Amaranth’s History
Amaranth is a small town located in Dufferin County, Ontario, Canada, with a population of over 4,000, and gets its name from the plant which grows within its borders. It shares its boundary on the west by Luther Lake, which is one of the largest wetlands in southern Ontario. Likely named after “Immortal Amaranth” as written by Milton in “Paradise Lost” it is the largest township in Dufferin County and is part of the Hills of Headwaters Tourism region, and since its incorporation on January 2, 1854, it has been a staple of small-town life in Ontario, focusing on community. Based on the Headwaters of Canada’s Grand River, within the County of Dufferin, the Corporation of the Township of Amaranth has landscape features, wetlands, and rivers. Amaranth offers the enjoyment of beautiful sights all-year-round.
Rural in community and feel, but has approximately 100 diverse businesses, The Township is a combination of neighbourhoods and hamlets, such as Laurel and Waldemar, within a strong and vibrant agricultural community. It is surrounded by the towns of Orangeville, Grand Valley and Shelburne. It is also surrounding by the larger large urban centres for townspeople to visit, such as Toronto, Brampton, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Alliston, Barrie and Collingwood. Amaranth is rich with diverse landscape features including rivers, wetlands, farmland, forests, and railways. The old rail line that crosses Amaranth provides opportunities for recreational activities, people have been seen using the trail for snowmobiling. But it boasts a unique and diverse community focusing on peace and progress. Amaranth is small in stature but is plentiful of residents who focus on the sustainability of their community. Boasting a long and rich history of dedicated townspeople, many have lived in Amaranth for generations.
Sharing a similar trait to the Dufferin County townships of Mono and Mulmur, as well as the Simcoe County townships of Adjala and Tosorontio, roads are named in accordance to the Amaranth “Lines” running parallel to Highway 10. Each road is assigned a number from the town line westward in sequence. The roads running perpendicular to the Lines are numbered Sideroads. They are numbered using multiples of five rising northward from County Road 109. For related information on Amaranth real estate: Common Law Matrimonial Home After Separation for Amaranth
Community and Culture
The annual New Year’s Levee is a relatively recent addition to the township’s list of annual events, but it is gaining popularity. The event, usually held at the beginning of January, is a chance for local people to meet and join the mayor and other councilors. The event is a laid-back and informal affair. Attendees indulge in finger food, cake and drinks and have an opportunity to discuss local issues in the Council Chambers, encouraging active participation in government.
Camp Amaranth is another relatively recent addition to the township of Amaranth’s calendar. The event is designed to provide children living in the area an opportunity to experience the great outdoors and all it offers. The day camp program will introduce attendees to healthy, active outdoor lifestyles and sports. Camp Amaranth is for children between the ages of 6 and 12. At camp, children will experience a range of exciting activities. Amazing Race Amaranth is a team event where children work together to complete each leg of the event. There might be roadblocks along the way, but children learn how to overcome them.
There’s also the famous Amaranth Olympics which attempts to put a smile on children’s faces while mimicking the official athletic event. During hot weather children can also get involved in wet ‘n’ wild sports, including volleyball, sponge tag and water balloon baseball.
Camp Amaranth Mini is for kids aged 4 and 5. At camp, children will be able to enjoy a range of activities including a treasure hunt with a pirate theme, time-traveling history and archaeology lessons, and hands-on experiences with nature. Children will also learn about how food gets onto their plates and the routes it takes from the farm. There are also artistic opportunities to experience science through curiosity.
Camp Amaranth is possible, thanks to a grant from the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund.
The focus of this small town is on the people. They are encouraged to visit, enjoy the activities, reside, work or start up a business. With a wide variety of small businesses, such as farms, tourism, trucking, professional services, automotive, artistic, trades and self-employed entrepreneurs, Amaranth is a town that focuses on simple things and community spirit. Click if you’re interested in reading our local reviews from our Amaranth Ontario Location.
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