People who are moving to the Georgian Triangle area often ask about school information for the area. 

There are a wide range of choices in the public, separate and private sectors.  The first consideration is which County you will reside in.  Homes located in Grey County (including Blue Mountain, Meaford and Grey Highlands) fall under the Blue Water or Bruce-Grey District while properties in Simcoe County (including Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Stayner and Creemore) fall into the Simcoe District.

Below is a list of options with links to each school website.  As of September, 2010, full-day Kindergarten will also now be offered at Admiral Public School, Clearview Meadows and St. Mary’s.

For those interested in school ratings, two links are provided at the end of this list.  Regardless of what they say, I can tell you that families in each of these schools are fiercely proud and will tell you that theirs is the best!

SIMCOE COUNTY

School Boards:
Public:   Simcoe County District School Board 
Catholic:    Simcoe – Muskoka Catholic District School Board

Extended French Programs offered at the following schools:
Admiral Collingwood
Collingwood Collegiate Institute

Schools in Collingwood:
Admiral Collingwood Elementary School  K – 8
Cameron Street Public School K – 8
Connaught Public School  K – 8
Mountainview Public School  K – 8
St. Mary’s Catholic School  K – 8

Collingwood Collegiate Institute (CCI)  Gr.  9 – 12
Jean Vanier Catholic High School  Gr.  9 – 12

Georgian College

Nottawa:   Nottawa Elementary School  K – 8
Duntroon:   Duntroon Central Public School   JK – 8
Creemore:   Nottawasaga & Creemore Public School  JK – 8

Stayner:
Clearview Meadows Elementary School  K – 8
Byng Public School  K – 8

Stayner Collegiate Institute (SCI)  Gr. 9 – 12

Wasaga Beach

Birchview Dunes Elementary School  K – 8
Worsley Elementary School K- 8
St. Noel Chabanel Catholic School  JK – 8

GREY COUNTY

School Boards
Public:  Bluewater District School Board
Catholic:  Bruce – Grey Catholic District School Board

Extended French Programs offered at the following schools:
Meaford Community School
St. Vincent-Euphrasia Elementary School
Georgian Bay Secondary School

Schools in Thornbury:  Beaver Valley Community School  JK – 8

Meaford:
St. Vincent-Euphrasia Elementary School   JK-5
Meaford Community School  JK – 8

Georgian Bay Secondary School   Gr.  9 – 12

Maxwell:  Osprey Central School JK – 8

Flesherton:  Grey Highlands Secondary School  Gr.  9 – 12

Private Schools:
Clearview Montessori School  Pre-school through Gr. 6
National Ski Academy 
Pretty River Academy Pre-school to Gr. 12
Silvercrest Christian School  JK – 8
Rocklyn Academy Special Needs, Female, Secondary

Check School Ratings and Reports:
Fraser Institute School Performance Reports (Ontario)
Search EQAO School Reports and Test Results

We get several enquiries a week about a particular condominium development near the slopes.  Understandably, it’s the pricing of the units that attract people as they generally run between $100-$150,000.  That particular development however has unique issues that, when discovered, often send people in search of other options.  (Yes, I’m being careful here on purpose as I don’t want to offend or mislead anyone.)

It’s good to know that there are other options for people who want to enjoy the resort lifestyle without the cost associated with many properties in Blue Mountain where average prices are well over $400,000 for residential properties.  One such option is in a unique development known as Craigleith Shores.

The property was originally built and run as a successful hotel and popular restaurant/night club.  At some point in the 1980’s, it was converted into a residential condominium complex and I must say, it’s one of the areas best kept secrets.

Craigleith Shores is located in the heart of Blue Mountain directly opposite Georgian Bay just east of the Provincial Campground on Highway 26.  The building sits on estate-like grounds used exclusively at the pleasure of the residents which are a mix of full-time and part-time owners and tenants in all age groups.  The Georgian Trail is right behind the property and it’s a quick walk or cycle to grab the morning paper at the Craigleith Mac’s store not far away.  People can hop across the road to boat, fish, sailboard or swim in Georgian Bay or, they can enjoy the private outdoor pool right on the grounds.  There are sitting areas amid the trees, a basketball net, a secure bike storage shed, on-site laundry facilities and a sauna for winter use.  The property is also just minutes away from the slopes at Blue Mountain, from area ski clubs, golf clubs or from the towns of Collingwood and Thornbury.

Uniquely, the building has a security-controlled entrance and on-site superintendants who maintain the development to near perfection.  Owners can rent their units out in compliance with the Town of Blue Mountains by-laws (no rentals less than 30 days) or can enjoy worry-free living either full-time or part-time as they wish.

I’ve just listed what is perhaps the finest unit in the building as it has been completely renovated and is simply gorgeous.  It’s very affordably priced at $129,900 with taxes of only $883.00 this year and condo fees of $182.00 per month.  I can’t think of anything else in the area with comparable operating costs.  This really is a great alternative and one you shouldn’t miss.

I’ve always had a fascination with history and thankfully, my real estate career often leads me to discovering interesting things about South Georgian Bays past.

Not long ago, I listed a house for sale in Thornbury that quite fascinated me.  It has been in the same family since the 1930’s and according to stories handed down over the generations, may be one of the oldest structures in the blue Mountains.

That got me to wondering how old is old?  I trodded off to the library between appointments one day and found a few books discussing the history of the area.  In general, the land we know as Grey County was first occupied by the Native peoples of the Huron, Petun, and other nations.  As the years go by, we are learning more and more about these times as artifacts and ruins are uncovered and preserved.  But I digress.

As we know, these lands were eventually acquired by the British and it turns out that the first two townships surveyed in the area were Collingwood and St. Vincent. This led to colonization, mail  roads, and natural harbours that gave access for early settlers.  Early trade and commerce grew from the area’s natural resources such as fish, fur, forests and minerals. Rivers powered sawmills and gristmills as would have been the case in Thornbruy; then known as Collingwood Township. Furniture factories used local hardwoods and weavers made cloth from the wool of local sheep. Fruit-growing began early, and by 1930,more than 16,000 acres of “Georgian Bay Apples” were planted.

Some of the earliest references I could find to possible settlers dated back to 1832 or 1833.  There were photographs of workers in lumber and grist mills in Thornbury by the mid 1850’s.

Based on the unique construction of the original portion of the home, the siting of the dwelling on a ridge looking out to Georgian Bay and, based on the stories handed down through the generations, it is quite possible that part of this home in fact dates back over 170 years!  Some time later, the brick structure was added in a Georgian centre hall style suggesting affluence and success of the family of the day.  We can trace back the family name of the owners in the early 20th century as being Dinsmore;  a still prominent name in the local community.
 
Have a look at Hilltop today.  It’s for sale and waiting for the next chapter to be written:

I think I may have told you before how I fall in love with the properties I list for sale.  And their owners.  And buyers.  A whole lotta love in my job!

Well, it happened again.  If you don’t live in this area, may I ask if you’ve ever been to Blue Mountain? If so, then hopefully you’ve visited the enchanting little town of Thornbury along the way. Another place to fall in love with.

It’s a scenic and delightful town that sits on the shores of Georgian Bay with the Beaver River running through town.  In the summer, flower displays line the streets and in winter you might find horse drawn carriages or ice sculptures.  The downtown is an eclectic mix of quaint shops, cafes, a bakery and galleries that offer one of a kind or indulgent treats it a most wonderful atmosphere.
Thornbury has become increasingly popular with young families who know about the terrific reputation of the local elementary school and who enjoy being able to stroll safely to the library, shops, harbour and community centre.  Retirees are loving the town for the same reason and now, seasonal residents are discovering the new Raven golf course at Lora Bay and the excellent harbour all just minutes away from the slopes at Blue.

I’ve just listed a delightful, 12 year old home in an area of predominantly newer and higher-end home making this a very desirable neighbourhood in which to live. I made a custom website to feature this home and I’d be thrilled if you have a little peak and maybe pass it on to someone you think might be interested in calling Thornbury home.

Every year, our Georgian Triangle Real Estate Board sponsors a popular seminar where they bring in the local planners to speak to REALTORS® about what is happening in our region.  Anyone considering a real estate transaction should keep well informed so we thought it would be a good idea to share some of their points with you in this multi-part series. 

Blue Mountains presented by Peter Toelefson:

o They are currently undertaking a Transportation Study in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation.  For example, they are looking at access control along Highway 26 – the Ministry wants to limit access and the Town wants to do the opposite and instead slow traffic down to a more ‘small town feel.’  It may be closed off and rerouted eventually.

o They are currently updating their Zoning Bylaw.

o An improvement plan is about to begin for Thornbury and Clarksburg.

o They are beginning an Economic Development Strategy to enhance local opportunities, especially with the agricultural community.

o Their Official Plan is being updated re smart growth management.

o Clarksburg Servicing:  there are federal dollars to help with this, but no provincial money.  They are reapplying through a joint federal/provincial program.  Regardless, it will be very EXPENSIVE to service Clarksburg.

o They’re going greener through an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan which focuses on waste, energy efficiency, water conservation and building and planning.

o When applying for permits, Peter recommends that the applicant meets first for a pre-consultation with him so he can give some guidance.  Then, a full and complete application must be submitted, and a flow chart is available to help steer the applicant through the various requirements.

o Developments: 

- the next phase of Lora Bay is underway – townhouses
- Trailwoods (10th Line) – building is underway
- Far Hills – now registered
- Old Apple Storage Site – demolished dilapidated building and building a medical centre and municipal parking lot (together with lands to the North of it)
- Horsepark – OP Application is in, site plan is next – they’re making a bid for Pan Am games
- Camperdown – Georgian Bay Golf Club –condos are under construction and on the ridge – Peaks Bay under construction
- Craigleith – Terrasan – old Easter Seals Camp – currently working with the concept of:  mixed houses, seniors, residences, community trails, promenade, village shop, less autos, and very animated. 
- Georgian Woodlands Phase III – has been designated, plan of subdivision being worked on
- Georgian International – new – working with Blue Mountain Resorts to build new lodge and want to expand the hills into that area as well – plan has a roundabout, wetlands, park, gateway.  Proposal stage.

Incidentally, if you are interested in obtaining a copy of the summary of ALL developments underway or pending in the Blue Mountains as of the end of 2008, let me know and I can email it to you.

Related Posts:
Planning for Growth South Georgian Bay Part 1:  Simcoe County
Planning for Growth South Georgian Bay Part 2:  Grey County

When it’s time to buy or sell real estate in the Collingwood, Blue Mountain or Georgian Triangle area, contact Marg, an experienced and competent Broker who’s ready whenever you are!

Still in the spirit of wrapping up the 2008 statistics, here is a chart showing the change in the average sale prices between 2007 and 2008 by area within the Georgian Triangle.

Average sale prices can be skewed significantly by a few really high or low sales so they are not necessarily a fair representation of prices however, they do show the general trends by area.

Interestingly but not surprisingly, both Collingwood and Wasaga Beach registered an increase in values.  More rural areas such as Grey Highlands and Clearview showed the greatest declines.

Right now, we sure are seeing buyers being very reluctant to jump in despite great prices and mortgage rates.  Consumer confidence is not high but I have noticed a real uptick in showing activity over the last week.

Related Posts:

An Easier Way To Follow The Collingwood Real Estate Market
Just How Bad Is The Georgian Triangle Real Estate Marke Now?

When it’s time to buy or sell real estate in the Collingwood, Blue Mountain or Georgian Triangle area, contact Marg, an experienced and competent Broker who’s ready whenever you are!

After reviewing, crunching, tabulating and charting, I finally have a report to share on the 2008 Georgian Triangle Real Estate Board performance.  The Georgian Triangle area traditionally includes Collingwood, Blue Mountain, Wasaga Beach, Clearview, Grey Highlands and Meaford however, the data in some cases captures a wider area that includes towns on the edges of our typical trading area. 

It’s a tough undertaking to provide you with the fairest and most unbiased data because as Mark Twain once said, “Facts are stubborn, but statistics are more pliable.”  The outcomes change depending on the data used and variables like areas, types of properties, time frames and values all change the picture.  For this reason, I’ve used a variety of approaches and have provided data that you can interpret as you wish.

Three Important Points to Ponder: 
1. Our MLS® system uses average sale prices rather than median prices.  Neither is an exact science but when used comparatively, it gives us a general sense of trends only.  For example, the absence or presence of very low or very high-end sales can dramatically alter averages within small sampling groups.  In recent months, both TD and National Bank-Teranet have developed new way to measure house price indexes and the results showed dramatically different results from traditional measurements.  What they did show is that house prices have not declined as much as believed in Canada.
2. 2008 data is being compared only to 2007.  You should note that 2007 was a record sales year that represented the market peak.
3. The data on these charts is cumulative for the year and does not show trends.  For example, most of the decline in prices occurred in the final quarter of 2008.  That signals a new trend is underway.  (December and 3rd quarter only data to follow in a post coming to you soon.)

Nonetheless, we have what we have.  Below are data charts which you can click on to enlarge (‘cause who can read this little stuff?).

Summary
• Total sales activity has declined since May (not just the final quarter as believed)
• The total number of listings increased in every month of 2008 except for March
• The sales to listing ratio is firmly into the Buyer’s market zone.  This ratio is measured by dividing the number of properties sold by the number listed.  A ratio of under 40% suggests a Buyers market, 40-50% is a more balanced market and over 50% is typically considered to be a Sellers market.
• The 12 month average sale price for single family residential units in the major communities of the Georgian Triangle is down about 7.5% although Collingwood is actually up slightly.  If you exclude sales under $100,000 and over $1 million, the pictures changes substantially with the average sale price in 2008 down just 1.9% over 2007 using the same parameters.  In this case, the average sale prices are actually up in both Collingwood and Wasaga Beach.
• The average sale price of condos in the Georgian Triangle was up marginally for the year.
• There were 1634 active listings (all types) on the Georgian Triangle Real Estate Board MLS® at years end.

All in all, this is not as gloomy a picture as the media has portrayed.  There has been more of a decline in the number of sales rather than price although, the trend is that prices are clearly moderating now.  Stay tuned for the 4th quarter report examining this trend closer.

All MLS® data and/or statistics obtained from the Georgian Triangle Real Estate Board.

When it’s time to buy or sell real estate in the Collingwood, Blue Mountain or Georgian Triangle area, contact Marg, an experienced and competent Broker who’s ready whenever you are!

My hubby John and I just got home on Monday from a last minute trip to my regular haunt – Cuba.  Once I got the laundry done (shame to wash out those tropical smells on such a cold day), the fog started to lift from my brain and I got a chance to scan the local news to see what we missed.  What a difference a little week can make:

Seems that the weather got so bad on the day we left, that the Santa Claus parade in Collingwood was postponed for a week.  That’s never happened before.  I’ve also never missed it before.

The new Collingwood Library is taking shape.  It’s behind schedule by 5 weeks but, it’s under budget so far.  Will that hold?

Budget deliberations in our fair town continue as council struggles with demands and big ticket projects.  Simcoe County has already approved a 3.4% tax hike for their share of the 2009 property taxes and the town is struggling with rates over 2%.  Before you panic, the mill rate has not yet been set and that is what will ultimately decide our property tax fate.

The developer behind the Admiral project has officially announced the project is now on hold.  Seems that while 80% of the proposed commercial space is leased, just 27 units are sold.  He is now considering five options:  put the project on hold for awhile, stay the current course, sell the project, reduce the size to three stories or find a new partner.  Not surprisingly, he is blaming V.O.T.E. Collingwood and the current council for delays that led him to this point.  He seems to have forgotten that, if he’d complied with all the rules and guidelines in the first place, that building would long be built and occupied by now.

The Town of Blue Mountains has changed it’s name and will now be known simply as, “The Blue Mountains.”

Blue Mountain Resort is running a “double down” special for two day/night lift tickets for $89.00 (+GST) until December 24th.  That’s $40.00 off.  Another good reason to visit our area!

Finally, I have to tell you that my best friend and mother passed away on November 29th after a long and difficult illness.  I don’t know if it’s a unique part of small town living or if it is common everywhere but, I have to tell you that the outpouring of love and support we’ve had from every corner of this region and beyond has taken our breath away.  Clients, friends, business associates, local businesses, neighbours, town councillors, the medical community, local agencies and many more have all filled us with their kindness and warmth.  There are no words that can adequately express our appreciation so we’ll have to leave it at, THANK-YOU.

When it’s time to buy or sell real estate in the Collingwood, Blue Mountain or Georgian Triangle area, contact Marg, an experienced and competent Broker who’s ready whenever you are!

Recently, The Blue Mountains proudly announced that the Thornbury Harbour received a Five Anchor Award for its eco-efficiency performance.

According to the Yacht Harbour Association website,  gold anchor awards ranging from 3 to 5 gold anchors are designed to encourage better marina standards and are awarded annually through-out the world.

Photo by George Cerny

The Thornbury facility was evaluated in May 2005 by Green Leaf Environmental Communications Inc. and was awarded two Green Leaf Anchors.  The Town then made significant improvements over a three- year period and following a second review, received the Five Green Leaf Anchor Award.  The award was given based on a stringent eco-rating checklist, which included a review of environment management and policies, water quality and habitat preservation, hazardous substance handling, conservation, energy efficiency and waste reduction. 

Mayor Ellen Anderson stated, “We are constantly working towards becoming more sustainable and I am thrilled that we have received this rating.  It is a clear message that we are committed to improving our environment.”

Good work folks.  You are on the right track.  Or should I say, the right ship.

When it’s time to buy or sell real estate in the Collingwood, Blue Mountain or Georgian Triangle area, contact Marg, an experienced and competent Broker who’s ready whenever you are!

It won’t be a surprise to anyone to hear that the month of November was a dismal one in the real estate market.

While local MLS® listings for the month were only up slightly over 2007, sales were down exactly half over November of last year.  There were 82 sales in total of which 62 were residential sales.  Of those 62, only 53 were within our traditional Georgian Triangle Board area.  These included:

Collingwood  12 sales with an average sale price of $206,417
Wasaga Beach  16 sales with an average sale price of $225,719
Meaford    9 sales with an average sale price of $278,111
Clearview    7 sales with an average sale price of $209,071
Blue Mountains    5 sales with an average sale price of $360,400
Grey Highlands   4 sales with an average sale price of $274,403 

Most of the sales were priced between $150,000 and $250,000.  Averages have to be taken lightly since, with these low volumes, one high or low-end sale can quickly affect the averages.  The total dollar volume was down by 60% for the month compared to one year ago.

In the higher-end, sales were off again quite dramatically with no sales for the month over $800,000 and just 3 sales over $500,000.

Year-to-date, the total number of sales is down by just over 20% while the total number of listings is up by 9.5%.  The sales to listings ratio for the month was just 22.47% and is at about 30% YTD meaning that it is a strong buyers market in all areas now as less than a third of properties are selling at the present time.

There are presently 2065 active listings in our Georgian Triangle Real Estate Board MLS® system.  Sellers need to really sharpen their pencils and based on the large number of price reductions coming through each day, I’d say that is happening in most cases.  For buyers, there are some great deals to be had.

The other story here is that with this low number of sales, we are building up more pent-up demand than ever.  There are many people wanting to buy who are nervous about the market and are waiting for things to change.  Still others are waiting for their personal portfolios to improve and others, waiting to relocate into the area but having homes to sell elsewhere.  When the market recovers, and you bet it will, things may climb quicker than some expect.

All MLS® data and/or statistics obtained from the Georgian Triangle Real Estate Board.

Related Posts:

Signs of the Real Estate Market Bottom 
Was Real Estate A Good Investment Ten Years Ago?

When it’s time to buy or sell real estate in the Collingwood, Blue Mountain or Georgian Triangle area, contact Marg, an experienced and competent Broker who’s ready whenever you are!