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Some of the most beautiful and diverse land in Ontario is found in Dufferin County, just steps from the GTA. Less than 1 hour drive from the Toronto Airport, the region features quaint villages, picturesque hamlets, rolling plains, rivers and views. The Niagara Escarpment forms a dividing line down the center of the county, which consists of Orangeville, Shelburne, Mono, and the western Townships of Amaranth, East Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Valley, and Melancthon and Mulmur Townships in the east. The eastern townships feature vast till plains which make these areas ideal for agriculture. The western portion of Dufferin County consists of Mulmur, Mono, and Hockley Valley, rich in dramatic landscapes, hilly terrain and vast forests that are breathtaking in autumn.
Historically, the economy of the County of Dufferin has been based on agriculture, particularly livestock and mixed farming. Major crops include hay, mixed grains, oats, wheat, and potatoes, primarily harvested in the eastern part of the county. However, as the population continues to increase, the commercial sector of the economy has been rapidly growing in Shelburne and Orangeville. In addition, the Headwaters Country Tourism Association has had tremendous success in promoting tourism to the area, further benefiting commerce.
Dufferin County is often referred to as "Headwaters Country" with two major river systems, the Nottawasaga and Grand rivers, and the Credit, Humber, and Saugeen rivers all have their headwaters in Dufferin.
The Grand River is a Canadian Heritage River, and the dominant system in the west part of Dufferin County. Ihas its headwaters in the north-west corner of Melancthon Township, and drains an area of 6,734 km2 , the largest cachment basin in southwestern Ontario. Luther Lake, a man-made reservoir for the Grand River system, is on the boundary between the Township of East and West Luther. The Lake covers 25 square miles and provides a wide variety of unique wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.
The eastern part of the county, namely Mono and Mulmur, is dominated by the Nottawasaga river system, which has its headwaters in Melancthon. The main branch system rises south of Shelburne and flows through the Hockley Valley. The Nottawasaga flows into Georgian Bay where its mouth forms the delta of Wasaga Beach, the longest freshwater beach in the world. The Pine River runs through the south end of the Main Tract of the Dufferin County Forest.
The Credit River collects some of its tributaries around Orangeville and continues south until it empties into Lake Ontario. The Humber River begins in the southeast corner of Dufferin County and continues through Toronto into Lake Ontario along the eastern border of Etobicoke. The Saugeen system collects tributaries as it travels south through the county from its headwaters outside the Northwest border of Dufferin.
Bright lights and big cities are not the only places to find great artistic endeavours and live entertainment. On top of being a large artistic community Dufferin County includes Theatre Orangeville, Grace Tippling Hall in Shelburne and the Dufferin County Museum and Archives in Rosemont.
For more information on everything Dufferin County has to offer including area amenities, recreation and more, please complete the form below to receive a copy of the North of 9 Region Guide.
If you are thinking of selling your home in Mulmur, Shelburne, Orangeville, Mono or Melancthon please contact me today to discuss how I can help. If you would like information on buying a home in the area or current properties for sale in Dufferin County, please browse our listings!
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