History
What we today call the Township of Caledon began as a small hamlet in Upper Canada that had several names over the years. These included Raeburn’s Corners, Charleston, and finally Caledon.
Caledon Village was created in 1820 and the young settlement would receive a post office just 19 years later under the name of Charleston. Soon after that its name was changed to Caledon in 1853, however both names were used interchangeably for the hamlet. Both names are even recorded simultaneously in the 1878 Illustrated Historical Atlas of York.
The early history of Caledon, like most Canadian towns, revolved around agriculture. Its first major development came courtesy of the railway which arrived in the 1870s to connect Owen Sound to Toronto. The route was used primarily to ship grain from Owen Sound to Toronto twice daily, but along the way it brought mail and made for easier transportation to Toronto.
Not long after the railway connection was built the town began to flourish. Just 7 short years later Caledon had blacksmiths, cobblers, hotels, churches, a school, generals stores, and even a local doctor.
It comes from a truncated version of the Latin word, “Caledonia” – a word used by the Romans for North Britain during their occupation there 1,000’s of years ago.
While Bolton and Orangeville are the largest population hubs in Caledon, country homes can be found across the township. Many retirees choose to call Caledon home. With a lower population density, it offers a more comfortable lifestyle without having to stray too far from the big city and all its amenities.
Caledon’s latest census data shows a population of just over 66,000, and as an amalgamation of numerous towns and villages over 688 km² Caledon is the largest city or town by area in the Greater Toronto Area.
Real Estate in Caledon
For the prospective home buyer seeking to find the perfect private home or estate that’s still within the GTA or a comfortable home in a small Ontario town, Caledon is not to be overlooked.
The vast majority of real estate in Caledon is made up of single-family detached homes, even in the more densely populated parts of the region like Bolton and Orangeville. In those larger towns you’ll find typical suburban homes and neighbourhood layouts with winding streets, cul-de-sacs, and crescents.
Many of these homes are fairly new and built as part of new developments surrounding the historic town cores. Smaller towns like Alton have more historic homes that give a good sense of what Canada looked like decades ago.
Some of the truly gorgeous properties are in-between the towns, where home-builders were able to stretch out and bring their dreams into reality. These country estates range from being quite modest to lavish, though they all promise serene privacy not too far from the big city.
Interested in learning more about Caledon real estate? Review real estate listings & homes for sale in Caledon or reach out to one of our representatives for expert advice. We’re here to answer all of your real estate questions.
Shopping
Most shopping opportunities in Caledon come in the form of “Main Street” venues in the area’s many small towns. These include Alton, Bolton, and Orangeville primarily, though more niche stores can be found in between.
With Brampton and its much larger selection of stores and malls to choose from just a short drive away many residents choose to travel south to shop, especially if they plan to make a day of it.
Recreation
Caledon doesn’t have the population density to sustain public recreation centres like nearby municipalities such as Brampton. It does, however, offer ample opportunity for recreation of all kinds, from sports, drop-in programs, and classes to activities and tours of local arts, culture, & heritage.
Active Recreation in Caledon
Caledon residents can take advantage of a variety of recreation programs and services to stay active.
The Caledon City Council have organized sports clubs around practically every common sport for all levels. A complete list of the sports and leagues in Caledon can be found on the City Council’s website.
One of the advantages of a rural community like Caledon are the many recreational activities residents can enjoy. Most of the area’s conservation areas and trails have their own organizations like the Caledon Hills Bruce Trail Club.
Recreation Programs
For residents looking to learn or share experiences with others can take advantage of more general programs and classes like training & safety, inclusion, camps, and organized community events.
The Caledon public library can be a great place to meet or pick up a book, and when the weather is nicer a visit to the Bolton Farmer’s market can be a nice opportunity to get out into the community, meet new people, and pick up some sustainably-sourced goods.
Schools in Caledon
Due to its size, Caledon doesn’t have its own school board but falls under the jurisdiction of Peel District School Board.
The community has 3 public elementary schools and a secondary school.
Caledon East Public School
Ellwood Memorial Public School
Mayfield Secondary School
In addition to the area’s publicly funded middle school, residents also have the option of sending kids to King’s College School, a prestigious private school in the area. It offers the advantages of private education for students grades 3 – 12.
Transportation
Public Transit in Caledon
As a smaller community, Caledon doesn’t have a public transportation system of its own like the TTC in Toronto. However, thanks to the region’s proximity to the GTA residents can get around using services like Brampton Transit, GO Transit and Metrolinx.
Transportation rates and fares depend on the service. Visit the respective service you are considering for fare and scheduling information. Commuters can also use the Triplinx service to plan a route.
Caledon residents can also count on Transhelp, a Peel Region initiative which provides transportation for people with disabilities.
Find a complete breakdown of the public transportation amenities in Caledon on the township’s website.
Travelling By Rail
Caledon doesn’t have direct rail connection either to VIA Rail or GO Train services. Travellers seeking to enjoy a trip on the rails can take a GO Bus south along Highway 10 or Highway 50 to connect with the Kitchener GO Line. The same line also services several VIA Rail Routes.
Travelling By Car
As a more rural community, driving is an essential part of living in Caledon. Unlike neighbouring Brampton where mass public transport makes it possible to get by without a personal vehicle, grocery shopping, visiting friends, and getting to work are made possible with a car.
The area is covered by a grid of 2-lane country highways between towns and the driving experience couldn’t be farther from what’s common in larger cities. With much less traffic, commute times can be more consistent and drivers rarely have to worry about sitting in traffic jams, if ever.
Have Questions About Caledon or Caledon Real Estate?
If you’re thinking of buying or selling real estate in Caledon or you’re seeking advice about real estate in the area don’t hesitate to reach out to Frank Leo & Associates.
We have over 30 years of real estate experience in the GTA at your disposal. You can also get started taking advantage of our Guaranteed Home Selling System with a Free, no-obligation Home Evaluation.