Caledon, Ontario, is a charming town nestled in the Regional Municipality of Peel in the Greater Toronto Area. With a population of 76,581 as of 2021, Caledon is primarily rural, dotted with hamlets and small villages. It also houses the larger community of Bolton in its southeastern quadrant. The town's name is derived from a shortened form of Caledonia, the Roman name for what is now Scotland.
Caledon's history dates back to 1869 when Belfountain, a village with a population of 100, was established on the Credit River. The town expanded its territory in 1973 when Chinguacousy dissolved, transferring most sections north of Mayfield Road to the township.
The name Caledon was inherited from Caledon Township of Peel County, Ontario, in 1974. It was likely named by settlers like Edward Ellis, who hailed from the area around Caledon, County Tyrone, now in Northern Ireland, or by public voting. In the same year, Peel County's 10 municipalities became the Region of Peel's 3 municipalities, and the Town of Caledon was created.
According to the 2021 Canadian census, Caledon had a population of 76,581 living in 23,699 of its 24,795 total private dwellings. The median age was 40.8 years old, slightly lower than the provincial median of 41.6 years old. The population is almost evenly split between women (49.8%) and men (50.2%).
The largest five ethnic origins of the residents of Caledon are Italian (23.2%), English (13.6%), Indian (12.0%), Scottish (10.9%), and Canadian (10.6%). English is the mother tongue of 65.4% of the residents. As of 2021, 58.5% of Caledon's population was Christian, and 19.3% of the population was non-religious or secular.
Caledon, Ontario, is home to the Alton Mill Arts Centre. Art enthusiasts can also explore the Headwaters Arts and Peel Art Gallery, Museum, and Archives.
Caledon, Ontario, boasts several historical landmarks and trails. These include the Old Township Hall, Millcroft Inn, Alton Mill, and Brick Work Ruins. Nature lovers can explore the Bruce Trail, Caledon Trailway, Canadian Heritage Humber River, Elora-Cataract Trail, Grand Valley Trail, Humber Valley Trail, Andrew's Treasure Trail, and Oak Ridges Trail.
Caledon, Ontario, hosts several organizations, including Freemasonry, Caledon Ski Club, Kinsmen Club Christmas Parade, Columbian Squires, and Knights of Columbus.
Caledon, Ontario, is home to several protected areas, including Albion Hills Conservation Area, Alton Grange Property, Belfountain Conservation Area, Caledon Lake Forest Conservation Area, Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, Glen Haffy Conservation Area, Ken Whillans Conservation Area, Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Area, Robert Baker Forest Conservation Area, Terra Cotta Conservation Area, and Warwick Conservation Area.
Caledon, Ontario, is a hub for sports and recreation. The town is home to junior hockey teams like the Caledon Admirals, Caledon Bombers, and the Caledon Golden Hawks. Lacrosse is represented by the Caledon Vaughan Minor Lacrosse Association. The town also hosted the equestrian events of the 2015 Pan American Games at the Caledon Equestrian Park.
The primary administrative and commercial centre of Caledon is the community of Bolton. Other smaller communities in Caledon include Caledon East, Mayfield West, Alton, Caledon, Cheltenham, Inglewood, Mono Mills, Palgrave, and many more.
Caledon, Ontario, is served by two GO Transit bus routes. Brampton Transit's Route 30 Airport Road buses extend into the Tullamore Industrial Area of the Town of Caledon. The town also has storage and service facilities. Transit services for the elderly, disabled, and infirm are provided by Caledon Community Services Transportation and Transhelp. Taxi service is also available in the Bolton area.
