Scugog/Clarington
By on Apr 18, 2008
People who love country living close to the city are looking to the Clarington lifestyle?big lots, clear lakes, tall trees, and winding country roads. East of Oshawa along the north shore of Lake Ontario is a collection of communities set in a background of rolling hills and countryside. Clarington is a pretty community, one that has been lovingly called "a work in progress," by its Mayor John Mutton.
More than 80,000 people call the Municipality of Clarington home. Just north of Clarington is Scugog Township - about an hour northeast of Toronto - on the shores of Lake Scugog with Port Perry at its centre. Scugog has a population of over 20,000 and encompasses Port Perry as well as Prince Albert, Blackstock, Nestleton, Caesarea, Manchester, Utica, Epsom, Greenbank, and Seagrave. Both Clarington and Scugog offer a myriad of charming hamlets and small villages, steeped in history with a variety of attractions.
A stroll through the scenic streets of Victorian downtown Port Perry is a shopping experience like no other, akin perhaps to stepping back in time. The shopping and dining experiences here are anything but the cookie-cutter offerings of the city. There is local theatre to enjoy, art galleries, museums, and endless antique shops. Port Perry boasts its own winery, a casino, and an exotic animal park. This is quite the eclectic destination.
Clarington and Scugog are fabulous outdoor places where fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, boating, bird watching, canoeing, camping, golfing, and a host of other sports are available. This is nature at its most glorious, especially on the back country roads where colourful festivals, country fairs, and farmers' markets abound.
One of the attractions found in Clarington is The Bowmanville Museum, a restored period home reflecting the lifestyle of a wealthy merchant family from the years 1901 to 1930. The museum houses a large antique doll and toy collection as well. The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington offers fine displays of art and is free to the public. Another interesting place to visit in this area is the Tyrone Mill?an 1876 water powered sawmill, cider mill, and flourmill. The mill remains operational and visitors can buy fresh baked pies and tarts as well as jams, honey, and ice cream at the store on the premises.
However, what makes Clarington and Scugog so attractive, besides the natural charm and beautiful settings, is its proximity to urban amenities. Communities that belong to both worlds exist in this area. It's an area where one can step back into a quieter life, when nature and family ties were of the utmost importance.
About Scugog/Clarington
Population Municipality of Clarington 80,000; Township of Scugog 20,000
Location Clarington is 50 kilometres east of Toronto, along Hwy. 401 on the north shore of Lake Ontario; Scugog is 60 kilometres northeast of Toronto, by way of Hwys. 401 and 35/115
Highways 401, 35/115, and 2 (King St.)
Airport Regional Airport and Pearson International Airport in Toronto
Public Transit Some GO Transit available
Education The Durham District School Board operates 2 elementary and 1 secondary school; the Durham Catholic District School Board operates 2 elementary schools; the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board operates 18 elementary schools and 3 secondary schools; Post Secondary schools include The University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Durham College with easy access to academic institutions in Toronto.
Emergency Services Clarington: four fire stations throughout area; Scugog Municipal Offices; Fire Protection Services out of Port Perry; 911 area coverage served by Durham Regional Police and Ontario Provincial Police
Tourist/Cultural & Recreation Facilities Five golf courses and two driving ranges; seven conservation areas; downhill and cross country skiing facilities; Clarington Public Library (four branches at Bowmanville, Courtice, Newcastle Village, and Orono); Clarington Museums and Archives (Bowmanville Museum and Clarke Museum & Archives); marinas: Port Darlington, Port of Newcastle; Bowmanville Zoo, Jungle Cat World
