Bradford
West GwillimburyIntroduction
Bradford is the township seat of Bradford West Gwillimbury, a largely rural community between the Holland Marsh and Lake Simcoe, just east of Highway 400 at Exit 64. The town begins at 10th Sideroad and extends as far east as Dissette and Bridge Streets, and from 5th Line/Canal Road in the south to 9th Line at its northern boundary.
Lifestyle
Country charm and urban convenience merge beautifully in Bradford, and the TSC Farm Store does brisk business. The area has more in common with artistic, outdoorsy Barrie than the straightforward suburbia in Newmarket to the south; locals head that way for their major shopping excursions, but north for entertainment. While the downtown area has a few hangouts, it’s a place to relax at home rather than go out and party.
The Vibe
This is an absolutely classic small northern town, its skyline dominated by water towers, grain silos and church steeples rather than the gleaming condos you’ll find less than an hour south of here. Rural pleasures are the order of the day in Bradford, and it’s not uncommon to see trucks laden with fishing or hunting equipment parked along the downtown strip on a Saturday afternoon.
Meet the Neighbours
Bradford’s relatively small population – which also officially includes residents of Bond Head, Dunkerron, Green Valley, Pinkerton, Fisher's Corners, Newton Robinson, Coulson and Deerhurst – has grown to over 28,000 as of the last census. That’s an increase of almost 17 per cent between 2006 and 2011, so while it’s long been a place where neighbours know everything about everybody, change is definitely in the air.
In the Area
Bradford’s growing population of younger children means there are plenty of elementary schools in the area – six public, and three separate. High school students attend either Bradford District H.S. or Holy Trinity H.S. Bradford is too small to warrant its own hospital, but the Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket is only about half an hour away.
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
With a brand new public transit system just in its infancy, Bradford is doing its best to accommodate the carless, but its two bus lines mean that this is still very much a driver’s town. The downtown area is very walkable, but new subdivisions are sprawling and widely set apart, so cycling or driving are better options there.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
As with many communities in this area, how much you love (or hate) Bradford will depend a good deal on how comfortable you are with small town rural Ontario life. If you’re looking for a retreat from the city that feels very far away, but is still within its reach then Bradford is an excellent place to settle.
Dollars & Sense
The farther from Toronto one gets, the cheaper everything becomes, so Bradford is less expensive than Newmarket – but not by much. A lot of new residents are actually exiles not from the GTA but from York Region, so their expectations of both urban luxury and suburban convenience make the newer areas more upscale and pricey.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
3 Scoops Ice Cream
The opening of this spot was such a major event that the mayor showed up to cut the ribbon! It’s the only ice cream parlour in town, open seven days weekly, from May to Thanksgiving.
more infoVida Wellness and Massage
Housed in a beautifully restored historic downtown building that was once the Bradford Post Office, Vida offers chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathic medicine and pre-natal care to those seeking alternative treatment.
more infoL’Antica Ristorante Pizzeria
L’Antica is a hit with locals who can’t get enough of their generous portions of pizza, seafood, and of course pasta dishes. Its prime location may warrant reservations on a weekend.
more infoThe Village Inn
A stalwart of the downtown Bradford scene, The Village Inn no longer offers hotel rooms, but a restaurant and two floors of nightlife entertainment with themed nights and parties, including televised sports nights and karaoke.
more infoThe Pink Closet
This trendy women’s fashion boutique and accessories shop has recently moved to the new shopping area across from the Leisure Centre, capitalizing on the demand from city expats for contemporary urban styles.
more infoBradford West Gwillimbury Leisure Centre
This shiny newer facility occupies a huge tract of land near Holland Street West and Professor Day Drive. Amenities include an arena, pool, and fitness centre. The programs cater to all ages and skill levels.
more info