Keswick, Ontario

Keswick is a community in the south central portion of the Canadian province of Ontario. Located north of Toronto on Cook's Bay (part of Lake Simcoe), Keswick is part of the Town of Georgina. Unlike Keswick in England, where the w is silent, it is locally pronounced as "Kez-wick".

History

Keswick was originally known as Medina and was part of the Township of North Gwillimbury before becoming part of the Township of Georgina. Included in Keswick is the Keswick Marsh, part of the Holland Marsh.^[1]

The area was formerly considered part of "cottage country" for those who lived in Toronto up until the late 1980s, when major development further opened up access to Keswick, expanding its population.

Recreation

The town has become a popular destination in Ontario for sunny days spent on the beach, boating, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. Keswick also houses the Georgina Ice Palace where the Georgina Blaze hockey team, Georgina Girls Hockey Association and Georgina Skating Club resides for public access. The Stephen Leacock Theatre also is a place to watch and perform in performances varying from musicals and plays to orchestras and band performances.

Economy

The town boasts a number of shopping areas and attractions along the lake-shore and nearby agricultural areas.

Attractions

• Georgina Ice Palace - sports arena/Skate Park at back
• Public and private beaches
• Several Marinas and parks
• Keswick Marsh - part of the Holland Marsh
• Stephen Leacock Theatre
• Ice fishing on Lake Simcoe and the Canadian Ice Fishing Championship
• New Park in Keswick-On-The-Lake, the most populated neighborhood in all of Georgina.

Famous residents

• Canadian Wrestling Hall of Fame member Whipper Billy Watson was a life-long resident, and he spearheaded the campaign to build the Georgina Cultural Centre in the 1980s, which also houses the Stephen Leacock Theatre.

• Keswick is the birthplace (and for a while home) of former Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Curtis Joseph.

Clubs and associations

• Elm Hurst Beach Association - special events; concerts, corn roasts and the annual "See Billy Bob Go" competitions.
• Kinsmen Club of Keswick
• Music in the Streets - Local music festival celebrating talent from around Georgina. It is hosted by local music store, Connors Music and is located in the Uptown Keswick Business district.

References