Schomberg, Ontario, a quaint unincorporated village in northwestern King, Canada, is home to a population of 2,656 (as of 2021). Nestled north of the Oak Ridges Moraine and south of the Holland River, Schomberg is easily accessible via Highway 9, Highway 27, and the Lloydtown-Aurora Road. Its main street, York Regional Road 76, is a curved avenue separate from the local major highways.
Originally known as Brownsville, Schomberg was founded by Irish settlers who immigrated to Canada from Pennsylvania, United States. The community was named after its founder, businessman Thomas Brown, who built the community's only flour mill in 1836, stimulating development.
In 1862, the community was renamed Schomberg, a name suggested by Thomas Roberts Ferguson, and its post office was established. The name was likely for The 3rd Duke of Schomberg and 1st Duke of Leinster, a general under King William III of England.
Schomberg has faced its share of challenges, including a devastating flood in 1890 that destroyed buildings and left many residents homeless. Despite these hardships, the community continued to grow and develop. In 1902, the Traders Bank of Canada established the first commercial bank in Schomberg, and in January 1920 the Imperial Bank of Canada established a branch.
Schomberg experiences a continental climate moderated by the Great Lakes and influenced by warm, moist air masses from the south, and cold, dry air from the north. The Oak Ridges Moraine affects levels of precipitation, causing it to rise as an air mass arrives from Lake Ontario and reaches the elevated ground surface of the moraine.
As of the 2021 census, the top three ethnic groups in Schomberg are Italian (31.2%), English (21.5%), and Scottish (17.3%).
Schomberg is known for its annual Schomberg Fair, first held in 1852. This agricultural fair features a variety of events and activities and is held every year on the last weekend in May.
Another popular event is Main Street Christmas, held one evening in December, where residents celebrate the holiday season with carols, hay rides, and ice sculptures.
Schomberg is also home to the Schomberg Cougars, a Junior C hockey team playing in the Georgian Mid-Ontario Junior C Hockey League. The Schomberg Minor Hockey Association and the Schomberg Cougars are tenants of the Trisan Centre.
Schomberg has been the backdrop for several films and television series. The 1970 Canadian film, Homer, was shot mainly in downtown Schomberg. The television series La Femme Nikita also used Schomberg as a stand-in for a fictional town in the American South.
Schomberg's location in northwestern King, Ontario, Canada, makes it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding towns and attractions. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a film enthusiast, Schomberg, Ontario, has something to offer everyone.
