Living in Bronte Village
Bronte Village is a hidden gem located on the western border of Oakville. This quaint waterfront community has one of the nicest harbours on the shoreline of Lake Ontario. The Bronte Harbour features picturesque waterfront parks and trails, two lighthouses, a pier and a large marina with moorings that accomadate hundreds of sail and motor boats. The quaint Bronte Village shopping area along the waterfront adds to the overall ambiance of the area.
History of Bronte Village
Bronte Village was originally settled by United Empire Loyalist who were granted parcels of land by the British Crown to build homesteads and a community. These first settlers immediately seized upon the opportunities that the twelve mile creek, now known as Bronte Creek provided them. A saw and grist mill were erected on the banks of the creek which was the first industry in the village. By the 1850s the Bronte harbour was dredged and made suitable as a port which coincided with new industry including fishing and shipbuilding which were the lifeblood of this community for many years.
Bronte’s heyday was the 1850s in large part due to its wheat production a valuable commodity in great demand around the world at that time. Unfortunately, the wheat boom was short lived and this coupled with the emergence of the new Grand Trunk Railway line in 1856 (which bypassed Bronte Village) would spell the end of Bronte’s importance as an industrial centre. However; Bronte Village would carry on as a fishing village of some notoriety until the 1950s. Between 1960 and 2000 Bronte Village was known for building some of the finest yachts in the world. Bronte Village would become part of Oakville Township in 1962 however to this day it has retained it’s small village ambiance and charm.
Homes in Bronte Village
Bronte Village has a nice mix of older homes as well as new home subdivisions and condominium buildings. Many residences enjoy beautiful waterfront vistas. The generous size lots in Bronte with their big backyards are perfect for families. The Lakeshore Woods subdivision and surrounding new condominiums will appeal to buyers who prefer newer homes. There are also a large number of entry level townhomes, rental apartment buildings and seniors residence in Bronte Village making for a very diverse housing mix.
Lifestyle in Bronte Village
The Bronte Village main street shopping district is centred along Lakeshore Road West . It is anchored by the Bronte Village Mall which features a Longos grocery store. The small shopping plazas and mixed use commercial buildings along Lakeshore Road include a myriad of tenants ranging from fashion boutiques and home decor to professional and health services. There are also a number of restaurants offering fine cuisine
Recreation in Bronte Village
Bronte Village is blessed with literally dozens of waterfront parks that are perfect for family picnics an afternoon stroll or in some cases a game of beach volleyball. Shell Park North situated off Lakeshore Road. West. is a large picturesque park with strolling paths, community gardens, tennis courts, a colourful skateboard park and a fenced in off-leash dog area known as WOOF Park. Shell Park South situated on the Lake Ontario shoreline features some magnificent vistas. There is also a children’s playground.
Just to the north of Bronte Village is Bronte Creek Provincial Park situated on Bronte’s western border at Burloak Drive. This park features five hiking trails, an outdoor pool, picnic areas, a frisbee golf course, snowshoeing and tobogganing, and cross-country skiing. This provincial park also has overnight campgrounds.
Arts in Bronte Village
The Sovereign House located at 7 W River St is owned and operated by the Bronte Historical Society. It is open on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays from late May to late October. Admission by donation. The exhibits are changed annually. The north wing is dedicated to a series of art shows by local artists titled Art on the Bluffs.
Queen Elizabeth Park Cultural Community Centre located at 2302 Bridge Road offers a myriad of arts programs for the young and the getting older. Why not try your hand at dancing in one of their studios or speaking of studios the recording studio is where you may produce Canada’s next great song. Warm up your voice with the band in the rehearsal hall. If art is more your thing there are also fine art studios and galleries for displaying your work. There is even live theatre for those who prefer drama. Something for everyone here.
Transportation in Bronte Village
Bronte GO Station is a train station in the GO Transit network located in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. It is a stop on the Lakeshore West line and there is an adjacent bus loop for connecting local Oakville Transit bus routes.