Treasure in the Heart of Halton Hills
Glen Williams is a unique treasure. It’s one of the last remaining hamlets in Ontario – perhaps in Canada – and a village with character and a true sense of community. Life in Glen Williams is reminiscent of simpler days.
Nestled on the banks of the Credit River valley at the north end of Georgetown along the Niagara Escarpment, Glen Williams is part of the Town of Halton Hills, Ontario. Glen Williams is home to many visual artists, contains a collection of artist’s studios, and is a major draw to the area. Glen Williams has a compact community core that includes two restaurants and a café, a Town Hall, parks, churches, and homes. The character of the hamlet of Glen Williams is largely defined by the heritage buildings and natural setting, which help give Glen Williams its distinctive look and feel. Founded in 1825, many of the buildings in the hamlet are original and date back to the 1840s and ‘50s. These buildings help create an environment that is unique and lays the foundation for a remarkable community.
The Credit River flows through the village and extends 90 km from the Niagara Escarpment, emptying into Lake Ontario. Glen Williams is home to many species of birds, mammals, and fish, with the river and nearby conservation areas providing exemplary habitat for several species that have been designated as endangered or at-risk. This Hamlet is a treasure in Halton Hills and needs our care and consideration.
Life in Glen Williams is reminiscent of earlier times. Residents still gather at their local town hall, churches, and schools for neighbourhood celebrations, meetings, and important occasions. It is very much an involved, close knit and cohesive community.
History
“Williamsburgh… is situated on the banks of the Credit, between the ‘everlasting hills’, on a beautiful flat. The business of this village is carried on principally by the sons of the first settler, old Mr. Williams, after whom the place is named.” (Canada Christian Advocate, Hamilton, 19 September 1848)
Nature
Glen Williams is an oasis where nature-lovers can enjoy walks along its many trails, woodland areas and rural roadways. In the spring you will often see fisherfolk casting their lines in the fast moving waters of the river, hoping to catch a Rainbow Trout. The Credit River and its watershed not only serves as “lungs” for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), it provides rich habitat for a wide variety of species of plants, birds, mammals, turtles, amphibians and fish.
Town Hall
In 1870 The Good Templars of Royal Oak Temple approached Charles Williams for a piece of land; they wanted to build a community hall which they could also use for their temperance society meetings. Charles Williams deeded the land to nine trustees to be held in trust for the community and the Glen Williams Town Hall was officially opened on May 24th, 1871.
Over the years, the town hall has housed various societies, church functions, dances, and political meetings; Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery even staged many works in the Town Hall with her Union Dramatic Players. It continues to play an important role in community life, including hosting annual Canada Day celebrations and the Children’s Christmas party.
Arts & Culture
Glen Williams is home to many talented musicians, performers and visual artists. Coffee Houses, Concerts and Pub Nights showcase local residents and their musical talents. Community plays, ghost walks and murder mystery nights delight audiences. And, if that weren’t enough, for over 20 years the original buildings and site of the Williams Mill have been home to a varied collection of artists and artisans. The Williams Mill Art Centre comes complete with a working glassblowing studio and visitors are invited year round to come and watch professional artists at work and to buy their creations.
Churches
Three Churches serve the hamlet of Glen Williams. Our churches have active congregations who share in providing care and support to the community at large. Their presence over the last century has helped Glen Williams to withstand grave losses experienced through two world wars and to share joy in times of celebration. They play a vitally important role in building a strong sense of community to all who live here.
Canada Day
This wonderful annual event attracts people from not only Glen Williams & Georgetown, but also other surrounding communities who come and participate in a free, fun-filled day in Glen Williams. We invite everyone to watch the parade and enjoy the activities, entertainers, musicians, food and crafts in the park. We provide this all free of charge, with the exception of the food and craft vendors.