term care facilities, social services, social housing, archives and Museum.  They are counted within the census division.


County Council is composed of the mayors and deputy mayors of each of the sixteen towns and townships which comprise the County of Simcoe.  The head of County Council is called the Warden and is elected for a one-year term by the council members at the Inaugural Meeting, held each December.
The County Council is composed of the mayors and deputy mayors of each of the sixteen towns and townships that comprise the County of Simcoe.  The head of the County Council is called the Warden and is elected for a one-year term by the council members at the Inaugural Meeting, held each December.


Though once a consideration according to the ''Wasaga Sun'',<ref>[http://www.wasagasun.ca/wasagasun/article/62504 County looking to restructure its council<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Simcoe County has elected not to restructure itself as a [[regional municipality]].<ref>[https://www.simcoe.com/news/article/557691--county-council-chooses-not-to-study-its-structure County Council Chooses Not to Study Its Structure]</ref>
Though once a consideration according to the ''Wasaga Sun'',<ref>[http://www.wasagasun.ca/wasagasun/article/62504 County looking to restructure its council<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Simcoe County has elected not to restructure itself as a [[regional municipality]].<ref>[https://www.simcoe.com/news/article/557691--county-council-chooses-not-to-study-its-structure County Council Chooses Not to Study Its Structure]</ref>
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* [[First Nations Police (Ontario)|Rama Police Service]] in [[Rama, Ontario]] and for the [[Chippewas of Rama First Nation]]
* [[First Nations Police (Ontario)|Rama Police Service]] in [[Rama, Ontario]] and for the [[Chippewas of Rama First Nation]]
* [[Anishinabek Police Service]] on [[Christian Island]] and for the [[Beausoleil First Nation]]
* [[Anishinabek Police Service]] on [[Christian Island]] and for the [[Beausoleil First Nation]]
* [[Ontario Provincial Police]] (OPP) for the rest of the county including [[Orillia]], and enforcement on provincial highways, especially [[Ontario Highway 400]] and [[Ontario Highway 11]].
* [[Ontario Provincial Police]] (OPP) for the rest of the county, including [[Orillia]], and enforcement on provincial highways, especially [[Ontario Highway 400]] and [[Ontario Highway 11]].


The Midland Police Service, which served the Town of [[Midland, Ontario|Midland]], was disbanded in February 2018. The OPP assumed policing responsibilities in Midland afterwards.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sue|last=Sgambati|title=Down to final days for Midland Police|website=Barrie Today|date=2018-01-25|url=https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/down-to-final-days-for-midland-police-821464}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=OCPC ruling all but ends the Midland Police Service|website=CTV Barrie|date=2018-01-23|url=https://barrie.ctvnews.ca/ocpc-ruling-all-but-ends-the-midland-police-service-1.3772503}}</ref>
The Midland Police Service, which served the Town of [[Midland, Ontario|Midland]], was disbanded in February 2018. The OPP assumed policing responsibilities in Midland afterwards.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sue|last=Sgambati|title=Down to final days for Midland Police|website=Barrie Today|date=2018-01-25|url=https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/down-to-final-days-for-midland-police-821464}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=OCPC ruling all but ends the Midland Police Service|website=CTV Barrie|date=2018-01-23|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/barrie/article/ocpc-ruling-all-but-ends-the-midland-police-service/}}</ref>


[[Canadian Forces Military Police]] provides policing and security for [[CFB Borden]] (25&nbsp;km southwest of Barrie).
[[Canadian Forces Military Police]] provides policing and security for [[CFB Borden]] (25&nbsp;km southwest of Barrie).
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==Economy==
==Economy==
The economy of Simcoe County is diverse and includes a full range of businesses from agricultural, industrial and high-tech sectors.
The economy of Simcoe County is diverse and includes a full range of businesses from agricultural, industrial, and high-tech sectors.


[[Honda of Canada Manufacturing]] has been established in Simcoe County since 1986 and is one of the county's largest single employers.  In addition to the automotive industry, other industries include plastics, glass manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and aggregate resources. The county is also home to other institutions including [[Casino Rama]], [[Georgian College]], [[Canadian Forces Base Borden]], a campus of [[Lakehead University]] and the [[Ontario Provincial Police]] Headquarters.
[[Honda of Canada Manufacturing]] has been established in Simcoe County since 1986 and is one of the county's largest single employers.  In addition to the automotive industry, other industries include plastics, glass manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and aggregate resources. The county is also home to other institutions, including [[Casino Rama]], [[Georgian College]], [[Canadian Forces Base Borden]], a campus of [[Lakehead University]], and the [[Ontario Provincial Police]] Headquarters.


Agri-business is a diverse, multi-faceted industry and farmland in the region is among the best in all of Canada, including a section of the [[Holland Marsh]] in Bradford.
Agri-business is a diverse, multi-faceted industry, and farmland in the region is among the best in all of Canada, including a section of the [[Holland Marsh]] in Bradford.


Tourism is a vital industry in Simcoe County, providing a diversity of jobs and economic impact in a variety of sectors including accommodation, restaurants, destinations, events and retail. Simcoe County plays host to over eight million visitors annually that contributes more than 570 million dollars in spending to its economy.
Tourism is a vital industry in Simcoe County, providing a diversity of jobs and economic impact in a variety of sectors, including accommodation, restaurants, destinations, events, and retail. Simcoe County plays host to over eight million visitors annually, which contributes more than 570 million dollars in spending to its economy.


==Transportation==
==Transportation==
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[[Via Rail]]'s ''[[Canadian (train)|Canadian]]'' Toronto-[[Vancouver]] transcontinental passenger train makes [[request stop]]s at the [[Washago railway station]] in [[Severn, Ontario|Severn]].
[[Via Rail]]'s ''[[Canadian (train)|Canadian]]'' Toronto-[[Vancouver]] transcontinental passenger train makes [[request stop]]s at the [[Washago railway station]] in [[Severn, Ontario|Severn]].


There are three main rail freight operators in Simcoe County; [[Canadian National Railway]] (CN), [[Canadian Pacific Railway]] (CPR) and [[Barrie Collingwood Railway]].
There are three main rail freight operators in Simcoe County: [[Canadian National Railway]] (CN), [[Canadian Pacific Railway]] (CPR), and [[Barrie Collingwood Railway]].


===Air===
===Air===
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{{main|Simcoe County LINX}}
{{main|Simcoe County LINX}}
[[File:Simcoe_Linx_bus_6016_Wasaga.jpg|thumb|LINX bus in [[Wasaga Beach]]]]
[[File:Simcoe_Linx_bus_6016_Wasaga.jpg|thumb|LINX bus in [[Wasaga Beach]]]]
The County has operated an intercommunity regional bus service, [[Simcoe County LINX|LINX]], since 2018. It also operates a subsidiary [[paratransit]] service called LINX+. The LINX system connects population centres in the area such as Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Penetanguishene, Wasaga Beach, and Collingwood, and acts as an intermediate transit layer between local community bus services and higher-order regional transit, such as [[GO Transit]] and [[Ontario Northland]]. Planned future routes would connect Alliston with Bradford West Gwillimbury, and Midland with Orillia.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.simcoe.ca/Transit/Pages/Future-Plans.aspx| title=Future Plans| access-date=2019-01-10}}</ref>
The County has operated an intercommunity regional bus service, [[Simcoe County LINX|LINX]], since 2018. It also operates a subsidiary [[paratransit]] service called LINX+. The LINX system connects population centres in the area, such as Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Penetanguishene, Wasaga Beach, and Collingwood, and acts as an intermediate transit layer between local community bus services and higher-order regional transit, such as [[GO Transit]] and [[Ontario Northland]]. Planned future routes would connect Alliston with Bradford West Gwillimbury, and Midland with Orillia.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.simcoe.ca/Transit/Pages/Future-Plans.aspx| title=Future Plans| access-date=2019-01-10}}</ref>


====Local transit====
====Local transit====
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==Education==
==Education==
{{See|List of secondary schools in Ontario#Simcoe County}}
{{Further|List of secondary schools in Ontario#Simcoe County}}
There are 4 public school boards which operate in Simcoe County:
Four public school boards operate in Simcoe County:


* The [[Simcoe County District School Board]] operates all public schools within Simcoe County.
* The [[Simcoe County District School Board]] operates all public schools within Simcoe County.
* The [[Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board]] operates the separate Catholic school system within Simcoe County.
* The [[Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board]] operates the separate Catholic school system within Simcoe County.
* The [[Conseil scolaire Viamonde]] operates all French language public schools within Simcoe County.
* The [[Conseil scolaire Viamonde]] operates all French-language public schools within Simcoe County.
* The [[Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir]] operates all French language Catholic schools within Simcoe County.
* The [[Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir]] operates all French-language Catholic schools within Simcoe County.


Undergraduate and graduate university programs are offered at [[Lakehead University]] in [[Orillia]]. Post-secondary education is also offered by [[Georgian College]] in [[Barrie]], [[Midland, Ontario|Midland]], [[Orillia]] and [[Collingwood, Ontario|Collingwood]]. A number of additional universities offer programs through the University Partnership Centre (UPC) in [[Georgian College]].
Undergraduate and graduate university programs are offered at [[Lakehead University]] in [[Orillia]]. Post-secondary education is also offered by [[Georgian College]] in [[Barrie]], [[Midland, Ontario|Midland]], [[Orillia]] and [[Collingwood, Ontario|Collingwood]]. Several additional universities offer programs through the University Partnership Centre (UPC) in [[Georgian College]].


==See also==
==See also==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Simcoe County, Ontario}}
{{Commons category|Simcoe County, Ontario}}
*{{official|https://www.simcoe.ca}}
*{{official website|https://www.simcoe.ca}}


{{Geographic location
{{Geographic location

Latest revision as of 23:28, 28 September 2025

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Simcoe County is a county and census division located in the central region of Ontario, Canada. The county is located north of the Greater Toronto Area, and forms the northwestern edge of the Golden Horseshoe. The county seat is located in Midhurst. The cities of Barrie and Orillia are geographically within Simcoe County, but are both politically independent single-tier municipalities.

Geography

Simcoe County stretches from the shores of Lake Simcoe in the east to Georgian Bay in the west. The land area of the county is Script error: No such module "convert".. The Niagara Escarpment runs through sections of the western part of the county, and the Minesing Wetlands, a Ramsar Convention "Wetland of International Importance", is located in the centre of the county.

Simcoe County is informally split into two subregions, "South Simcoe" and "North Simcoe". The dividing line between these two areas is Simcoe County Road 90 (Mill St.).

South Simcoe municipalities are situated at the northern boundary of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and therefore generally have a closer socio-economic association with the GTA. South Simcoe is also within the Toronto commuter belt, as it is home to a relatively high proportion of people commuting to the GTA. South Simcoe is home to five municipalities, including: the Town of Innisfil, the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio, the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, the Township of Essa and the Town of New Tecumseth (which includes: Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham).

North Simcoe is less connected to the GTA due to its more remote geographic location, is generally less industrial than South Simcoe, and generally has a closer socio-economic association with the Muskoka area, located immediately north. However, North Simcoe hosts two GO Transit train stations that provide daily commuter rail service to Toronto. North Simcoe includes the Township of Clearview, the Township of Oro-Medonte, the Township of Ramara, the Township of Severn, the Township of Springwater, the Township of Tay and the Township of Tiny, the Town of Collingwood, the Town of Midland, the Town of Penetanguishene and the Town of Wasaga Beach. The cities of Barrie and Orillia are geographically within North Simcoe, but both are politically independent single-tier municipalities.

History

Simcoe County, in particular the former Wendake area near Nottawasaga Bay, was the site of the earliest French exploration and settlement of Ontario; they were the first Europeans in the area. Several historic sites, including Carhagouha and Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, mark the earliest known contacts between the area's traditional Huron population and French missionaries. The Huron capital, Ossossané, was at one time the largest aboriginal settlement in all of North America outside Mexico.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

File:A map of the province of Upper Canada describing all the settlements and townships, 1818.jpg
The province of Upper Canada, 1818

The County, named by Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada John Graves Simcoe in honour of his father Captain John Simcoe,Script error: No such module "Unsubst". was established as part of the Home District in 1798 by the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada.[1] Its initial territory was described as follows:

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...Matchedash, Gloucester, or Penetanguishene, together with Prince William Henry's Island,[2] and all the land lying between the Midland District and a line produced due north from a certain fixed boundary (at the distance of about fifty miles north-west from the outlet of Burlington Bay) till it intersects the northern limits of the Province...

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At its beginning, the County existed only for military enlistment.Template:Sfn In 1823, it became a separate constituency for elections to the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada,Template:Sfn but, as eligibility to vote was dependent upon having title to property, and Simcoe's first registrar of deeds was not appointed until 1826,Template:Sfn it did not send a separate member to the Assembly until the election of John Cawthra in 1828.Template:Sfn It was withdrawn from the Home District in 1837,[3] with its territory divided as follows:

Townships of Simcoe County in 1837 (before reorganization)
District County Townships
Simcoe Simcoe <templatestyles src="Div col/styles.css"/>
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  • Adjala
  • Essa
  • Flos
  • West Gwillimbury
  • Innisfil
  • Matchedash
  • Medonte
  • Nottawasaga
  • Orillia (North Division)
  • Orillia (South Division)
  • Oro
  • Sunnidale
  • Tay
  • Tecumseth
  • Tiny
  • Tosorontio
  • Vespra
Wellington Waterloo <templatestyles src="Div col/styles.css"/>
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  • Amaranth
  • Luther
  • Melancthon
  • Proton
Home Fourth Riding of York <templatestyles src="Div col/styles.css"/>
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  • Thorah
  • Mara
  • Rama
File:1850 Tallis Map of West Canada or Ontario ( includes Great Lakes ) - Geographicus - WestCanada-tallis-1850.jpg
1850 Tallis Map of West Canada - Simcoe County highlighted in red

Between 1837 and 1841, several acts were passed by the Legislature of Upper Canada that set apart the Simcoe District. These acts named the townships that the County would encompass and authorized the levying of taxes for the purpose of constructing a jail and courthouse. On January 11, 1843, the jail and courthouse having been duly erected, the Governor General proclaimed the County of Simcoe to be a separate and distinct District. The province of Canada also appointed James R. Gowan as the first judge of the District of Simcoe.[4]

The District was restructured in 1845,[5] changing its composition to the following 24 townships:

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  • Adjala
  • Artemesia
  • Collingwood
  • Essa
  • Flos
  • West Gwillimbury
  • Innisfil
  • Medonte
  • Matchedash
  • Mulmur
  • Mono
  • Nottawasaga
  • Osprey
  • Oro
  • North Orillia
  • South Orillia
  • Saint Vincent
  • Sunnidale
  • Tay
  • Tecumseth
  • Tosorontio
  • Tiny
  • Uphrasia (sic)
  • Vespra

Effective January 1, 1850, the Simcoe District was abolished, and Simcoe County was organized for municipal purposes.[6]

Between 1845 and 1851, there had been a campaign to have the part of West Gwillimbury south of the Holland River annexed to York County. The County Council finally agreed to this action in 1851, subject to arbitration as to the division of liabilities.Template:Sfn It was implemented by an Act of the Parliament of the Province of Canada later that year.[7]

On January 1, 1852, after transferring its five western townships to Grey County, the County was defined as including the following townships:[8]

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  • Adjala
  • Essa
  • Flos
  • Gwillimbury West
  • Innisfil
  • Matchedash
  • Medonte
  • Mono
  • Mulmur
  • Nottawasaga
  • Orillia[9]
  • Oro
  • Sunnidale
  • Tay
  • Tecumseth
  • Tiny
  • Tossorontio (sic)
  • Vespra

Together with the unorganized territory bounded to the north by the French River, to the south by the Severn River and Rama Township, to the west by Lake Huron and to the east by the former boundary between the Home District and the Newcastle District as extended to the French River.

The unorganized territory, some of which had been surveyed into townships, together with parts of Victoria County and Nipissing District, was withdrawn in 1868–1869 to form the new District of Muskoka and District of Parry Sound.[10] However, any municipalities established in them still formed part of the original counties for municipal purposes,[11] and they were still responsible for the administration of justice, which proved to be problematic.Template:Sfn The portions of the districts that were not part of Simcoe County were transferred to it in 1877.[12] This lasted until 1888, when the territory contained within the districts was separated from Simcoe County.[13]

Mono and Mulmur Townships were withdrawn from Simcoe County in 1881 and transferred to the newly formed Dufferin County.[14]

Mara and Rama Townships were transferred to Simcoe County following the dissolution of Ontario County in 1974.

Restructuring (1994)

File:SimcoeMunicipalityMap.png
Map of Simcoe County, its component municipalities, Separated municipalities and CFB Borden.

In 1994, the County was restructured into 16 local municipalities:[15]

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The cities of Barrie and Orillia are separated from the County, as are three Indian reserves:

Demographics

As a census division in the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Simcoe County had a population of Script error: No such module "val". living in Script error: No such module "val". of its Script error: No such module "val". total private dwellings, a change of Script error: No such module "Percentage". from its 2016 population of Script error: No such module "val".. With a land area of Script error: No such module "convert"., it had a population density of Template:Pop density in 2021.[16] Template:Canada census

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Panethnic groups in Simcoe County (2001−2021)
Panethnic
group 		2021[16] 2016[17] 2011[18] 2006[19] 2001[20]
Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. %
EuropeanTemplate:Efn 435,295 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 415,205 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 400,355 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 387,295 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 351,440 Script error: No such module "Percentage".
Indigenous 24,545 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 21,960 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 17,540 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 13,035 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 9,520 Script error: No such module "Percentage".
South Asian 16,270 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 7,245 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 3,625 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 3,290 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 1,835 Script error: No such module "Percentage".
African 12,725 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 7,150 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 4,465 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 3,660 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 2,850 Script error: No such module "Percentage".
Southeast AsianTemplate:Efn 8,895 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 5,375 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 3,270 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 2,615 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 1,800 Script error: No such module "Percentage".
East AsianTemplate:Efn 7,930 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 5,635 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 4,070 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 3,190 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 2,710 Script error: No such module "Percentage".
Latin American 7,820 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 3,990 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 2,135 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 1,755 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 915 Script error: No such module "Percentage".
Middle EasternTemplate:Efn 6,485 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 2,035 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 780 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 915 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 470 Script error: No such module "Percentage".
OtherTemplate:Efn 5,110 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 2,540 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 2,050 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 1,235 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 790 Script error: No such module "Percentage".
Total responses 525,080 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 471,130 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 438,285 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 417,000 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 372,330 Script error: No such module "Percentage".
Total population 533,169 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 479,650 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 446,063 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 422,204 Script error: No such module "Percentage". 377,050 Script error: No such module "Percentage".
Note: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responsesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Government

The Corporation of the County of Simcoe comprises 16 local municipalities. As an "upper tier" municipality, the County of Simcoe is responsible for municipal services which include social housing, land ambulance and emergency planning, environmental services (solid waste management), a County road system, Ontario Works, children's services, homes for the aged, a library co-operative, museum, archives, County forest management, tourism, a Geographic Information System (computer mapping) and land use policy planning.

The local, or "lower tier" municipalities are responsible for water and sewer services, local roads, public libraries, recreation services, fire and police services, land use development control, and licensing and permitting services.

The cities of Barrie and Orillia, although separate politically and administratively from the County, are geographically and economically part of the County and send elected representatives to serve on County committees which provide services to the residents of the cities, including paramedic services, long term care facilities, social services, social housing, archives and Museum. They are counted within the census division.

The County Council is composed of the mayors and deputy mayors of each of the sixteen towns and townships that comprise the County of Simcoe. The head of the County Council is called the Warden and is elected for a one-year term by the council members at the Inaugural Meeting, held each December.

Though once a consideration according to the Wasaga Sun,[21] Simcoe County has elected not to restructure itself as a regional municipality.[22]

Federal and provincial representation

Simcoe County encompasses all or part of the federal electoral districts of Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte, Barrie—Innisfil, York—Simcoe, Simcoe—Grey and Simcoe North.

The current Members of Parliament representing Simcoe County are:

Simcoe County encompasses all or part of the provincial electoral districts of Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte, Barrie—Innisfil, York—Simcoe, Simcoe—Grey and Simcoe North.

The current Members of Provincial Parliament representing Simcoe County are:

Local services

Law enforcement and policing

Five police services provide law enforcement and local policing in Simcoe County:[23]

The Midland Police Service, which served the Town of Midland, was disbanded in February 2018. The OPP assumed policing responsibilities in Midland afterwards.[25][26]

Canadian Forces Military Police provides policing and security for CFB Borden (25 km southwest of Barrie).

Public health

The local public agency for the county, the cities of Barrie and Orillia, and the neighbouring District Municipality of Muskoka is the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. It is responsible for delivering public health programs and services, enforcing public health regulations, and advising local officials and local governments on health issues.

Simcoe County has five hospitals:

Southern parts of the County are also served by the Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ontario (York Region).

The County operates ambulance and paramedic services (EMS) for the county and the independent cities of Barrie and Orillia. The Beausoleil First Nation (Christian Island) and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation (Rama) operate their own EMS services for their territories.

Economy

The economy of Simcoe County is diverse and includes a full range of businesses from agricultural, industrial, and high-tech sectors.

Honda of Canada Manufacturing has been established in Simcoe County since 1986 and is one of the county's largest single employers. In addition to the automotive industry, other industries include plastics, glass manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and aggregate resources. The county is also home to other institutions, including Casino Rama, Georgian College, Canadian Forces Base Borden, a campus of Lakehead University, and the Ontario Provincial Police Headquarters.

Agri-business is a diverse, multi-faceted industry, and farmland in the region is among the best in all of Canada, including a section of the Holland Marsh in Bradford.

Tourism is a vital industry in Simcoe County, providing a diversity of jobs and economic impact in a variety of sectors, including accommodation, restaurants, destinations, events, and retail. Simcoe County plays host to over eight million visitors annually, which contributes more than 570 million dollars in spending to its economy.

Transportation

Road

The road network in Simcoe County is based on a grid pattern, with most roads running north–south or east–west. The topography of the land has permitted roads to be set in predominantly straight lines.

Simcoe County is traversed by many Provincial Highways; Ontario Highway 400 being the most significant. Other provincial highways in Simcoe County include: Highway 11, Highway 12, Highway 26, Highway 89 and Highway 93.

Simcoe County also maintains an extensive series of County Roads, see List of numbered roads in Simcoe County.

Rail

GO Transit operates daily commuter rail services to and from downtown Toronto along its Barrie line with three stops in Simcoe County: one stop in Bradford West Gwillimbury (Bradford) and two stops in Barrie (Barrie South and Allandale Waterfront).

Via Rail's Canadian Toronto-Vancouver transcontinental passenger train makes request stops at the Washago railway station in Severn.

There are three main rail freight operators in Simcoe County: Canadian National Railway (CN), Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), and Barrie Collingwood Railway.

Air

Lake Simcoe Regional Airport is a registered airport located almost midway between Barrie and Orillia, in the township of Oro-Medonte. The airport is owned jointly by the City of Barrie (10%), and the County (90%). The airport is equipped to accommodate propeller and jet aircraft, and is classified as an airport of entry by Nav Canada and is staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency. The County is also served by the Orillia Ramara Regional Airport in Ramara, 12 km northeast of Orillia. The closest major airport, however, is Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Public transit

LINX

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File:Simcoe Linx bus 6016 Wasaga.jpg
LINX bus in Wasaga Beach

The County has operated an intercommunity regional bus service, LINX, since 2018. It also operates a subsidiary paratransit service called LINX+. The LINX system connects population centres in the area, such as Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Penetanguishene, Wasaga Beach, and Collingwood, and acts as an intermediate transit layer between local community bus services and higher-order regional transit, such as GO Transit and Ontario Northland. Planned future routes would connect Alliston with Bradford West Gwillimbury, and Midland with Orillia.[27]

Local transit

Some of the County's larger urban centres have local public transit operations, which consist of bus services. These include Barrie Transit, BWG Transit (Bradford West Gwillimbury), Colltrans (Collingwood), Orillia Transit, Midland Penetanguishene Transit, and Wasaga Beach Transit.

Intercity bus

Intercity bus services serving Simcoe County include GO Transit (Route 68), and Ontario Northland.

Education

Script error: No such module "labelled list hatnote". Four public school boards operate in Simcoe County:

Undergraduate and graduate university programs are offered at Lakehead University in Orillia. Post-secondary education is also offered by Georgian College in Barrie, Midland, Orillia and Collingwood. Several additional universities offer programs through the University Partnership Centre (UPC) in Georgian College.

See also

Further reading

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Notes

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References

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  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ Template:Cite canlaw
  6. ↑ Template:Cite canlaw
  7. ↑ Template:Cite canlaw
  8. ↑ Template:Cite canlaw
  9. ↑ uniting the townships of North and South Orillia
  10. ↑ Template:Cite canlaw and Template:Cite canlaw
  11. ↑ 1868 Act (s. 14), 1869 Act (s.19), Template:Cite canlaw, Template:Cite canlaw, Template:Cite canlaw
  12. ↑ Template:Cite canlaw
  13. ↑ Template:Cite canlaw
  14. ↑ Template:Cite canlaw
  15. ↑ Template:Cite canlaw
  16. ↑ a b Cite error: Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ County looking to restructure its council
  22. ↑ County Council Chooses Not to Study Its Structure
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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External links

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