Southgate, Ontario

Southgate
—  Township  —
Southgate
Coordinates: 44°06′N 80°35′W / 44.1°N 80.583°W / 44.1; -80.583Coordinates: 44°06′N 80°35′W / 44.1°N 80.583°W / 44.1; -80.583
Country	Canada
Province	Ontario
County	Grey
Settled
Formed	January 1, 2000
Government
- Mayor	Brian Milne
- Federal riding	Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- Prov. riding	Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
Area[1]
- Land	643.95 km2 (248.6 sq mi)
Population (2006)[1]
- Total	7,167
- Density	11.1/km2 (28.7/sq mi)
Time zone	EST (UTC-5)
- Summer (DST)	EDT (UTC-4)
Postal Code	N0C 1B0
Area code(s)	519 and 226
Website	www.town.southgate.on.ca

Southgate is a township in western Ontario, Canada, in the southeast corner of Grey County. Southgate was formed on January 1, 2000, when the Village of Dundalk, the Township of Proton and the Township of Egremont were amalgamated. The headwaters of the South Saugeen, Beatty Saugeen and Grand Rivers are located in Southgate.

Communities

Dundalk sign.

The township comprises the communities of Bethel, Birdell, Boothville, Cedarville, Conn, Dromore, Dundalk, Egerton, Gildale, Holstein, Hopeville, Keldon, Kingscote, Landerkin, Proton Station, Robbtown, Signet, Swinton Park, Tartan, Thistle, Varney, Ventry and Yeovil.

Infrastructure

The former rail line roadbed has become a snowmobile trail sponsored by the federal government. Dundalk's two elementary schools are Dundalk & Proton Community School and Highpoint Community School. The high school is Grey Highlands Secondary School, which is located in the nearby town of Flesherton.

Economy

Increased local employment opportunities are being pursued. Most agriculture is family run. The service sector thrives and several industrial installations exist, including auto parts manufacturer Trim-Trends, truck bunk sleeper manufacturer Alumi-Bunk and several small concerns. The township has purchased 220 acres (89 ha) to expand the existing 5-10 acre industrial park. Currently 120 of the 220 acres is available for development. There are plans for growth and expansion that include a high-heat waste incinerator and a rest home.

Culture

Dundalk has several churches representing Catholic, Anglican, Protestant and Mennonite denominations. Dundalk hosts an annual square dance, step dance and clogging competition on the third weekend in June every year. Visitors from all over the country participate in the dance competitions, take in the parade and camp in nearby Dundalk Memorial Park.

The Dundalk fall fair is still a big event too.

The Village of Holstein is home to the Egremont Optimists and Holstein Drama Club. It hosts several events each year including the Holstein Maple Fest, a Canada Day fireworks display, the Holstein Rodeo, Holstein Santa Claus Parade and annual drama productions. Notable landmarks and businesses in Holstein are the Holstein General Store, Holstein Feed Mill, Holstein Park and Dam, Egremont Optimist's Community centre, Holstein Cenotaph, Knox Holstein Presbyterian Church and Egremont Community School.

Holstein's Maple Fest is hosted at Love's SugarBush each April and features displays of pioneer activities, modern production of maple syrup, games, booths from local merchants, artists and local community groups and has featured live shows from the 'Canadian Raptor Conservancy' and children's entertainer 'Dickie Bird'.

The Holstein Rodeo is hosted at the A Bar K Ranch near Holstein each July in co-operation with the Egremont Optimists. It is a 3 day event featuring live concerts with both 'Age of Majority' and 'All ages' areas each evening, live rodeo events, booths for local vendors and community groups and a variety of meal options.

Demographics

According to the Canada 2006 Census:^[1]

• Population: 7,167
• % Change (2001-2006): 3.8
• Area (km²): 643.95
• Density (persons per km²):11.1
• Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 2564 (total dwellings: 2801)

Population trend:^[2]

• Population in 2006: 7167
• Population in 2001: 6907
• Population total in 1996: 6449
  • Village of Dundalk: 1776
  • Township of Egremont: 2679
  • Township of Proton: 2005
• Population total in 1991: 6012
  • Village of Dundalk: 1677
  • Township of Egremont: 2485
  • Township of Proton: 1850

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} "Southgate community profile". 2006 Census data. Statistics Canada. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/prof/92-591/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=3542005&Geo2=PR&Code2=35&Data=Count&SearchText=Southgate&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=. Retrieved 2011-01-18. 
2. ^ Statistics Canada: 1996, 2001, 2006 census

External links

• Township of Southgate Website

Template:Grey County