Come for a Visit ...

Make us Your Home!

LET US TELL YOU WHY BLUEWATER

IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE.

Municipality of

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When you look into the future, what do you dream for your loved ones? It isn’t hard to guess.

Opportunity. Community. Time for Family.

Services and resources to keep them safe, well, active and happy ... whether they’re young or old, in good health or needing care, athletically or artistically inclined.

The Municipality of Bluewater has all this to offer. Beyond the city’s roar, our rural tranquility still understands the importance of a friendly baseball game, or an ice cream on a hot summer night. But, never fear, we value a good meal in a fine restaurant and great entertainment, too!

Leave the city behind and come to Bluewater for a visit. We promise, you’ll want to make us your home.

WELCOME!We Have So Much to Offer You & Your Family

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Located on the shores of majestic Lake Huron, Bluewater’s connection with the natural world around us helps to set just the right pace in our lives.

In comparison to our urban neighbours, you’ll find our Housing Affordable. And while our Low Unemployment Rate is a boon to employment seekers, we’re most proud of our sense of Community, where neighbours help one another, as well as our Work/Life Harmony, which honours both industry and relaxation.

Our work in Agricultural, Hospitality or Industry is balanced by the beautiful Beaches and Marinas, the Hiking Trails and and the Clean Environment, so necessary for recreation and pleasure.

If you’re seeking a life rich in Community and Balance, you’ll find it here, and so much more.

WHY BLUEWATER?Affordable Housing & An Enviable Lifestyle

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Don’t let our rural roots fool you ... we’re less than an hour from London, only ninety minutes from Kitchener-Waterloo, and under three hours to Toronto.

Whether it’s for work or pleasure, we’re close to the places you want to go.

OUR LOCATIONWe’re An Easy Commute to Many Urban Centres

Map not to scale

Dashwood

ZurichHensall

Bayfield

Bluewater

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VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIPS:Bluewater is made up of three main heritage villages: Bayfield, Hensall and Zurich, as well as Hay and Stanley Townships. Smaller villages within the municipality include Brucefield, Dashwood and Varna.

FULL TIME RESIDENTS (2016 Stats Can Survey): 7,136 LAND AREA (sq km): 417

POPULATION DENSITY (per sq km): 17.1

TOTAL PRIVATE RESIDENCES: 4,532

MAJOR EMPLOYERS:General Coach Canada, Hensall; Hensall Co-op; IceCulture, Hensall; Virtual High School, Bayfield.

JUST THE FACTSVillages, Population and All That Jazz

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What attracted me most about the Village of Bayfield was its authentic quaintness and locale. It’s a small,

charming community and on Lake Huron!

The evening sunsets alone are breathtaking and worth being here.I’m so glad I chose to be a part of

this community!

MARY HUGHES, BAYFIELD BOUTIQUE B&B

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BAYFIELDRejuvenation & Adventure on the Shores of Lake Huron

Known for its historic homes, award winning dining and metropolitan style, Bayfield offers a welcome respite from busy city life.

In summer, take a stroll down Main Street for some leisurely shopping; stretch yourself at the yoga class in Pioneer Park; dip your toes into the clean, clear water of our Blue Flag beach, or bring your kayak for a paddle ... then finish the day with a pint of craft beer at one of our local breweries.

When the snow falls, you can ‘hop on the B.U.S.’ with the Bayfield Ukulele Society; help Blue Bayfield combat plastic pollution; or lace up your skates for a turn round the ice at the local arena.

Whether you’re raising a family or simply enjoying regular visits from the grandkids, Bayfield will keep you and your loved ones engaged and active twelve months of the year.

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HENSALLCommunity Matters on Our Beautiful Main Street

Founded by the Petty Brothers, immigrants from Yorkshire, this lovely heritage village maintains a British connection: 50% of the ‘beans on toast’ eaten in ‘Blighty’ are shipped from Hensall Co-op; and the cast of English TV series like ‘The Crown’ sip their tea between takes in theatrical trailers constructed at General Coach Canada, right here in Hensall!

Only 15 minutes from Lake Huron and 40 minutes from London, this lovely ‘pedestrian friendly’ village is a great place to live and work.

When you visit, be sure to take a tour of Iceculture, treat yourself to smoked pork chops at Metzger’s Meats, and pick up some delicious condiments at The Garlic Box! Then walk the ‘Train Town Tales’ heritage tour of the village, available for free at www.ExploreBeyondTheShore.ca, to learn all of

Hensall’s secrets!

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We started off in the GTA, but moving here has been the best decision we‘ve made!

Hensall offers so much history, warmth, community and opportunity.

Bluewater really does have the bluest water! As a young family, you get access

to the beach; you get to raise children amongst a community where they’re safe.

KARAM, ROHIT, GITANJALI & RAJA AGGARWALRORO’S A LA CARTE, HENSALL

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ZURICHProud of Our History of Hard Work & Innovation

Ten minutes from Lake Huron, Zurich has a rich history of ingenuity, invention and independent thinking. For instance, George Hess, a self-trained inventor and immigrant from the Black Forest region of Germany, constructed a three-faced clock for St. Peter’s Church which is still keeping perfect time 130 years later, even though some of the gears were fashioned from wood.

Surrounded by fertile farmland, Zurich is home to the Bluewater Area Family Health Team; a new Public Library; and a busy Community Centre where ice hockey rules the winter months. It’s also the site of All In Skatepark, a world renowned ‘action sport’ facility where aerial acrobats on scooters and BMX bikes are everyday fare.

Zurich’s community is active throughout the year hosting a number of unique events including the (nearly) world famous Bean Festival, and the annual Zurich Country Fair. We’d love you to join in!

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Just minutes from the lake, Zurich is surprisingly affordable. It has most amenities a person needs: Doctor, Dentist, Vet, Groceries, Mechanic,

LCBO and Coffee Shop.

Ontario’s West Coast is a pleasure to explore, especially on a motorcycle, with

destinations and restaurants in every direction. What’s not to love?

SHANNON J. WAHT, ARTIZAN ALLEY

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Bluewater’s award-winning Blue Flag Beach in Bayfield is a great place to spend a warm summer day, offering a life saving station, drive up access, parking and public washrooms. But it’s not the only sand you’ll want to dig your toes into.

Houston Heights Beach has a large picnic pavilion (with washrooms), and a small play area with swings for the kids in addition to sand and waves, and a walking trail to enjoy.

More interested in sunsets than swimming? The Hay Township Beach Lookout offers breathtaking lake views!

If fishing and sailing are more your style, the Bayfield Marina is located on the south side of the Bayfield River, and offers pump out service, 20, 30 and 50 amp electrical service, washrooms and showers. The marina is equipped with picnic tables, plus there’s a public launch site close by (on the other side of the river).

ON THE WATERFrom Beaches to Boating, We Have It All.

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If you crave the soulful experience of hiking in the glory of nature, Bluewater has you covered.

The Bayfield River Valley Trails offer a variety of well marked and maintained trails for all skill and fitness levels, with lengths varying from 1 to 5 kilometres.

The Bannockburn Trail is home to deer, grouse and numerous songbirds, and the first portion of it has a wheelchair accessible boardwalk.

Just south of Bayfield, the trails in the 95 acre Linfield Wildlife Area use an old, tree-lined farm laneway to access a beautiful maple beech forest, babbling brook and ponds. Birds abound in the wide diversity of trees and shrubs in this Conservation Area.

Come for a walk in Bluewater, and you’ll never want to leave.

HIKING TRAILSThe Beauty of Nature is Never Far Away ...

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Remember how it felt as a 10 year old to grab your skates and run out the door to the arena? Our three Community Complexes all have Ice Pads, so your kids can follow in your childhood tradition.

But then, they may prefer flying through the air on a BMX bike at All In Skatepark. Or skimming the water on a wakeboard at Windmill Lake Wake & Eco Park, or testing their skill at Edge of Walton Challenge Course, both an easy drive from Bluewater.

For those seeking less vigorous sports, the Bayfield International Croquet Club provides fun on the green, as do any of the several Golf Courses nearby. And the Fishing ... have we mentioned the Fishing?

RECREATIONEnjoy Organized Sports at Our 3 Community Complexes

Discover new experiences at www.ExploreBeyondTheShore.ca, for Farm Tours, Spirits Tours, Heritage Tours, a Thrift Trip, or our Adventure Trail ... all good fun for kids or ‘kids at heart’!

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Oh, the joy of sampling that perfect craft beer in the sunshine, right on the property where it was brewed and the hops were grown. Or caressing your palate with a hearty slurp of a delicate white wine as you feast on a meal made from the freshest of local ingredients.

In Bluewater, it’s an everyday occurrence!

Our restaurants offer everything from a quick and delicious take-out to a formal sitdown dinner which will tantalize your taste buds.

FOOD & DRINKOustanding Restaurants to Craft Wineries &^ Breweries

Go to www.ExploreBeyondTheShore.ca to learn more about our local wineries and craft breweries. Then download a driving tour and spend a memorable afternoon sampling the ‘fermented beverages’ within an hour’s drive of Bayfield.

And be sure to check out the ‘Eat, Stay, Play’ page for suggestions on where to enjoy a delightful meal.

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If you enjoy a good outing, then the Municipality of Bluewater offers family fun all year long.

Wannabe Cowboys and Cowgirls, our Country Fairs in Bayfield and Zurich, with their cattle sorting and livestock classes, will put your foot in the stirrup while keeping you safe on the ground. Kids love the Mutton Bustin’ event where they test their sheep riding skills!

The Zurich Bean Festival is nearly world famous, and besides the Wrench Benders auto show, you’ll enjoy music, shopping and of course, our fabulous baked beans, made right on site!

There are Fun Runs, spooky Hallowe’en events for the kids, soup tastings and more ... most with proceeds going to local Charities. There so much more to do ... come check it out!

EVENTSCountry Fairs, Bean Festivals, and Fun Runs, Too!

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ENVIRONMENTWe Care About Our Water, Air & Soil.

The Municipality of Bluewater is responding to the threat of Climate Change through meaningful objectives within our Strategic Plan. You can find more information here: bit.ly/2YAmhIB.

In terms of waste and recycling systems, we’re served by the Bluewater Recycling Association, which strives to maximize the amount of waste material which finds new life through recycling.

As is often the case here, our residents lead the way!

Blue Bayfield has not only worked with local businesses to establish Bayfield as a ‘plastic free’ community, it’s singlehandedly reduced the use of single use plastic water bottles through its installation of water refilling stations in the village. And now, it’s training a whole new generation of environmental activists through its outreach within schools and other communities. We couldn’t be prouder of them!

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WORKING SMARTIn Bluewater, We Offer the Perfect Life/Work Balance!

No congested 400 series highways, and little more than a country road commute to several urban centres makes Bluewater the right choice when you’re looking for a low-stress life which allows you to give your best to your family.

Our unemployment rate hovers around 2.9%, meaning there are employers looking for someone with your skills once you get here.

And if you’re a freelancer or entrepreneur addicted to freedom, our high speed internet allows you the choice of taking ‘your office’ to the beach when the sun shines!

Any way you look at it, Bluewater is a great place to work and live.

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Whether you’re an experienced business owner, master of an industrial concern, or a newbie with a great idea, Bluewater and Huron County offer a comprehensive collection of resources which will help you succeed.

Community Futures Huron and the Huron County Economic Development department both offer consulting and training for business owners. They’re excellent resources, and most of them are free!

Part of Bluewater’s secret: quality high speed internet is available throughout the municipality.

For more information on how Bluewater can help you start and run a business here, go to bit.ly/36jPXfK to download ‘Starting a Business in Bluewater.’ We’d like to help you succeed in business and in life.

ECONOMIC OPPSEntrepreneurs, We Offer Resources to Help You Succeed

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Families love living in Bluewater. It’s the kind of place where kids are free to be kids.

Bluewater children ride their bikes on safe roads. They’re engaged in the community through participation in local events, and clubs like Scouts, Girl Guides and 4H. They skate and play in our three arenas and community centres. They know their neighbours and feel safe in their community.

Our younger students attend Elementary schools in Brucefield, Hensall and Zurich, right here in Bluewater. Secondary schools are found in nearby Clinton and Exeter. And all students may attend our ‘school without walls,’ the innovative Virtual High School in Bayfield.

If you’d like your child to experience the same happy childhood you did, leave the city behind: Bluewater is waiting for you.

FOR THE KIDSSchools, Recreation & the Freedom to Be a Kid!

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Located in modern facilities in Zurich, the Blue Water Area Family Health Team offers the wide variety of services you need. As well as treatment by Doctors, BAFHT has Nurse Practitioners, Registered Practical Nurses, a Social Worker, a Family Support Worker, a Respiratory Therapist, and a Sound Therapy Hearing Centre.

The Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre in Hensall has a Doctor, Nurse Practioner and Physiotherapist onsite, as well as specialty services in Diabetes and Nutrition.

Bluewater has Pharmacies in Bayfield, Hensall and Zurich, and a variety of other health care services, including Dental clinics, Optometrists, Chiropractors and Massage Therapists If a hospital visit is required, Bluewater is close to four, located in Clinton, Exeter, Goderich and Seaforth, just a quick drive away.

In Bluewater, Community Health matters.

HEALTHWe Have Access to All the Health Services You Need

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COMMUNITYOur Tradition of Community Service Keeps Us Close

It can truly be said that Bluewater is fuelled by the energy of its many dedicated volunteers.

From our Fire Department to our Lions Clubs; from the volunteers who enrich our library programs to the Agricultural Commitees who fill summer days with old time country fairs, life here is rich with the most fulfilling work we know ... coming together with neighbours to make our home an even better place to live.

It’s a pretty safe bet that, whatever your interest, whatever your preferred area of service, here in Bluewater, you’ll find members of your tribe who will welcome you with open arms.

Take a look at the list of our Community Groups on our website , and you’ll see what we mean. Community and service keep us close with our neighbours here in Bluewater.

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There’s more information that shows what’s best about Bluewater available on our websites: www.MunicipalityOfBluewater.ca and www.ExploreBeyondTheShore.ca. Please browse through their pages to learn even more about why we’re such a great place to live.

If you need answers to more specific questions, feel free to call us at 519.236.4351 and ask for Economic Development.

Or you can email us at ecdev@municipalityofbluewater.ca. Or go to our Facebook page, @BluewaterOntario, and send us an Inbox Message.

However you get in touch, we’ll respond quickly. If you’re thinking of taking a road trip to Bluewater to see for yourself what we have to offer, we can make suggestions on where to stay, where to eat and even where to play.

We look forward to chatting with you!

MORE TO TELL ...If You Have More Questions, We Have the Answers!

FIND OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BLUEWATER, AND WHY

You’ll Want to Make Us Your Home!

14 Mill Avenue, Box 250Zurich, ON N0M 2T0

PH: 519.236.4351 • FX: 519.236.4329ecdev@municipalityofbluewater.cawww.MunicipalityOfBluewater.ca

Municipality of

@BluewaterOntario

@BluewaterOn

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Municipality of Bluewater

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