The Township of Severn includes several larger settlements like Washago, Waubaushene, and Coldwater, and some smaller rural hamlets. Larger settlements such as Coldwater mix small-town living with urban amenities, creating a perfect balance of lifestyles, while the smaller hamlets are known for their cottage and camp atmosphere.
Single-family homes with large lots make up most of the housing styles with a few small condominium buildings. New developments are continuously popping up pushing the community to grow larger, but the charm remains.
For commuters, Coldwater is just 90 minutes away from Toronto and can be easily accessed from Highway 400 to either highway 11 or 12. Larger urban centers like Barrie and Orillia are also within a 30-minute drive, making commuting easy.
There is only one elementary school local to Coldwater, the Coldwater Public School. Those looking for a catholic elementary school option must travel to the nearby town of Midland to attend Sacred Heart Catholic School. There are no high schools local to the township of Severn, so students are bussed to the nearby town of Midland and will attend either St.Theresa’s Catholic High School or the Georgian Bay District Secondary School.
There’s plenty of access to outdoor recreation here in Severn. For those who enjoy cycling, the Coldwater Course is a 50-kilometer loop that takes you along Bass Lake and through Marchmont. This ride is great for everyone to enjoy and provides a beautiful view of the unique landscape the township of Severn provides. The Uhthoff Trail is a popular walking trail and can be accessed at the Coldwater Community Centre. The trail starts in downtown Orillia and runs through Coldwater to the historic downtown district.
Kid’s activities and recreation are not limited here, with plenty of parks and sports leagues for kids. The Coldwater Fairgrounds is popular amongst residents of all ages as it has a playground, baseball diamond, and skate park. Coldwater also has a variety of community recreation sports leagues to participate in such as curling, hockey, skating, baseball, and ball hockey.
Festivals and events are popular here and bring the whole community together. The Coldwater Duck Race is an annual event that takes place in May organized by the Lion’s Club. There’s a variety of kid’s games, vendors, and the headlining duck race. A second annual event, the historic Coldwater Fall Fair happens every October. This festival features a variety of indoor exhibits showing the evolutions of the community. There are also a few friendly community competitions, kid’s activities, and local vendors.
Finally, the historic downtown Coldwater is filled with unique local shops and cafes. Em’s Café is a family business that will be sure to satisfy your coffee fix with a treat on the side. They also have an assortment of lunch items like soups and sandwiches. If you’re looking for a more formal restaurant for dinner, the Tiffany Dining Lounge and Restaurant provides a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a family night out.
Coldwater is a great place to live and raise a family. Their small-town charm can’t be beaten and access to urban amenities is only a short drive away.
-The BDAR Team