Cheltenham
History:
Cheltenham derives its name from Charles Haines, the first settler to establish a homestead in this part of Caledon all the way back in 1822. The Caledon countryside with its rolling hills reminded Haines of his former home in Cheltenham, England. Haines had an opportunity to acquire a prime piece of land in the Town of York, now the City of Toronto. However, he chose Caledon because he was a millwright by trade and recognized the vast potential to build his business by harnessing the Credit River which ran through his property. Haines move proved correct. In their heyday the Haines mills produced 10,000 barrels of flour a year.
By the 1850s Cheltenham had emerged as a thriving village with multiple milling operations, two distilleries, a steam tannery that produced leather goods, a carriage and wagon works and numerous smaller businesses like a blacksmith shop, a cooper and a general store that serviced this industry. There were also churches, a school, a hotel and meeting halls. The railway also played a part in Cheltenham’s history and in the present. The former Canadian National Railway tracks which once traversed this village were lifted in 1992 to form the Caledon Trailway which is now part of the Trans Canada Trail and the Greenbelt Route.
In the early 1900s brick making took over as Cheltenham’s primary industry which lasted right up until the 1960s. Today, Cheltenham’s largest industry is tourism thanks to its historical charm with many well preserved heritage buildings from the 1800s, including the Cheltenham General Store circa 1887, where you can enjoy a fresh roasted coffee or an old fashioned scoop of ice cream, just like the old days.
Overview:
Cheltenham is a small rural hamlet in the south part of Caledon, centred along Creditview Road north of King Street. The Cheltenham General Store is an iconic stone building that anchors the commercial hub of this community at Creditview and Mill streets. The Credit River passes through the centre of this picturesque community on the cusp of the Niagara Escarpment. The Caledon Trailway provides an opportunity to enjoy this beautiful setting. Cheltenham Badlands located just outside of town on the Old Baseline Road is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the GTA. The unique topography of these Badlands is a popular tourist attraction.
Homes:
Cheltenham has a little bit of everything when it comes to housing. There are are heritage homes randomly situated throughout the neighbourhood as well as a large selection of ranch style bungalows. There are also some executive new home enclaves with sprawling lots.
Recreation:
The Caledon Trailway is a multi-use trail that is popular with cyclists, joggers and horseback riders. In the wintertime it is enjoyed by cross country skiers. This trail has connecting point within many of Caledon’s most scenic villages providing plenty of opportunities to stop and get a cool drink, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or maybe even an ice cream cone on a hot summer day.
Arts:
Alton Mill Arts Centre located in beautiful downtown Alton is one of the premiere arts centres in the Greater Toronto Area and the heart and soul of Caledon’s vibrant arts community. Located on picturesque Queen Street the Alton Mills Arts centre is situated inside a historic mill building on the banks of Shaw’s Creek. This arts centre includes 25 studio artists, multiple galleries, a heritage museum, cafes and shops. Alton Mills Arts Centre hosts year round art exhibits, events, art classes, and workshops.
Cheltenham Stats
Walkability:
High
Bikeability:
High
Public Transit:
Low
Affordability:
Low
Greenspace:
High
Recreation:
Medium
Legend: Low, Medium, High
Commute Times
* All commuting times provided are approximate times only. Commute times may increase or decrease depending on where you live within the neighbourhood and the time of day i.e rush hour versus off hour commutes. Time estimates to public transit are based on walking distance or bus line connection whichever is quicker. All other commute times on the chart above are based on drive times.