Although the Township of Clearview was officially established as a modern administrative unit in 1994, the history of human activity on these lands goes back much further. The region was formed by merging several historic communities with rich pasts: the town of Stayner, the village of Creemore, and the townships of Nottawasaga and Sunnidale.
Foundation and Early Settlements
Active development of the territory by European settlers began in the mid-19th century, although Indigenous peoples had lived here long before.
Creemore: Founded in 1842 by Edward Webster. The settlement's name comes from the Irish phrase "croí mór," which translates to "big heart," reflecting the founder's love for the land.
Stayner: Began its development in the 1850s. It achieved village status in 1872 and was named after Sutherland Stayner, a prominent landowner of the era.
Key Factors of Establishment
The transformation of scattered settlements into a developed region was driven by several important factors:
Railway Connection: The construction of the railway (Toronto, Simcoe and Muskoka Junction Railway) served as a catalyst for Stayner's growth, turning it into a key transit point for goods and passengers heading toward Georgian Bay.
Geography and Resources: Its location within Simcoe County provided access to fertile soils and vast forests, which predetermined the region's agricultural focus.
Trade Routes: Proximity to important transport arteries allowed local producers to efficiently sell their products in the markets of Toronto and other major cities.
Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the region's economy was based on agriculture and logging. Life revolved around local sawmills, grist mills, and grain elevators. The cultural landscape was shaped by the British and Irish traditions of the settlers, which is reflected in the architecture of the historic centers of Creemore and Stayner, where Victorian-era buildings still stand today.
Timeline
Major Historical Milestones
1830s — The beginning of active settlement in the Nottawasaga and Sunnidale townships by European immigrants.
1842 — Edward Webster founds the settlement of Creemore, whose name translates from Irish as "big heart."
1851 — Official administrative organization of the Nottawasaga and Sunnidale townships.
1855 — Arrival of the railway in the region, providing a powerful boost to Stayner's development as a transport hub.
1872 — Stayner receives official village status due to its population and economic growth.
1888 — Stayner is incorporated as a Town, solidifying its status as the area's commercial center.
1889 — Creemore is incorporated as a separate village, preserving its unique atmosphere.
1940 — Construction of the Edenvale Aerodrome, which became an important piece of the region's aviation infrastructure.
1987 — Foundation of the famous local brewery, Creemore Springs, which became one of the region's signature landmarks.
1994 — Formation of the modern Township of Clearview through the merger of the Town of Stayner, the Village of Creemore, and the Townships of Nottawasaga and Sunnidale.
2000s — Active development of tourism, including the creation of new park zones and the hosting of annual festivals.
Milestones
Development Stages and Their Impact on the Region
The evolution of Clearview is a journey from scattered agricultural communities to a unified municipality with a developed infrastructure and a unique cultural code. Key development milestones have shaped the township's modern economic and urban landscape.
The 19th-Century Railway Boom. The laying of tracks through Stayner transformed the settlement from a logging camp into a major commercial hub. Significance: This enabled the export of grain and timber to external markets, stimulated the construction of elevators and hotels, and shaped the historic town center we see today.
Establishment of the Agrarian Economy. The cultivation of fertile lands in the townships of Nottawasaga and Sunnidale cemented the region's status as an important agricultural center in Ontario. Significance: Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy today, and the preservation of farmland prevents haphazard urbanization, maintaining the pastoral scenery.
Opening of the Creemore Springs Brewery (1987). The launch of local craft beer production in an old hardware store building was a turning point for the village of Creemore. Significance: The brand attracted tourists and investors, revitalized the main street, and acted as a catalyst for a cultural renaissance, turning Creemore into a popular tourist destination.
Administrative Reform of 1994. The merger of four municipalities (Stayner, Creemore, Nottawasaga, and Sunnidale) into the single Township of Clearview. Significance: Pooling resources allowed for optimized management, improved road infrastructure, and the creation of a unified development strategy balancing the interests of urban and rural residents.
Revitalization of Edenvale Aerodrome. The transformation of a former mid-20th-century aviation training site into a civilian airport and business park. Significance: The facility became a magnet for aviation businesses and private aviation, creating new jobs and diversifying the regional economy.
Development of Recreational Infrastructure. The creation of a network of trails (such as the Bruce Trail) and park zones in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Significance: The shift toward an "experience economy" attracted new residents seeking a work-life balance and stimulated growth in the service and hospitality sectors.
Architecture
Architecture and Urban Landscape of Clearview
The urban structure of Clearview is a classic example of the development of rural Ontario settlements. Instead of a single urbanized center, the region combines several historical hubs surrounded by farmland. The architectural character was primarily shaped in the 19th and early 20th centuries, preserving an atmosphere of "good old Canada" with a prevalence of low-rise buildings and the extensive use of red brick.
Architectural Styles and Historical Eras
The development of the settlements within Clearview clearly reflects their periods of economic prosperity. The main stylistic directions correspond to historical milestones as follows:
Victorian Era (mid to late 19th century). This is the "golden age" of local architecture.
Styles:Gothic Revival and Italianate.
Key Features: Pointed arches, decorative cornices, tall narrow windows, and the use of local red brick. This style dominates church architecture and historic residential estates.
Edwardian Era (early 20th century). A period of stabilization and simplified forms.
Style:Edwardian Classicism.
Key Features: More restrained facades, symmetry, wide porches, and large windows. Often found in administrative and commercial buildings of that time.
Rural Vernacular (19th–20th centuries). Traditional architecture without a pronounced stylistic flair but with high functionality.
Type: Farmhouses and barns.
Key Features: Simple forms, gabled roofs, and the use of wood and stone. Historic barns are an integral part of the landscape outside the urban centers.
Landmark Districts and Buildings
Clearview's character is defined not by individual monuments, but by cohesive historical ensembles preserved in the settlement centers.
Historic Downtown Creemore (Mill Street).
Mill Street is considered one of the most picturesque streets in Ontario. It boasts a preserved ensemble of late 19th-century commercial buildings. Brick storefronts with large display windows and decorative parapets create the cozy atmosphere of a Victorian village.
Downtown Stayner.
Stayner's architecture is more eclectic, reflecting its history as a railway hub. Here, one can see examples of commercial blocks with flat roofs and decorative brickwork typical of Ontario market towns from 1880–1900.
Churches and Temples.
The tallest and most architecturally expressive landmarks are the local churches (such as the Anglican and Presbyterian churches) built in the Gothic Revival style. Their spires serve as visual landmarks within the low-rise cityscape.
Notable People
Notable Figures of Clearview
The history of the Clearview region is inextricably linked with the names of pioneers, entrepreneurs, and cultural figures who laid the foundations of local settlements or brought fame to the area through their achievements.
Edward Webster Settlement Founder, Publisher
A key figure in the history of the village of Creemore. In 1842, Webster purchased land in the area and founded the settlement. It was he who gave it the poetic name "Creemore" (from the Irish croí mór — "big heart"). Webster also published one of the region's first newspapers, contributing to the community's informational growth.
Sutherland Stayner Landowner, Benefactor
The son of a wealthy merchant whose activities predetermined the fate of the town of Stayner. In the mid-19th century, he acquired extensive land parcels in the area where the railway was being laid. In 1857, when the trains arrived, the railway station and the settlement that grew around it were named in his honor, securing his name on the map of Ontario.
Fred Waghorne Hockey Referee, Sports Innovator
A legendary figure in the world of hockey and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Waghorne lived in Stayner and left a significant mark on sports history. He is known as the man who, in the early 20th century, introduced the use of the whistle by hockey referees (previously bells were used), revolutionizing the way the game was managed.
John Patton Entrepreneur, Brewery Founder
The man who gave the region its "second wind" in the late 20th century. In 1987, he founded the famous Creemore Springs Brewery in an old hardware store building. His visionary approach not only created a successful brand but also turned Creemore into a popular tourist destination while preserving the village's historic character.
Richard Rohmer Major-General, Aviator, Author
One of Canada's most decorated citizens, a veteran of mid-20th-century aviation history, and a well-known author of best-selling political thrillers. For many years, he resided in the Collingwood-Clearview area (Nottawa), actively participating in regional public life and supporting local aviation history.