Erin’s History

Erin is a town is just 23 kilometres northwest of Georgetown and under 40km west of downtown Brampton, Erin has a long and illustrious history, focused on industry and growth.

Based in Wellington County, Erin was first established in 1820, when the first settlers, George and Nathaniel Roszel from Pennsylavania, arrived in November of that year and acquired land in what is now known as Ballinafad. The following year, William How and his family from England built a home in the area now known as Hillsburgh. It was he who started the first general store in Erin. Henry Trout, Sr. was appointed Town Clerk in the first Township Meeting on January 5th, 1824, and from there, the population grew over the years, from 1,368 in 1841, up to 3,055 in 1850, and are now, as of the 2016 records, 11,439.

Erin was developed after mills were built on the Credit River in 1826 all the way through to 1829. The first settlers included Daniel MacMillan and the Trout family, and was given the name “MacMillan’s Mills,” but although the Trout family built the first sawmill and the MacMillan family are acknowledged as the key significant contributors to the growth of Erin, who came first is up for debate.

A post-office had opened in 1839 (not receiving daily mail until 30 years later), and by 1849, the first place of worship, the Union Church, was being used by residents, despite services being held in homes and other buildings previously. By the year 1851, the population increased to 300 residents and it was at this point, the name of the settlement was Erinsville, but was shortened to Erin later, giving the town the name it is known as today.

At this point, businesses had started to settle, as a distillery, tannery, as well as carding, oatmeal and grist-mills had set up shop in Erin. As the town was on a nearby river, this provided the power for the local mills, which boosted agriculture, milling and wood products manufacturing. By 1869 the population was 600, and 10 years later, the Credit Valley Railroad reached Erin in 1879, which was when Erin was finally incorporated as a village.

As the village gained more residents and popularity, electricity was provided in the village prior to 1890 before a formal power company was officially set up in 1900. This company, Cataract Light & Power generated hydro power at the Cataract location, based in nearby Caledon.

As the town gained in popularity over the 20th century, it merged with nearby Hillsburgh in 1997, and with 11,439 residents, it is a town with the focus on agriculture and rural life. But its community spirit is all over the town, with locations such as the Erin Arena, which hosts community events, and Stanley Park, which hosted dances and similar events. Click if you’re interested in reading our local reviews from our Erin Ontario Location.

Community and Culture

When you’re looking for fun events for you and your family, look no further than the Town and Villages of Erin. Erin is located in beautiful Ontario, Canada. This is an idyllic locale with lush green beauty to explore on their many trails in addition to a well-maintained and reimagined downtown filled with wonderful food and unique shops to explore. Erin hosts a variety of lively and memorable annual events that you’ll want to keep coming back to year after year. There’s something for people from all walks of life to enjoy.

May brings the Village of Erin’s Annual Summer Celebration. This long-awaited and cheerful day has free events, food tasting, the arts, and a host of music and entertainment.

This month holds Flutters, Frocks & Flowers which is an event for mothers and daughters leading into Mother’s Day. There are special promotions during this time.

June usually brings the culture-enhancing Doors Open events where you can learn and explore the customs and traditions of the area. Many buildings are open to the public for free during this time.

This event-packed month delivers again with the Rotary Rib Fest. Vendors vie for the top place in this delicious and mouthwatering barbecue contest. This is a family-friendly affair with lots of excitement.

The Farmers’ Market begins in June and runs through September and is held every Friday. Farmers’ Markets are events in and of themselves. They are an opportunity to explore local color and culture. You can find everything you’ll need from vegetables and meats to wine and flowers.

Of course, this is the month for the national celebration that is Canada Day! This is a federal holiday that celebrates the anniversary of the Canadian confederations. This day of national pride has parades, fireworks, delicious food, and smile-worthy family entertainment.

The annual Window Wonderland is a delight to behold and something to look forward to. Local shops will create magical window displays to marvel at. Carriage rides will take you to and from your shopping and dining destinations or just give you a chance to sit back and enjoy the decorations. There will be a tree lighting ceremony and holiday festivities.

Whether you currently reside here or wish to visit, check out the community events calendar to find something fun to do. Regardless of when you explore this unique community, be sure to stay and play for a while. They have a delicious and enticing variety of local restaurants and pubs that will surely satisfy everyone in your group. For related information on Erin real estate: Common Law Matrimonial Home After Separation for Erin