Tucked away in the Kawartha Lakes just north east of the Greater Toronto Area, Lindsay, Ontario is packed with small town charm, local colour, and no shortage of year-round recreation for residents and tourists to enjoy.
Overview
This picturesque town sits on the banks of the Scugog River and features heritage buildings, parks, trails, and a charming downtown core just steps from the river. Like most Ontario towns of its size – about 20,000 people – Lindsay has a strong sense of community pride that’s reinforced by events like the week-long Lindsay Exhibition, a sort of mini Calgary Stampede celebrating the municipality’s long agricultural history.
Special events aren’t the only place to experience Lindsay’s culture. Walking the length of the waterway or strolling downtown’s Kent Street you’re sure to encounter friendly hello’s and a warm reception.
A recent revitalization of Lindsay’s downtown core makes walking the streets even more pleasant as you enjoy the perks of modern infrastructure while shopping, dining, or running errands in town.
The History of Lindsay Ontario
Lindsay was first settled in the 1820’s and was originally known as “Purdy’s Mills” after an American named William Purdy. He was the settler who built the sawmills and gristmills in 1828.
Looking at Lindsay on a map it no surprise he picked the Scugog River for his mills. Connecting Sturgeon Lake and the Trent-Severn Waterway about 100 kilometers northeast of Toronto, Purdy likely picked the Scugog River due to the waterway’s suitability for mill construction.
However, construction didn’t go completely according to plan. The dam Purdy built to set up his milling industry backed up the river so dramatically that it formed Lake Scugog several kilometers to the south. Although residents today enjoy lakeside recreation due to Purdy’s oversight, residents in his time were not so accommodating.
While part of the lake formed on bogs and swamps, it also flooded the surrounding farmland. Furious farmers marched to Purdy’s dam and destroyed it. A surveyor’s assistant tragically died after being accidentally shot on the site, and the town’s name commemorates his passing.
The Growth of Lindsay, Ontario
Between the 1840’s and 1870’s the government built a pair of locks which opened the Scugog River to navigation and connected it to the Trent-Severn system. This infrastructure brought prosperity to the area as settlement became both easier and more attractive.
Farming and lumbering were the two core industries which Lindsay became known for, and the farming industry is still quite prevalent today.
The next significant development in Lindsay’s history was in 1857 when it was officially incorporated as a town. Around the same time Lindsay got its rail link to the rest of the quickly-growing country.
The Modern History of Lindsay
With new transportation infrastructure in place, the town’s economy diversified with agriculture and manufacturing. As a result, it became the location of Victoria County’s administrative headquarters.
Victoria County and all of its municipalities were merged to form the city of Kawartha Lakes in 2001. Today the lakes and natural landscapes make Lindsay a year-round tourism destination as well as a popular option for families who enjoy a bit more space and retirees seeking a peaceful residence.
Curious about real estate in Lindsay, Ontario? Whether you’re looking into buying a property or just want to know more about what it’s like to own property here, reach out to our helpful staff to get personalized insights into making your next real estate move in this Ontario town.
Jobs and The Economy in Lindsay, Ontario
Home to over 6,800 businesses, Lindsay has no shortage of employment opportunities whether you’re looking for the next step in your career or a starting position in one of the region’s economic sectors.
The Lindsay Manufacturing Company played a large role in the town’s early growth as it was a major producer of stoves and later cars. Lindsay’s reputation as a manufacturing town remains to this day despite a macroeconomic shift away from Manufacturing in small-town Ontario.
Solid economic growth in the 2010’s means plenty of employment options in both Kawartha Lakes and Lindsay itself. Topping the list of the region’s largest industries are manufacturing and agriculture. In addition to more traditional manufacturing, local businesses are catering to increasingly niche market sectors including steel, woodworking, and automotive sectors.
A few examples include Crayloa, Armada Toolworks, and the locally famous Kawartha Dairy known across Ontario for its ice cream.
There is also a large number of farms in the Lindsay area which produce a variety of crops including soybeans, wheat, and corn. The Kawartha Lakes region is also home to many wineries and cideries which are popular tourist destinations.
Recreation in Lindsay, Ontario
There are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy in Lindsay including golfing, hiking, fishing, swimming, and more. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Lindsay is a perfect place to call home.
Lindsay is also home to the Lindsay Exhibition, one of the oldest fairs in Ontario which has been running annually since 1855. The downtown core has recently undergone a revitalization with new shops and restaurants popping up to serve the community.
Some of Lindsay’s recreational highlights include:
- The beautifu Kawartha Trans Canada Trail. Based on old rail lines, much of this trail is relatively flat and serene. Those qualities make it great for cycling, hiking, and strolling. The lookout from Doube’s Trestle Bridge is particularly well-known for it’s views.
- The Wilson Boardwalk spans from the Old Mill park in the city’s downtown area all the way north to Wellington Street. The park is home to a ruin of the old stone mill which was built in 1869, adding a touch of Canadian history to this lakeside attraction. It’s also right next to Lock 33 of the Trent-Severn Waterway, which was the first timber lock in the entire waterway.
- In addition to nature, Lindsay has theaters, small galleries, sports and recreation facilities, as well as sideshow attractions like go kart tracks and more.
- Be sure to check out the full list of activities and attractions in Lindsay and the Kawartha Lakes if you’re considering a move to this charming Ontario town. On it you’ll find everything from dining and shopping to seasonal events and attractions.
The Lindsay, Ontario Community
Roughly speaking, Lindsay’s residential breakdown can be divided into a couple primary demographic groups. Approximately half of the town’s population are school or working age people while the second largest group are people of retirement age.
Being a tight knit community, new residents can expect a warm welcome and a smooth transition and a warm welcome.
With both outdoor and indoor recreational and cultural activities being available year-round there’s no shortage of opportunities for getting involved or pursuing existing hobbies and interests.
Real Estate in Lindsay, Ontario
Homes for sale in Lindsay range from smaller, more historic homes to modern suburban subdivisions. Far and away the most popular type of real estate for sale in Lindsay is fully detached single family homes.
Owing to the abundance of space which is characteristic of smaller towns over half of the residential properties in Lindsay fit this description. That’s welcome news for Greater Toronto Area residents looking for a bit more space to spread out.
Attached dwellings are available in Lindsay as well, albeit in smaller numbers.
In terms of real estate style and neighbourhood composition, Lindsay real estate also falls into two distinct categories. The first type are the more traditional homes found closer to the city centre. Approximately one square kilometer that comprises the city’s core closely matches the grid-like layout that’s common to 20th century developments in Canada.
On the periphery is where home buyers can find more recently constructed detached family homes built in the suburban style. Cul-de-sacs, winding streets, and quiet crescents comprise the north and western ends of the town.
If you’re looking for a small town with amenities not far from the GTA, one of our friendly associates can help you find the ideal property for sale in Lindsay. Come and see what this beautiful town has to offer or reach out to one of our Lindsay Ontario real estate agents. You can also click here to browse current Lindsay MLS homes for sale listings to get started on your real estate search.
Transportation in Lindsay
Most residents depend on private transportation to get around the town. Although modest in scale, Lindsay’s public transit program provides three convenient bus routes which wind their way through the town.
Overlap on these routes makes getting around simple and relatively hassle-free, although the frequency of buses is lower than a larger metropolitan area like the nearby Peterborough.
Looking to Buy Real Estate in Lindsay, Ontario?
Whether you’re in the process of buying a home or still shopping around for which Ontario community you want to call home, we’re here to put 30 years of experience and expertise to work for you.
Our mission is to help home buyers buy real estate with complete confidence that they’re making the right decision when it comes to making the investment of a lifetime. Contact us online or call (416) 917-5466 to connect with one of our expert associates today.