Midland, Ontario, is a charming town nestled on Georgian Bay in Simcoe County, Canada. As part of the Huronia/Wendat region of Central Ontario, Midland serves as the economic hub of the region, boasting a 125-bed hospital and a local airport, the Midland/Huronia Airport.
The town of Midland was founded in 1871 when the Midland Railway of Canada selected the sparsely populated community of Mundy's Bay as the new terminus of the Midland railway. The town site was surveyed in 1872–3, and the line to the town was completed by 1879. The convenience of rail service attracted settlers to the area, and the town thrived on Georgian Bay shipping and the lumber and grain trade. Today, a number of light industrial companies have established themselves in the area, and tourism also contributes significantly to the economy.
On June 23, 2010, Midland was struck by an F2 tornado, causing $15 million in damage. The most significant damage was reported at Smith's Camp, a trailer park at the south end of the town. Despite the severity of the storm, there were no fatalities, demonstrating the resilience of the Midland community.
Midland is located at the south end of the Georgian Bay and is the northern anchor of Simcoe County. The town experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, similar to much of Southern Ontario. Thunderstorms, hailstorms, snowstorms, lake effect snow, and freezing rain are common, adding to the town's diverse weather patterns.
Midland is home to a number of murals, most of which were painted by the now-deceased artist Fred Lenz. Notable sites include the Jesuit mission of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, the Martyrs' Shrine, and the Huronia Museum. The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is also nearby, providing habitat for various bird species.
The town also hosts an annual Butter Tart Festival, which attracts many tourists. Little Lake Park and the Midland Cultural Centre are other popular destinations, offering a variety of cultural and recreational activities.
Midland is home to The Midland Flyers Ice Hockey Club and the Midland Minor Hockey Association. Boating, fishing, and cycling are also popular activities. In the winter, residents and visitors enjoy snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing at the Mountain View Ski Centre.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Midland had a population of 17,817 living in 7,849 of its 8,295 total private dwellings, a change of 5.7% from its 2016 population of 16,864.
Midland is served by the Simcoe County LINX inter-community bus service on its Route 1 - Penetanguishene / Midland to Barrie, providing convenient transportation for residents and visitors alike.
