Markdale, Ontario

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Markdale (population 1,400) is a community in the Municipality of Grey Highlands, in Grey County, Ontario, Canada.

Markdale was first settled in 1846 and originally called East Glenelg, after a nearby township. In 1864, it was renamed Cornabus after the Islay, Scotland hometown of then-postmaster Donald MacDuffie (1814-1892). In 1873, Mark Armstrong sold land to the Toronto Grey and Bruce Railway on the condition that the station bear his name. Markdale was incorporated as a village in 1888. In 2001, it was amalgamated with the townships of Artemesia, Euphrasia and Osprey to form Grey Highlands.

Today, Markdale is home to several industries including Chapman's Ice Cream, Terra Footwear, Medike Leather Products and Nordic Furniture. Public services include a Ontario Provincial Police detachment, fire department, arena complex and curling and golf facilities. In addition to its businesses, Markdale has several annual festivities, including the Ice Cream Festival in August and the Street Frolic in July.

Markdale is also home to the 21-bed Centre Grey General Hospital, operated by Grey Bruce Health Services. Planning and fundraising are underway for a new facility to replace the current building.

The Regal Films production of the 1958 "B" film, Wolf Dog, starring Allison Hayes and Jim Davis was filmed on location here and the former Holland Township in 1957.

The village was a charter member of the Central Ontario Hockey League and participated at the senior and junior levels under several nicknames, including Markdale Majors.