By Emma Rock

We are truly fortunate to live in an area of outstanding natural and architectural beauty. Many newcomers to the area are attracted by the idea of small town living promoted by developers and resale agents. Pictures of parks, historic homes, recreational opportunities, and happy faces attract the attention of city dwellers, consequently, Milton, Georgetown, Acton, and surrounding villages and hamlets are experiencing growth as never before.

When the area was founded in the late 1800s, ladies would go visiting newcomers to the town and bring their calling cards so that a social network could be developed. Gentlemen would meet through business transactions at meeting halls and taverns. Families would attend church, and also promenade or drive through the parks on Sundays. Everyone knew their neighbours and most of their business!

In post war North America the baby boom created larger families, and consequently there was an increase in the demand for housing. The typical family would consist of a working father, a homemaker mother and two or more children. Cars allowed people to escape the larger urban centres and move to the suburbs. Housing was affordable; homes were smaller and gardens were larger than the subdivisions of today. Casseroles were exchanged over low fences, newcomers were welcomed with a block party, and children freely wandered the streets until dark, re-assured of the protection of their communities. The picture painted by "Leave it to Beaver" seemed to symbolized a true community.

As time moved on, inflation took its toll. Homes became more expensive and dual incomes almost a necessity for those at the foot of the housing ladder. Developers built subdivisions for maximum profit: houses were larger, lots became smaller. Fences were built higher to ensure privacy, and investment in communal areas was almost non-existent. No matter whether you live in one of the stately mansions of yesteryear, on a small tree-lined street, in a newly created area of homes, whether a newcomer to the area or born and bred, it is possible to participate in and build community if you are willing.

In the months and years to come, as you get to know your neighbours and your neighbourhood, and as you explore the many different parts of your community, you’ll get to know the little things that make your town unique. There are endless opportunities for taking part in community groups and activities, exploring parks, and meeting new people.

Take the first step and meet your neighbours. Make a point of introducing yourself; make up calling cards! Invite new friends to warm up with a cup of coffee, go tobogganing, or play a game of pick up on the nearest frozen pond. In the spring help plant a garden or celebrate with a street party. Join or form a local community networking group. Active citizens help to create a sense of community connected to place. We all live somewhere, and as such we share a unique collection of problems and prospects in common with our neighbours. Participation in neighbourhood affairs builds on a recognition of here-we-are-together, and a yearning to recapture something of the tight-knit communities of the past. Neighbourhood groups can act as vehicles for making connections between people, forums for resolving local differences, and a means of looking after one another. Most importantly, they can create a positive social environment that can become one of the best features of a neighbourhood.

It is said that if you sit on the steps of the Sydney Opera House for forty-eight hours you will meet someone you know. This is the purpose of an intentional meeting space. Fortunately we do not have to go Down Under to meet people as every town has its special areas and spots that give it a unique flavour.

There is plenty for the active spirit to do at this time of year. Local arenas offer skating programs, hockey and shinny for every age and stage. Check local parks too for outdoor ice rinks. A walk on the Bruce Trail will open up a new world of animal tracks and frozen streams. Meet up with local hiking groups or at conservation areas (Mountsberg is a personal favourite) for a more formal tour. Halton Hills has many slopes to enjoy on a snow racer, toboggan or tin tray. My family loves Cedarvale Park, which is lit at night, and provides a wonderful break from the nine to five grind. Exercise, exhilaration, and loads of like-minded folk make for a fun outing.

For shopping, there is no place like home. The local downtown areas offer shops, restaurants, theatres, gardens, and cultural centres all contributing to these thriving commercial and residential districts. It is

colder walking outdoors than inside the malls, but the fresh air is a wonderful tonic and the stores are truly unique. You can’t beat the home-cooked goodies in the local bakeries and restaurants.

Those that prefer a more cultural exchange will enjoy local libraries, bookstores, galleries and theatres. The beautifully restored Williams Mill in Glen Williams houses a collective of local artisans—painters, sculptors, carvers, glass blowers and weavers to name a few—all of whom can be seen working in their studios. Their art is on display for everyone to enjoy. There are many local arts and theatre groups, book clubs, and choral societies that would also welcome new additions to their membership.

As spring rolls into summer, there are parks with playgrounds for youngsters and shady areas for relaxing. There is outdoor swimming in the lakes at Kelso and Acton, there are indoor pools in Georgetown and Milton, and more golf courses than you can swing a stick at! Enjoy the newly created Dominion Seed House Garden, the Willow Park Ecology Centre in Norval, and the parkette at the intersection of Hwy 25 and 7 in Acton. The Farmers’ Markets in Milton and Georgetown offer not only the freshest produce in Ontario but also a place to meet and enjoy local street cafes. Take the weight off your feet while you sit and watch the world go by.

Sure, there are more choices of retail chain stores in the malls of Brampton and Mississauga, but didn’t you choose this area for the parks, historic homes, recreational opportunities, and the happy faces of a small town community? Whether you have lived here for six months, six years or a lifetime, have fun exploring and becoming a part of your community.