Through this column, we have tried to inform readers about the six areas of community interest that the GWCA has been investigating since Glen residents came together to re-imagine the role of our community association in 2016. This month, we offer a perspective on how Business and the Arts contribute to the vitality of Glen Williams.
Today many people and enterprises in Glen Williams contribute to the wider Halton Hills Cultural Roundtable objective of enriching community cultural diversity through the arts, culture, heritage and volunteers. Through visionary planning, the physical structures of our founding industries and stores have been repurposed to hold contemporary arts, cultural and business activities. Individuals, entrepreneurs and municipal planning have promoted a cultural vibrancy that is now central to the Glen’s identity.
Under the Glen Williams Secondary Plan, all properties that front on Main St. from Preston’s Store to the Beaumont Mill have a land use designation of Hamlet Community Core. These properties can be used for single family dwellings, B & Bs commercial retail services, office space, tourism and cultural activities. In addition, our Glen residential neighbourhoods allow B & Bs, home occupation and cottage industries.
Anchoring our village core is the Williams Mill Visual Art Centre. Now in its 21st year, this centre with its renowned professional artists and gallery store has helped make Glen Williams an important cultural tourism destination. Like attracts like, and we now also enjoy an antiquarian book shop, a café, an antique store, a home décor store, two new restaurants, and a new fitness studio. They all contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Main Street. And things will continue to evolve in the core, as the Williams Mill considers exciting arts, culture and business opportunities for its next 20 years.
Equally interesting, but hidden, are the Glen’s many small thriving businesses that are home-based. What are you looking for? – certified day care, quilting, art lessons, yoga lessons, hair dresser, massage therapy, accounting services, gardening services, graphic and web design, printing, photography, personal trainer, life coach, chocolatier, beauty and wellness, wood turning, etc. etc.? You will be amazed at what exists in the way of unique commercial and the arts enterprises in the Glen.
To learn more about business and the arts in the village, we invite readers to visit the directory page. We invite local home-based entrepreneurs to contact us to be included in the directory. The Glen Williams business directory is one way that the GWCA can encourage neighbours to support neighbours to be successful.
Arts and culture are important to the lifeblood on any community. The natural and built heritage of Glen Williams has provided us with an extraordinary location for the creation of unique arts, culture and business activities. When residents and visitors engage our artists and frequent our businesses they are adding to the health and vitality of our community. Enjoy our Glen Williams!
Drew Leverette, GWCA
