Glen Williams
History:
The namesake and founder of Glen Williams is Benajah Williams who established a homestead here in 1825. The word “Glen” is Gaelic and means a steep-sided valley, making reference to the Credit River Valley. However the community was known early on as Williamsburg due to the influence the Williams family had in the community during the 1800s when they operated saw and flour mills and later a woolen mill. When Halton County agreed to open a post office in Glen Williams in 1852 they eschewed the name Williamsburg – which they considered to common – in favour of Glen Williams which was more original and would not be confused with place names elsewhere. It is only fitting that the first postmaster was Charles Williams, proprietor of the very successful woolen mill. The Glen Williams Town Hall has been the heart and soul of the community ever since it was built in 1871 on land donated by the Williams family. The Town Hall is operated by a community trust and used for a variety of social and cultural functions from school plays and christmas concerts to dances, and political meetings. The local Temperance Society and Royal Orange Lodge held their meetings here. Some of the more noteworthy Town Hall events were performances by Lucy Maude Montgomery and her theatre troupe, and a travelling medicine show that included a live bear. Editors Note: The former Williams Saw Mill is still standing and today anchors the Williams Mills Creative Arts Studios.
Overview:
Glen Williams is situated in Escarpment Country in a valley setting on the banks of the Credit River. This community is part of the Greenbelt Route and is surrounded by farmland. Sheridan Nurseries operates a 900 acre container farm in Glen Williams that produces more than 800 nursery stock varieties. The Williams Mill Visual Arts Centre located on Main Street is a cherished Halton Hills destination. This historic mill complex includes art studios and galleries. The exhibiting artists are quite often on hand to provide insights on their work. There are also quaint restaurants along Main Street where you can enjoy a meal in a heritage building. Glen Williams residential community hubs include Glen Williams Park, Glen Williams Public School and the historic Glen Williams Town Hall.
Lifestyle:
Glen Williams is a perfect place to shop for that one of a kind antique or that perfect piece of Canadiana Art to rest on your fireplace mantle. After shopping you will want to stop by the Kettle Creek Pub off Main Street. They are known for their home cooked pub style dishes. Their outdoor patio is a local favourite.
Homes:
The older residential section of Glen Williams at the centre of the hamlet surrounding the Williams Mills Creative Arts Studios contains a small collection of beautiful red brick Georgian and Victorian homes. These homes enjoy views of the creek and parkland. The newer residential section in the north part of the hamlet off 10th line contains a luxury new home subdivision consisting of grand manor like homes with stone exteriors and nicely landscaped properties. The elevation is higher in this part of Glen Willimas providing for some beautiful views of escarpment country.
Recreation:
Glen Williams park off Main Street has a field of dreams baseball diamond and an adjacent children’s playground. The Green Belt Route provides cyclists with miles and miles of scenic roadways through Halton Hill’s escarpment country. Georgetown Golf Club Designed by Hall of Fame architect Robbie Robinson, takes full advantage of its picturesque valley setting with elevated tee shots. The Credit River runs through the property adding to the beautiful scenery of this popular golf course.
Arts:
Williams Mill Creative Arts Studios is situated at 515 Main Street in a picturesque valley setting overlooking the Credit River. This arts centre allows visitors to interact with the artists and even purchase a work of art if they wish. Glen Williams Glass located in the rustic blue building features a collective of artists with both a show roon and workshop area for the artists to engage with visitors.
Glen Williams Stats
Walkability:
Medium
Bikeability:
High
Public Transit:
Medium
Affordability:
Low
Greenspace:
High
Recreation:
High
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.