MEAFORD Ontario
Welcome to your new home.
Contact Us
Get in touch for more information on the many services available to you in Meaford.
4th Division Training Centre
519-538-1371
www.army-armee.forces.gc.ca/
Military Family Resource Centre
(519) 538-1371 Ext 6509
www.familyforce.ca/
Municipality of Meaford
519-538-1060
www.meaford.ca
Grey County
(519) 376-2205
www.grey.ca/
Service Ontario – Meaford
519-538-4439
www.services.gov.on.ca/
Bluewater District School Board Chamber of Commerce
(519) 363-2014
www.bwdsb.on.ca/
(519) 538-1640
www.meafordchamber.ca/
Recreation Programs
519-538-1060 ext 1200
www.meaford.ca/play
Memorial Park
519-538-1060 ext 1402
www.meaford.ca/memorialpark
Meaford Harbour
519-538-1060 ext 1401
www.meaford.ca/harbour
Blue Dolphin Pool
519-538-1060 ext 1406
www.meaford.ca/pool
Meaford Hall
519-538-0463
www.meafordhall.ca
Meaford Museum
519-538-5974
www.meaford.ca/museum
Meaford Public Library
519-538-3500
www.meafordlibrary.on.ca
Sail Georgian Bay
(226) 668 2944
www.sailgeorgianbay.ca/ www.scarecrowinvasion.com/
Scarecrow Invasion Meaford Hospital
519-538-1311
www.gbhs.on.ca
Don Bumstead & Family Medical Centre
226-662-1011
http://greyhealthclinics.ca/
Military Meaford Location Housing Parks & Trails Recreation Downtown Meaford Meaford Countryside Arts and Culture Festivals and Events Meaford Library Education Healthcare As Mayor of the Municipality of Meaford, I am pleased to welcome you to our community. I am immensly proud of all we have to offer, from freindly people to all the amenities you need for everyday life. Once you experience our award-winning festivals and events, breathtaking natural vistas, affordable housing prices, and endless recreation opportunities, I’m sure you’ll see why we call the Municipality of Meaford home.
- Barb Clumpus, Mayor
Military Meaford A brief History of the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre
In 1942, the Department of National Defence purchased 800 km2 (200,000 acres) of private lands along Georgian Bay in the St. Vincent Township. The southern edge of this property is 5 km northwest of the town of Meaford. The Meaford Military Camp was intended for tank warfare and artillery gunnery training. Its landscape included limestone cliffs, dense forest, rolling open agricultural land, and swamps. All based on a topography of heavy clay broken up by a vast distribution of rock, it also included Mountain Lake and 22 km of shoreline. The integration of the modern-day Canadian Forces saw the transfer of the Combat Arms School from CFB Borden to CFB Gagetown in 1969–1970, dramatically reducing the requirement for Camp Meaford. In 1970, it was decided to mothball the entire facility.
Military Meaford A brief History of the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre
A mid-1990s reorganization of the Canadian Forces saw the creation of the Land Force Central Area Training Centre Meaford (LFCATC Meaford). The training centre conducts year-round courses for regular force personnel, while expanding dramatically during the summer months to accommodate courses for reserve personnel. During the period of September–June, LFCATC Meaford serves as the primary weekend training location for reserve unit exercises for locations across Southern Ontario. LFCATC Meaford currently holds basic qualification courses as well as infantry and artillery training. It is visited by various outside units including multiple police forces and other nations. It also provides simulators and training for urban environments. In 2013 the LFCATC was renamed the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre when Land Force Central Area became the 4th Canadian Division.
Location
The Municipality of Meaford is a collection of a number of villages and communities including Woodford, Bognor, Rockford, Annan and Leith.
By locating in the Municipality of Meaford, you’ll be reducing your daily commute time to the base, leaving you more time to spend on the things you love in life. Meaford is a fascinating, four-season destination that has it all: great live theatre and concerts, fresh local food, boutique shopping, nature at your doorstep, a beautiful waterfront, and hundreds of local charms and amenities awaiting your discovery. Just a few minutes away, you’ll find acres of rolling countryside, charming historic villages, sandy beaches and unspoiled natural areas. Blue Mountain Owen Sound Collingwood Barrie Orangeville Brampton Toronto
15km 30km 34km 89km 102km 138km 180km
Housing
Century homes, new developments, urban, rural, and waterfront properties - Something for every family in the Municipality of Meaford
Meaford has outstanding housing developments to choose from in both urban and rural settings. These choices are available at a fraction of the cost of homes in a major urban centre, and most choices in the urban area are within walking distance of downtown shops, grocery stores, restaurants, beautiful parks, and the breathtaking waterfront. The rural area offers waterfront properties and panoramic countryside views that simply cannot be matched.
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Parks
Come enjoy the great ourdoors at one of the many public parks in Meaford. McCarroll Park and Fred Raper Park along the Meaford harbour front offer hours of entertainment for kids with playground equipment, a splash pad, picnic areas, sandy beach, free parking and clean washrooms. One of Ontario’s few waterfront campgrounds, Memorial Park offers a public beach, camping, mini golf, picnic shelters, public washrooms, trails and recreational facilities. It is a popular summer attraction and includes a dog friendly beach section. Beautiful Joe Park is a memorial to the heroic dog featured in the internationally acclaimed true Meaford story “Beautiful Joe”. The park is a shady sanctuary along the Big Head River, just a short walk from downtown Meaford. Beautiful Joe Off Leash fenced-in Dog Park reinforces our local love for canines as it offers a spot for dog owners to socialize and allow their furry friends some recreational time.
Trails
Among Meaford’s amazing geography is a network of unbelievable trails.
The Georgian Trail, which follows the old Northern Rail Line from Meaford to Collingwood, is a wonderful accessible trail for cycling or hiking. It seems no matter what road you take, you’ll come upon access to sections of the famous Bruce Trail as it winds and doubles back through the beautiful Niagara Escarpment. Then there’s the historic Trout Hollow Trail along the Bighead River, and the rugged trail through the Bayview Escarpment Nature Reserve. The Bognor Marsh also offers almost 12km of hiking trails. The newest addition to the local trail network, the Tom Thomson Trail, winds its way from the west edge of the Meaford waterfront, past the resting place of Tom Thomson in Leith, ending at the Bayshore Community Centre in Owen Sound.
Recreation
Meaford has a variety of recreation activities for individuals and families. Whether it’s free yoga classes for youth, baseball and soccer camps, firefighter camp, swim lessons, art workshops or cooking classes with mom and dad, there’s lots going on to keep kids busy. Learning to sail, stand up paddle board, and kayak are also very popular at the Meaford Harbourfront.. The winter months offer public skating, themed activities at Meaford Hall, and after school programming at the Meaford Library. Be sure not to miss Story Book Park, a local favourite for young families since 1975, or check out the local bowling alley, or Carl Jolley’s Riding Toy Museum!
Recreation
Meaford has a variety of recreation activities for individuals and families. Whether your family enjoys water sports like kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, swimming or playing on the beach, the Municipality of Meaford has several launch locations along our waterfront, within easy walking distance to the downtown core. In the winter time, enjoy our local trails for snowshoeing, cross country skiing or some of the best snowmobiling trails in Ontario. Grab your sled and head over to the hill at Beautiful Joe Park for some downhill adventure. Our recreational facilities include outdoor tennis courts, a skateboard park, basketball courts, and baseball diamonds. Fishing is also popular in Meaford along the Big Head River or the shores of Georgian Bay. We are also home to 2 Golf Courses, with many more nearby.
Downtown Meaford You’ll find everything you need in the heart of downtown Meaford
Just a short walk from the breathtaking Meaford waterfront, you’ll find a charming downtown area with a variety of goods and services to meet your needs. Food & Restaurants From casual cafes and fast food to fine dining, you will satisfy your tastebuds in downtown meaford. Homestyle cooking and local ingredients are a staple of many of our downtown eateries. Try out one of our local bakeries for fresh breads, muffins, and pies. Or head to the edges of town where farm stands and market shelves fill with local produce, preserves, and more! Through the summer months, you’ll find the Meaford Farmer’s Market at the harbour pavilion every Friday afternoon for a real field to fork experience. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner - you’ll find what you’re looking for in downtown Meaford.
Downtown Meaford You’ll find everything you need in the heart of downtown Meaford Services and Amenities A variety of boutique stores and professional offices line the streets of downtown Meaford. You can find: Clothing, Accessories, and Gifts
Car Dealerships
Groceries
Pet Supplies and Grooming
24 Hour Convenience
Lawyers
Fast Food
Accountants
Hairstylists
Real Estate Agents
Banks
Optometrist
Gas Stations
Massage Therapy
Insurance Agents
IT Services
And more! Meaford downtown is growing, so stop by anytime and see what’s new!
Meaford Countryside Get away from it all and relax at the many attractions across the Meaford Countryside
Rural Meaford is home to some of the most scenic views in the area. Head up Grey Road 112 to find Irish Mountain Lookout where you can sit in a Big Red Chair and enjoy the breathtaking view. You can also visit Coffin Ridge Winery for a taste of local wine and cheese, or stop in at Kilannan Brewing Co. to pick up local craft beer The Bognor Marsh Conservation Area and Hibou Conservation Area allow you to get back in touch with nature. Or stop by a local farm to pick your own produce, shop at a Country Market, or try your hand at Horseback Riding. Keep an eye out for events at our Community Halls - dinners and social events are often taking place in Bognor, Woodford, Riverside, Annan and Leith Hike, bike, drive or snowmobile - Be sure to find your way to beautiful rural Meaford.
Arts and Culture
Meaford has a robust and unique history that transcends it's borders and delights all those who visit to learn about it. As a four season venue, Meaford Hall plays host to a variety of events including live theatre, music, films, dance, and entertainment for community, corporate and social events. The premier arts and Cultural Centre in the area, the theatre has seating for 300 people, along with meeting rooms and banquet halls for your special event. The Meaford Museum has something for everyone including military, maritime, fashion, and agricultural exhibits. Come learn about famous local people including the Man with the Iron Hands (Andrew Gawley), John Muir, Margaret Marshall Saunders, and Tom Thomson. Visit our Apple Pie Trail room to learn about the history of the apple industry in Meaford, and pick up some local Meaford souvenirs to commemorate your trip.
Festivals and Events There’s always something happening in Meaford, no matter the season!
Meaford boasts award winning activities for all ages, such as the year round Apple Pie Trail, a culinary trail that travels throughout Grey County featuring signature apple dishes made with local fruit, and the annual Scarecrow Invasion which fills Meaford with a celebration of Harvest season in September and October. The Apple Harvest Craft show, the area's premier craft show, comes to town every year on the weekend before thanksgiving. Other popular events include the weekly car show, our vibrant farmers’ market, the Meaford International Film Festival, the 1000 foot Urban Slide, the Big Red Chairs Tour, and the Leith Summer Music Festival, to name only a few.
Meaford Library
The Meaford Public Library is the hub for knowledge and forward thinking, where everyone feels welcome and community pride. The Meaford Public Library is more than just fantastic books. The library is a community meeting place which offers DVDs, free wifi access, audiobooks, e-books, magazines, music CDs and even video games. There is always a program or event happening at the library. These include Weekday Tech Help, Story Time, adult book clubs, Afterschool activities, lego, chess, crafts, games and even knitting.
The Meaford Public Library also has partnerships with community groups: Scarecrow Invasion, Meaford Farmers’ Market, Meaford Hall, Meaford Museum and employment workshops and services through the YMCA.
Education
Live and learn here in Meaford - from Junior Kindergarten to post-secondary, you’ll find what you need nearby. Ecole St. Vincent – Euphrasia Elementary School (SVE): Our local school for JK to grade 3. SVE has an outstanding French immersion program and is expected to build two new classrooms to accommodate an influx of new students. The school also offers after school programs until 6pm. Georgian Bay Secondary School (GBSS): GBSS is home to grades 4-12, and is known throughout the area as having a premier music program and a modern communications program. With an influx of new students, the school will soon be going through renewal. Students living in close proximity to the City of Owen Sound, or wishing to attend Catholic School can be bussed to neighbouring communities. Georgian College: The campus is situated minutes from the Municipality of Meaford in the City of Owen Sound, and also has a campus in nearby Collingwood.
Healthcare
A wide range of services are right outside your door in the Municipality of Meaford.
Grey Bruce Health Service Meaford Hospital - The Meaford Hospital offers a wide range of specialty clinics and services to the Meaford community. The 20 inpatient beds provide quick access to hospitalization when needed. Owen Sound Hospital - This regional hospital, just five minutes outside of the Municipality of Meaford, offers a full range specialty services for residents across the area including complex surgeries, total joint replacements, cancer surgeries, MRI and CT scan services, and many more. Don Bumstead & Family Medical Centre Opened in September 2014, this Medical centre has office practice space for four Family Physicians including eight examination rooms, physician and staff offices, and state-of-the-art equipment and computer systems. The building also houses Georgian Bay Physiotherapy which provides a wide range of physiotherapy and massage therapy services. You can also find optometrists, massage therapists, physiotherapists, and chiropractors in downtown Meaford.
THE Place to be in Southern Georgian Bay