The Georgian Triangle is made up of twelve municipalities stretching from Meaford to Stayner and from Wasaga Beach to the hills of Mulmer, says Ontario Realtor Marg Scheben-Edey.

"At the hub of the activities is the town of Collingwood which was first settled in the 1800’s as the northern terminus for the Ontario Simcoe and Huron Railway," she explains. "For the last 100 years, Collingwood was known primarily for it’s shipbuilding industry which closed in 1986. Since that time the community has continued to prosper and grow with a diversified industrial base in addition to the large tourism segment of the economy.

"With interest rates and home prices rising and pent-up demand waning, homebuyers in the Georgian Triangle are taking more time to shop before they buy," advises Scheben-Edey. "Seasonally adjusted MLS® home sales rose by two per cent in the third quarter of 2004 compared to the previous quarter, and actual (unadjusted) sales were up by four per cent compared to the third quarter of 2003. (Seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal fluctuations). Sales of single detached homes and townhouse units followed similar trends in the third quarter of 2004, with market balance holding steady. Activity in both categories still managed to reach their highest third quarter levels on record. The median sale price for single detached home sales rose from the second to the third quarter and stayed well above its value last year. Median price for townhouse units declined from its third quarter value last year. This reflected an unusually large rise in price last year, however, and not a current decline in prices. Modest year-over-year price increases for single detached and townhouse unit sales are expected for the rest of the year and into 2005."

Scheben-Edey continues, "Third quarter single detached home sales in the Georgian Triangle outpaced the previous quarter in nearly every price range. At the same time, sales above $250,000 have become the most active market segment for the first time ever. Sales reached their highest third quarter level on record in all price ranges above $150,000, with rising prices capping sales in lower price ranges."

She explains, "The big real estate buzz in the area continues to be the release of the first units in "The Shipyards" development at the foot of Collingwood's main street. The FRAM Group and Slokker Canada have started marketing their plan to build over 600 residential apartment and townhome style condominiums on this 37 acre waterfront property together with an expansion of the commercial core to the water's edge. The commercial plans remind me of Harbourfront in Toronto with boardwalks, tie-ups for visiting boaters and outdoor cafe's, boutiques and public squares. Construction is expected to commence in 2005 with initial occupancies in 2006 and I understand about 50 units have been sold to date including most of the higher-end, luxury waterfront townhomes. The real estate activity here is no surprise given the dramatic growth seen all over the Georgian Triangle region. The demographic trends suggest retirees, investors, late boomers and their children are all headed for our shores and prices have lots of room to move up still.

"The face of the Georgian Triangle continues to change at a fast pace as new businesses and new developments spring up throughout the region," Scheben-Ebey observes. "The Village at Blue bustles with activity. New golf courses are under development destining the Georgian Triangle to becoming one of "the" premiere golf destinations in Canada. Highway reconstructions and re-alignments are underway as are numerous road improvement projects. The new expanded Zellers and new flagship Canadian Tire store are now open in Collingwood. Rumours suggest that Home Depot and WalMart will soon make their homes in the area as well. In addition to attractive low mortgage rates and strong consumer confidence, the activity in the Georgian Triangle real estate market is attributed to several factors including an influx of young retirees, week-end warriors and new residents capitalizing on the growth that recognizes the desirability of this amazing area."

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Published: January 4, 2005

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