Hulls on Hurontario: Collingwood's Maritime Legacy

Collingwood was, and still is, directly affected in many ways by the marine history of the community. From the very early years of the 1850s when the harbour was used primarily for boat building, through its era as a vital east-west link across the continent, to its importance as a shipbuilding town, Collingwood maintained strong marine roots. Many of its major industries over the last century and a half came to Collingwood because of its vital transportation links. Floods of immigrants travelled through Collingwood in search of a future in the western part of the continent. Merchants prospered from the high traffic and built grand homes, many of which still exist today. The community developed a cosmopolitan feel, and attracted notable characters and important attention at the national and international levels.

Over the past twenty years, major changes have taken place in Collingwood. Despite fluctuations in the national and local economies, and the closure of the Collingwood Shipyards, the town’s waterfront still has a strong influence on present residents and visitors alike. Much of the waterfront area has been turned into public parkland for residents and visitors to enjoy.