Welcome to Midland… deemed a safe, clean and friendly city with a population of over17,000. It is the economic hub of Southern Georgian Bay, which boasts a population exceeding 48,000 within a 25 km radius. In summer months, the area population grows to over 100,000 due to over 8,000 cottages, resort hotels, provincial and national parks in the surrounding municipalities of Penetanguishene, Tiny and Tay.
Built upon its rich history as a lake port terminus for lumber and locally produced grain in the 1870’s, Midland has continued to grow with a sustainable local economy based on a number of light industrial companies and tourism. Situated at the southern end of Georgian Bay's 30,000 Islands, it is the economic centre of the region, with a 125-bed hospital and a local airport (Midland/Huronia Airport).
Penetanguishene’s, the sister city to Midland with a population of just over 9,000, also offers the lifestyle benefits of a waterside community on Georgian Bay. The city has several light industrial businesses, in addition to Waypoint Centre for Mental Health, one of the region’s largest employers located on the shores of Georgian Bay. Tourism occupies a considerable portion of the economy with five marinas and shops and restaurants catering to the tourist trade.
Midland and Penetanguishene are among 6 cities in Central Ontario with a public transit service. Simcoe County’s LINX inter-community service offers an extended public transit link with connectivity between Barrie, Orillia, Midland / Penetanguishene, Collingwood and Wasaga Beach. This transit network also enables access to Southern Ontario's GO Transit (the Barrie line and GO bus Route 68), as well as, the Ontario Northland service linking Sudbury, Orillia, Barrie and Toronto. Although there is no local Via Rail connection, transcontinental passenger service is available via the Washago station at the north end of Lake Couchiching.
Steeped in culture, Midland has much to offer. Around the centre of Midland there are a number of murals painted by a local artist, the largest, depicting a meeting between a local native and Jesuit Missionary Jean de Brebeuf on the silos overlooking the main harbour. Other attractions include Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, which is now a living museum depicting missionary life in the 17th century, the Martyrs' Shrine commemorating eight missionaries from Sainte-Marie who were martyred during the Huron-Iroquois wars and the Wye Marsh which is a habitat for trumpeter swans, black terns and least bitterns.
Penetanguishene dates back to the War of 1812 when its sheltered bay offered safe harbour to the British fleet. Over the next 40 years, Metis and French settlers moved into the area creating a cultural mosaic which like the Lafontaine area in Tiny Township has a distinctly bilingual nature.
In addition to the Georgian Bay General Hospital and transit system, several adult lifestyle communities contribute to making these two cities a desirable retirement destination for midlifers. Midland’s new “Seasons on Little Lake” and Bay Moorings in Penetanguishene are just two of the adult lifestyle communities in the twin cities for those looking to downsize and enjoy the lifestyle benefits here.
Tiffin by the Bay, Riverwalk and Bayport Village are examples of other quality waterside neighbourhoods that attract home buyers to the area.
