The Township of Oro Medonte is a rural town filled with rolling hills and acres of farmland. Located between Barrie and Orillia it’s made up of several smaller communities like Shanty Bay, Sugar Bush, Hawkestone, and Warminster.
Shanty Bay is a quiet place to live, but still has plenty of things to do and access to outdoor recreation. Single-family homes make up the majority of housing styles here, with some waterfront properties being available. This is a great community for families as there are two elementary schools local to Shanty Bay. The Shanty Bay Public School and W.R. Best Memorial Elementary Public School. Since there are no high schools located within Oro Medonte, students will travel to the nearby City of Orillia to attend Orillia Secondary School. For those looking for a Catholic School option, students will also travel to nearby City of Orillia to attend Foley Catholic School or Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School.
Parks and green space are not limited here, the Shanty Bay Park has plenty of greenspaces to enjoy, a playground, and a baseball diamond. During the winter season, the town will build and maintain an outdoor skating rink that’s open for community use.
For those who enjoy walking or cycling, the Oro Medonte Rail Trail stretches 28 kilometers long, continuing through Shanty Bay and guiding you throughout the township. This trail is also accessible for strollers and wheelchair users because of its flat terrain. During the winter this trail is also popular for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Recreation opportunities are abundant throughout Oro-Medonte. The township offers recreation programs for all ages year-round. Some of these programs include holiday camps, summer camps, public skating sessions, fitness classes, and other entertainment programs. There are also two golf courses located within Shanty Bay. The Shanty Bay Golf Club is nestled in a peaceful setting of natural beauty and dense forest. This is a unique course as it has three different nines to choose from as well as a driving range.
If you’re looking for something fun to do with friends or family, the Sunset Drive-In Theatre is a great option for entertainment. It’s a popular activity amongst residents and visitors alike and is a fun way to experience the movies.
The Vetta Nordic Spa is just a 10-minute drive away nestled away in the quietness that Oro Medonte offers. Enjoy their hydrotherapy baths and saunas or book a massage with a registered massage therapist. Vetta is a beautiful place and provides the best way to escape reality even if it’s just for a short while.
Shopping and other amenities and services are limited within Shanty Bay, but you will find a few different local shops and services here. The North Bound Rustic shop is a family-owned gift store that features a variety of local artisans from the region. For grocery shopping, retail, and other services residents must go to either the nearby City of Barrie or Orillia.
If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy dinner, Napoli Pizzeria and Café is a great place to go. There’s sure be something for everyone here with their many different flavors of pizzas and sandwiches.
Shanty Bay is a great place to live and raise a family. There are many recreation opportunities and entertainment in and around the community as well as schools nearby.
-The BDAR Team