Brockton (Ontario)

Brockton is a municipality of about 9800 people (2021) in Bruce County, Southwestern Ontario. It includes Walkerton and the villages in the former Brant and Greenock Townships (Bradley, Cargill, Chepstow, Dunkeld, Eden Grove, Glammis, Greenock, Little Egypt, Malcolm, Maple Hill, Narva, Marle Lake, Lake Rosalind, Pearl Lake, Pinkerton, Portal, Riversdale and Solway).

Understand
The municipality was formed in 1999, by amalgamating the former township of Brant, former township of Greenock and the town of Walkerton. Brockton's name was formed as a portmanteau of the names of three merged municipalities (Brant Greenock Walkerton).

Many Canadians have heard of Walkerton because in May 2000, the water system in Walkerton became contaminated with the highly dangerous E. coli bacteria strain. Nearly half the population fell ill, and seven people died as a result.

By car
From Toronto, take Highway 10 North to Orangeville, then Highway 9 West through Arthur to Teviotdale then North through Harriston, Clifford, Mildmay and Walkerton.

Get around

 * TJ Taxi & Delivery, Walkerton; +1 519-901-1262

Beaches
Beaches at Port Elgin, Kincardine, Southampton or Sauble Beach offer miles of beautiful sand on the shores of Lake Huron.

Port Elgin features a sand beach and harbour just five blocks west of "downtown" on the warm waters of Lake Huron. At the beach you will find landscaped boardwalks, regular band shell concerts, fishing charter boats and a swimming beach for all ages. There is a flea market every Wednesday during the summer, and a miniature 24-gauge steam train that chugs along the harbour and into the picturesque North Shore Park. Play equipment for the youngsters can be found on the main beach as well as North Shore Park. Several beach shelters offer protection from the sun's bright rays for those who love the beach, but prefer to lounge in the shade. There are also benches facing the lake to watch the sunset.

Kincardine Beach is bisected by the river and marina. The southern beach or Station Beach as it is called features a landscaped boardwalk with benches and a gazebo. Giant beach chairs make a great photo opportunity. From the north side of the Pier to Saugeen Street, this small stretch of beach is great for children. Tiny Tot Park, the Snack Bar, washrooms, a covered picnic area (at Dunsmoor Park), lots of shade trees, the Rock Gardens, the Pavilion and Lovers Lane add to the ambiance of this part of the beach.

Southampton Beach features Family Fun Nights each Friday in the sheltered picnic area. Swing sets dot the beach and, of course, kids (large and small) have to stop and try out each one! Benches line the "boardwalk" for sunset viewing and star gazing.

Sauble Beach's over 11 km of pure, golden sands embrace the clean, warm waters of Lake Huron.



Canoe and kayaking
The Saugeen River is one of the best canoe routes in Southern Ontario. Winding 102 km through the scenic countryside and pretty "small-town Ontario", the Saugeen River stretches from Hanover to Southampton, where it empties into Lake Huron.

Local outfitters include Thorncrest Outfitters.

Sailing, power boating and lake fishing
Nearby Port Elgin and Kincardine have deep water harbours and marinas with launch ramps and slips available for transient boaters.

In Port Elgin, the harbour is situated next to the large sand beach, 5 blocks from downtown. The harbour-beach area features landscaped boardwalks, regular band shell concerts, a flea market every Wednesday during the summer, and a miniature 24-gauge steam train that chugs along the harbour and into the picturesque North Shore Park. Then, around the last week of July and first week of August, fisherman from all over come to enter the "CFPS Chantry Chinook Fishing Classic" fishing derby.

Kincardine's harbour stands in the shadow of the lighthouse, famous for the tranquil sounds of the Phantom Piper, which can be heard during July and August, as the sun is serenaded to sleep from atop the lighthouse. The marina is 3 blocks from downtown, and next the beach and boardwalks. During the summer, there is a Pipe Band Parade down the main street, each Saturday evening, followed by a free concert in the park. Around mid May, you can enter the Kincardine fishing derby.

Snowmobile trails
Winter is treasured in Bruce County with over 1000 km of groomed snowmobile trails connecting this long, scenic county. Chepstow is situated at the intersection of Trail 25, from Dunkeld, and Trail B-108, the major local inland trail.

The South Bruce Snowmobile trail in Brockton region consists of a groomed 50 km double trail through woods and fields, accessible at many point along the trail. The 2000 sq ft clubhouse has all facilities including a full-sized kitchen and heated washrooms. Local clubs take care of trail grooming and purchase of trail equipment, signage, special winter events and fundraisers. Snowmobile trail maps and permits are available at the Chamber of Commerce Office or call the Saugeen Snowmobile Club at.

Check out the snowmobiling page on the Bruce County Tourism website for more information on maps, trails and tours.

For updated trail conditions and more information, also check out the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC).

Fishing
Bruce County offers a variety of fishing experiences for almost any angler:


 * river fishing
 * big lake fishing
 * small lake fishing
 * fly fishing

Annual fishing derbies are hosted by communities and conservation clubs. Gear up for your fishing trip at one of the many local tackle shops. Fishing licences (mandatory in Ontario) are available locally and so is the Ministry of Natural Resources Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, which includes everything the angler needs to know about seasons, possession limits and general fishing regulations. Visit the MNR website for an on-line version.

Cycling
Truly a cyclist's paradise. The highways and byways surrounding Chepstow offer some of the best back road, trail and off road riding in Southern Ontario for riders of all types. Quiet back roads, winding trails and scenic vistas around every turn.

Wind surfing
The beach of nearby Port Elgin boasts near perfect wind surfing conditions, whenever there is wind to be had. The shallow waters past the breakwater and off the main beach, provide long runs and exciting wind and wave conditions.

Buy
The towns of Walkerton and Hanover have lots of stores to provide what you need.

There are 2 grocery stores in Walkerton.


 * Murphy's Valumart, 1200 Yonge St.; +1 519-881-2280.
 * Wright's Foodmarket, 125 Durham St. E.; +1 519-881-1021.

Religious services

 * Mary Immaculate Roman Catholic Church, 41 Conc. 6, Chepstow; +1 519-366-2353
 * Knox Presbyterian Church, 208 Cayley St., Walkerton; +1 519-881-1431
 * St. Paul's United Church, 303 Jackson St., Walkerton; +1 519-881-1110
 * St. Thomas Anglican Church, 305 Colborne St., Walkerton; +1 519-881-4414
 * Trinity Lutheran Church, 611 Colborne St., Walkerton; +1 519-881-0010
 * Walkerton Baptist Church, 102 Cayley St., Walkerton; +1 519-881-1964
 * Walkerton Pentacostal Church, Hwy. 9 S., Walkerton; +1 519-881-1831
 * Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 221 Victoria St., Walkerton; +1 519-881-0692

Go next

 * Hanover
 * Kincardine (30 minutes west)
 * London (1½ hours south)
 * Kitchener-Waterloo (1 hour 15 min south)
 * Guelph (1 hour 15 min south east)
 * Orangeville (1 hour east)
 * Owen Sound (1 hour 15 min north)
 * Toronto (2½ hours south east)