By Warren McNeil

Elmira, in the township of Woolwich is approximately 10 minutes from North Waterloo

The following information about Elmira was available from the Township of Woolwich’s website:
Source: http://www.woolwich.ca/en/tourism/Communities.asp#Elmira

“In 1834, Edward Bristow became Elmira’s first settler when he purchased 53 acres of land at this location for 50 cents per acre.  First called Bristow’s Corners, then West Woolwich, the settlement adopted the name Elmira in 1853.  The earliest inhabitants were of English and Irish origin, including families named: Halfpenny, Seaton, Bristow, Isenhour, Kenning, Thompson, Thomas, Girling and others.

In the 1850’s, German settlers moved into the community.  Among these were: Oswald, Esche, Steffen and Tresinger.  These settlers followed the original settlement of Waterloo County by other German immigrants, namely the Pennsylvanian Dutch, or more accurately, the Mennonites.

Edward Bristow established the settlement’s first store, tavern, shoe shop, as well as, a potashery.  It is also interesting to note that the first post-office was located in his premises, only to be moved in later years to Christmann’s Hotel.

In 1861, the Elmira House was erected as numerous artisans and merchants came to Elmira to earn a living.  As a result, Elmira became know as an ‘enterprising’ community.  In December 1886, Elmira entered a new chapter of its history with the incorporation of the settlement as a village by charter.  At this date, the population of the newly incorporated village stood at 760 people.  Throughout the 1870’s and 1880’s, Elmira acquired various cultural trappings, including a brass band (1873) and a library (1885), which boasted an initial membership of 20 people. 

Industry has always held a vital place within Elmira.  Apart from a sash and door factory, Elmira possessed a flour mill.  This particular business was in fact, the community’s earliest industry, built by a joint stock company.  In 1869 this business was purchased by John and Jacob Ratz. 

On January 1, 1923, Elmira, with a population of 2500, became an incorporated town. 

Today, Elmira is a thriving community offering a variety of restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and specialty shops such as quilt, bridal and gift stores. “

Here are ten reason why you should visit or move to Elmira.

1. Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. The syrup festival will take place on April 5 this year. This is the largest one-day festival attracting nearly 70,000 people. If you haven’t been to the syrup festival then I think it’s time you went.

2. Three grocery stores for around 12,000 people. No Frills, Price Choppers and IGA
Population data extracted from Woolwich Township website PDF file

3. 10-15 minute drive to North Waterloo

4. Toronto is a little over an hour drive away

5. Average house price for a single-detached house is approximately $274,000. Based on MLS board statistics.

6.  Home of the Elmira Sugar Kings! http://www.kings.on.ca/ .

7. Elmira has a Tim Hortons! “I’ll have a large decaf double, double with a mint shot please “

8. Elmira is getting a brand new recreation facility. “Woolwich Memorial Centre”
http://www.woolwich.ca/en/townshipservices/Woolwich_Memorial_Centre.asp

9. There are many walking trails and parks. http://www.woolwich.ca/en/tourism/trailslist.asp

10. Elmira golf club. 18 holes, semi-private

These are just a handful of reasons for someone thinking about moving to Elmira. With all the churches, and character. Elmira has just the right amount of old-fashioned flair without the distance that the other small towns have from a major centre. With the new rec centre, Elmira will be an even more exciting and desirable place to live and raise families.

Thanks for reading!

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4. Local Author Malcolm Gladwell coming to Elmira for Fundraiser
5. Elmira Sapfest 2009….