Nottawa, Simcoe

Tucked away in the township of Clearview, Simcoe County, Ontario, lies the charming village of Nottawa.

Nestled within the picturesque Georgian Triangle, Nottawa boasts a population of around 1,300 residents, covering just 0.6 square kilometres. Its tranquil setting along the Nottawasaga River amidst rolling hills and farmland sets the stage for a welcoming community steeped in history.

Life in Nottawa is easy-going and affordable. With a livability index slightly below the national average at 77 out of 100, it offers a safe, clean environment with decent amenities. Crime rates are low, healthcare access is good, and the literacy rate is high. The village is well-equipped with quality infrastructure, though education levels are middling.

Nottawa's charm lies in its relaxed, rural lifestyle with a hint of urban convenience. Residents enjoy easy access to nearby towns like Collingwood, Barrie, and even Toronto, along with natural attractions such as Blue Mountain and Wasaga Beach.

Nottawa is a diverse and inclusive community with people of different backgrounds, ages, and interests. The majority of Nottawa residents are of European descent, mainly British, Irish, German, and French. However, there are also people of other ethnicities, such as Aboriginal, Asian, and African.

Nottawa has a median age of 40.4 years, which is slightly lower than the provincial average of 40.9 years.

The community of Nottawa takes pride in its diverse cultural background, with 9.8% of its inhabitants originating from European backgrounds, bringing with them a wealth of traditions and flavours.

Furthermore, 2.7% of residents contribute to the community with their Aboriginal heritage, adding their unique cultural influence. The neighbourhood also cherishes diversity, with 1.8% of its people having Asian roots, further enhancing the multicultural tapestry.

Linguistically, Nottawa echoes this diversity with a multitude of languages and linguistic backgrounds, reflecting the harmonious coexistence of various cultures in this welcoming neighbourhood. However, most of the population prefers English as their first language to communicate.

Nottawa is a charming and peaceful neighbourhood that offers a rural lifestyle with urban amenities. This scenic neighbourhood is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Nottawasaga River, the Blue Mountains, and the Georgian Bay nearby. Each of these features provides opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation for those who live in Nottawa.

Schools

Nottawa has a few quality educational institutions. You can find both public and Catholic schools in this area. Here is the list of some of the schools in the area:

• Nottawa Elementary School
• St. Mary’s Catholic School
• Collingwood Collegiate Institute
• Jean Vanier Catholic High School

Restaurants

The dining scene in Nottawa is a cosy and casual affair, with several restaurants offering home-style dishes and comfort food.

• The Old Mill House Pub
• The Iron Skillet
• The Huron Club
• The Smoke
• The Dam Pub
• The Corner Cafe and Grill

Shopping Malls

Nottawa is a small neighbourhood that does not have many shopping malls in the area. However, there are some local shops and boutiques that offer unique and quality products, making it a pleasant choice for shoppers.

• Nottawa Fruit Market
• The Cheese Gallery
• The Olde Stanton Store
• The Village at Blue Mountain

Hospitals

Nottawa does not have a hospital within the area, but there are other medical centres and hospitals in the nearby areas. Some hospitals and medical centres that serve the general area include:

• Collingwood General and Marine Hospital
• Stayner Medical Centre
• Creemore Medical Centre
• Wasaga Beach Community Health Centre
• Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Nottawa has many attractions and places to visit, both within and around the village. Here are some of the top ones:

Nottawasaga River

The Nottawasaga River is the main waterway that runs through Nottawa, offering scenic views, fishing opportunities, and recreational activities. The river is home to various fish species, such as trout, salmon, and bass, as well as wildlife, such as beavers, otters, and birds. It is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and rafting, especially in the spring and summer months.

Nottawa Memorial Community Centre

The Nottawa Memorial Community Centre is the hub of social and cultural life in Nottawa. The centre hosts various events, such as dances, concerts, markets, fundraisers, and meetings, throughout the year.

Nottawa United Church

The Nottawa United Church is a historic and beautiful building that dates back to 1876. It is a landmark of Nottawa, with its distinctive white exterior, red roof, and stained glass windows. The church is open to the public for worship services, weddings, funerals, and other occasions.

Nottawa has many things to do, both indoors and outdoors, for people of all ages and interests. Here are some of the best ones:

• Golf: Nottawa is a golfer’s paradise, with several golf courses and clubs nearby. The closest one is the Batteaux Creek Golf Club, which is a 20-minute drive from Nottawa. Other golf courses and clubs near Nottawa include the Duntroon Highlands Golf Club, the OslerBrook Golf and Country Club, and the Blue Mountain Golf and Country Club.
• Skiing: Nottawa is a great place to enjoy skiing, both downhill and cross-country, in the winter months. The closest ski resort is the Blue Mountain Resort, which is a 25-minute drive from Nottawa. Other ski resorts near Nottawa include the Devil’s Glen Country Club, the Highlands Nordic Centre, and the Scenic Caves Nordic Centre.
• Hiking: Nottawa is a perfect place to explore nature and enjoy hiking, with many trails and parks nearby. Some trails and parks near Nottawa include the Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area, the Bruce Trail, the Pretty River Valley Provincial Park, and the Kolapore Uplands Wilderness Area.
• Biking: Nottawa is a cyclist’s dream, with many bike routes and paths nearby. The closest one is the Georgian Trail, which is a 10-minute drive from Nottawa. Other bike routes and paths near Nottawa include the Clearview Collingwood Train Trail, the Simcoe County Loop Trail, and the Creemore Loop Trail.

Nottawa is conveniently located close to several towns and cities, where visitors can find more amenities, services, and attractions.

• Toronto Pearson International Airport is the closest major airport. It is 130 kilometres from Nottawa and takes about 90 minutes to drive there.
• Georgian Mall is 39.4 km from Nottawa. It is the largest shopping centre in Barrie and offers over 150 stores and services.

Nottawa has a few local markets where visitors can buy fresh and local products, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, bread, and flowers.

Nottawa Farmers’ Market

The most popular one is the Nottawa Farmers’ Market, which is held every Saturday from May to October, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Nottawa Memorial Community Centre. The market features over 20 vendors who sell a variety of goods, such as honey, maple syrup, eggs, jams, pies, and crafts. It also has live music, kids’ activities, and special events throughout the season.

Nottawa Fruit Farm Market

The Nottawa Fruit Farm is a family-owned and operated farm that grows and sells fresh fruits and vegetables. It is located on 100 acres of land, with 25 acres dedicated to fruit trees, such as apples, pears, plums, cherries, and peaches. The farm has a market where visitors can buy produce, baked goods, jams, honey, and cider.

Other markets in Nottawa include the Nottawa General Store Market and the Nottawa United Church Market.

The population density in Nottawa is higher than in Clearview. Additionally, the neighbourhood boasts a slightly younger demographic, with a median age of 12% lower than Clearview’s average. These unique characteristics contribute to Nottawa’s distinct ambience, offering a vibrant and friendly environment favoured by residents.

Nottawa is a family-friendly and pet-friendly village with many things to do with kids and pets. Here are some of the best ones:

• Nottawa Elementary School Playground: The Nottawa Elementary School Playground is a fun and safe place for kids and pets to play. It is open to the public after school hours and on weekends and is free of charge.
• Nottawa Library: The Nottawa Library is a cosy and inviting place for kids to read and learn. The library has a large collection of books, magazines, DVDs, and audiobooks for all ages and interests. It also hosts various programs, such as storytime, crafts, games, and book clubs, for kids and adults.
• Nottawa Petting Zoo: The Nottawa Petting Zoo is a delightful and educational place for kids to meet and interact with farm animals. It also has a picnic area, a gift shop, and a snack bar where visitors can buy food and drinks. The zoo is open from May to October, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and charges $5 per person for admission.

The cost of living in Nottawa is 4% lower than the national average and 14% lower than the Ontario average. The price of goods and services is 8% higher than the Canadian average, and housing is 35% lower than the rest of the country.

The general sales tax in Ontario is 33% higher than the national average. The income tax in Ontario is 40% lower than the national average. A table showing the cost of living in Nottawa (on 100) is given below:

Nottawa is a desirable and growing place to buy or sell a home, with a strong and stable real estate housing market. The average home price stands at $650,000, with a median price slightly lower at $600,000.

The typical home size spans 2,000 square feet, and properties tend to sell within an average of 30 days. With an average price per square foot of $325, the average monthly mortgage payment hovers around $2,300, while rental rates average $1,500, offering a rental yield of 2.8%.