As On The Bay hits two decades, we salute the long-term success of local businesses that are also celebrating landmark anniversaries.
by David Loopstra
Summer 2004 was the first issue of On The Bay and featured many of our perennially favourite subjects—food, art, sports, environment and, even then, the region’s booming growth.
The very first issue of On The Bay hit the streets 20 years ago, with content about golf, mountain biking, art, restaurants, real estate, home decor and gardening. But there were two other articles that set the tone for what was to come. The first was an investigative journalism-style article looking into the controversial prospect of wind power generation. At the time, a proposal to position windmills near the top of Blue Mountain was met with much opposition.
In the 20 years that have passed, the story has evolved, local citizens groups have experienced victory and some defeat, and windmills have been erected on some rural properties throughout the region—though not on many of the original planned sites. The story in On The Bay, written by veteran journalist Roberta Avery, no doubt played a hugely important role educating local citizens about the pros and cons of such proposals and ultimately led to compromise and (hopefully) good judgement.
The second article that stood out was an exposé predicting a large migration to Southern Georgian Bay led by baby boomers seeking the region’s lifestyle, a phenomenon prophesied by demographer David Foot in his book Boom, Bust and Echo, which was a must-read for any who’s-who or decision-maker in Collingwood and area at the time.
This combination of both cutting-edge reporting—often, bravely, on controversial topics—and in-depth,well-written, thought-provoking essays cast the mould for what was to come and ensured that On The Bay remained a coffee table magazine always with more to read, and more content to connect with the community.
For 20 years, On The Bay has elevated quality journalism in Southern Georgian Bay, and in doing so, has promoted economic growth, culture and important discussion. We have authoritatively covered Southern Georgian Bay’s most pressing and newsworthy stories, issues and topics—and we’ve been honoured that more than 2,000 local businesses have entrusted us with their marketing and branding objectives.
Many of On The Bay’s advertising partners are also celebrating milestones, demonstrating what it takes to be a long-term success story, evolving and growing with the market.
Here are a few we’d like to highlight, with a huge congratulations from all of us at On The Bay.
Though ALC has had a facility for 14 years, it is the 10-year anniversary of their current location at 8 Stewart Road. They celebrated by giving out complimentary classes, door prizes and free food and snacks throughout the day supplied by their generous sponsor Crooked Tree Foods and a social with lunch donated by Sol Kitchen. “It was a great way to reflect on the many amazing clients and staff that we have had with us over the years,” said ALC founder Sarah Applegarth. ALC is a multifaceted facility with a therapy team (physios, chiros, occupational therapist, acupuncturist, kinesiologist), strength and conditioning coaches for all ages and levels of fitness, athlete development programs and a studio home to some of the area’s top pilates and yoga instructors.
Ron Herman and Julie Moss-Kujala relocated to Collingwood in 1999 to join the team at Collingwood Sport Medicine and never left! They continue to be involved with the local community in many ways, through sports and raising their families here. They still practice full time as physiotherapists at the clinic and have shared the directorship for the last 10 years.
The Collingwood Music Festival celebrates five years of transforming our beautiful town into a musical oasis each summer, featuring world-class concerts for all to enjoy. The project has grown from a bold, mom-and-pop venture into a cherished tradition, enchanting audiences with a diverse array of performances spanning classical, jazz and world music. After half a decade of inspiring musical events, the Collingwood Music Festival—curated by The New Classical FM’s daytime host Daniel Vnukowski—continues to uplift and connect the community through the universal language of music.
“It has been quite a run over the past 25 years with lots of blood, sweat and tears, but my wife Sandy and I are very proud to have accomplished this milestone,” reflects David Hodds, owner of this popular Blue Mountain hot spot. “I want to thank all the staff we have had over the years, and of course the thousands and thousands of fantastic and loyal customers.”
Deans Carpet One Floor & Home has been in business for 61 years—a third-generation floor covering business that was started in 1963 by Dean Lougheed. Dean’s son Michael Lougheed took over in 1996 and his two children have joined the business as well—Sarah, in 2003, and Justin, in 2008. Deans Carpet One Floor & Home strives to create a welcoming, open and honest environment for staff and customers. With one of the largest sections of carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, vinyl, area rugs and more, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
The Collingwood Paddling Club is celebrating 20 years of making memories on the Bay—located at the historic Watts Boathouse in front of Collingwood’s iconic grain terminals. (The boathouse itself has been a part of the harbour for more than 135 years, built in the 1870s by the Watts Brothers.) The Collingwood Paddling Club’s team of dedicated coaches and volunteers makes it possible to provide a wide range of paddling programs including dragon boat, masters, sprint kayak and canoe as well as their popular kids camps.
Starting in Hanover, Becker Shoes has been family-owned and operated since 1933. Now on its fourth generation and 16 locations, Becker Shoes stays true to its roots, honoring its origins by providing dedicated customer service, personalized shoe-fitting and the latest in comfort and fashion footwear. Visit your local Becker Shoes in downtown Collingwood or shop online.
The original Collingwood Brewery, the namesake, was founded 170 years ago, in 1854. Today the new brewery carries on the tradition of making and brewing beer in Collingwood. “The vision of the future is focusing on growing our foot traffic to our brewery on Sanford Fleming Drive and elevating everything we do here,” said Kyle Weston, sales manager. “The beer garden has been a great addition, and all that we can feature in the taproom and our patio is welcomed by the local community. We hope the growth and volume of bodies and beer coming through the taproom continues to grow for us as it has in the last couple of years.”
Forty years ago Barbara Weider (daughter-in-law of Blue Mountain founder Jozo Weider) and a group of equally passionate Collingwood citizens, who believed feverishly about the importance of arts and culture, founded Theatre Collingwood. Now, 40 years later, Theatre Collingwood continues to serve the community by bringing professional Canadian talent to the region, providing accessible shows each month throughout the year. The fan-favourite Porchside Festival runs for three weeks in July, on 11 porches around town, with 32 performances. Plus, Theatre Collingwood provides arts education programs year-round for youth, adults and seniors. Theatre Collingwood is currently working to see that a new and purpose-built centre for arts and culture is built in Collingwood, which they say will enrich the community artistically and economically. Throughout this journey, Theatre Collingwood holds dear their commitment to Canadian audiences, artists and creative thinkers.
After 25 years in the diamond importing and jewellery manufacturing trade, George Matamoros opened The Diamond Studio up on the hill in Thornbury at 49 Bruce Street South on the long weekend in August 2004. Moving downtown to 25 Bruce Street South two years later, The Diamond Studio is now celebrating 20 years. “We provide first-class service to our wonderful community,” said Matamoros. “Thank you for your ongoing support.”
The Bivalve is celebrating five years of bringing Georgian Bay raw and fresh seafood—from P.E.I. oysters and Nova Scotia lobsters to crab and other yummy eats. “Thank you to the community for your love and support—and your love of seafood,” said Rory Crozier, owner.
Also Celebrating
Post Structures—50 years
Blue Mountain Chrysler—50 years
Orangeville Furniture—25 years
VO2 Sports Co—5 years
Beaver Valley Ski Club—60 years
Side Launch Brewery—10 years
Chatterson’s Furniture & Appliances—30 years
Town of Wasaga Beach—50 years
Tin Shack Ltd. (Blundstone/Glerups)—30 years
Robinson’s Paint & Wallpaper—61 years
Sail Georgian Bay—25 years
And more—Congratulations!
