Geography of the Riding
York North covers a large geographical area, bordered by Lake Simcoe to the North, Schomberg to the west, the rural areas of Georgina to the east, and the rapidly expanding suburbs of the town of Newmarket in the south. It includes the four municipalities of East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King and Newmarket.

As part of the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), York North has strong potential for growth, as more people want to combine the appeal of country living with the employment opportunities and attractions of an adjacent city. Much of the land is agricultural, with many excellent farming communities which contribute significantly to the local economy. Farming activities include market gardening, grain production and livestock, producing meat, dairy products and vegetables destined for markets in Toronto and through Ontario.

Lake Simcoe is also an important natural resource, being a valuable source of fresh water. It also supports seasonal industries related to tourism, sports and recreation. Conservation and recreational organizations in the area work hard to ensure the protection of the lake's water quality, fish stocks and habitats.

History of the Area
Settlement of the area dates back to the late 1700s, but it was in the very early years of the 19th century that significant communities were established by Quakers, arriving from Vermont and Pennsylvania. In particular, farms and villages were built throughout the surrounding fertile lands, close to the area of the Holland River, which was an important trading artery for Indians and fur traders.

Communities grew and prospered, and farmers' markets were held regularly on Saturdays - the most popular market being held in the growing centre ofr trade and commerce, known as the "New Market". The popularity of this market meant that farmers and tradespeople were spared the long trip to York (as Toronto was known), which would have been referred to as the "old market". So Newmarket flourished as both a market town and a centre for commerce, centered around the saw mills, grist mills, woolen mill, tannery, distillery and trading companies. This prosperity was further increased in the 1850s with the advent of the railroad, making Newmarket the most important village north of Toronto.

The area became a popular tourist destination, particularly once the railway was expanded and electric trains replaced steam engines in 1902. And in 1906 trains took Torontonians to the popular summer resort of Jackson's Point on Lake Simcoe, contributing to a major boost in trade for the whole area.




The Townships
Today this region still remains mostly rural, with the exception of some concentrated housing development in several villages in the townships of East Gwillimbury, Georgina and King and the town of Newmarket.

TOWN OF EAST GWILLIMBURY

East Gwillimbury is just north and east of Newmarket, and includes the villages of River Drive Park, Holland Landing, Sharon, Queensville and Mount Albert.

Much of the area is farmland, with strawberry farms attracting visitors in the summer, and Christmas tree farms in the winter. The historic temple at Sharon is a another popular destination, as well as the many golf courses and marinas on the banks of the Holland River, leading into Lake Simcoe.

See further details and Map of East Gwillimbury
Town of East Gwillimbury website: http://www.eastgwillimbury.ca

GEORGINA, AND THE GEORGINA ISLAND RESERVE

The town of Georgina has only been in existence since 1986, however such communities of Keswick, Sutton and Pefferlaw date back to the arrival of the Loyalists in the late 1700s. In the north of the riding, the municipality features 32 miles of Lake Simcoe's popular south shore, with six beaches along the scenic Lake Drive. This area is famous for its popularity as Ice Fishing Capital of Canada, and the popular historic Red Barn Theatre in Jackson's Point.

See further details and Map of Georgina
Georgina Township website: http://www.town.georgina.on.ca

KING TOWNSHIP

The riding includes the northernmost part of the township of King, stretching westwards from the outskirts of Newmarket, to beyond Schomberg. The rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine are King's most prominent geographical features, with forests, and world-class horse and dairy farms. Schomberg is home to one of the oldest fairs in Ontario, being close to the Holland Marsh, famous for its rich soil and market gardens of fruit and vegetables.

See further details and Map of King Township
King Township website: http://www.township.king.on.ca

NEWMARKET

The town of Newmarket is located 50km north of Toronto, and serves as a focal point for the whole of the area of York Region and is also home to the region's elegant new Administrative Centre. With its continuous expansion of small industry and housing development, this fast growing town has a current population of 65,000. Its shops, theatres, sports and recreational facilities are popular with residents throughout the surrounding region. The original downtown Newmarket is centered around Fairy Lake, with some historical buildings, quaint shops, outdoor cafes, and large shade trees along the banks of the lake.

See further details and Map of Newmarket
Town of Newmarket website: http://www.town.newmarket.on.ca