Patio Economy and the Bustling Life of Downtown Elmvale
By Kari Belcourt, North Simcoe Springwater News
There is a sense of nostalgia that greets visitors as they take their first steps into the beautiful historic streets of Elmvale. Children stroll along, admiring the colourful flowers as they make their way to a library activity. Requests for a treat stop are almost a necessity on a warm summer day. Old classmates pass one another, reminiscing about the building that once housed their favourite pool hall after school. They pause to admire the new storefronts before exploring the businesses that now occupy those familiar spaces and continuing their trip down memory lane over a cup of tea.
There is a long history woven into the streets of Elmvale. Years of community gatherings and memories shared with families, friends, neighbours, and visitors have left their mark. The heartbeat of these streets is as strong as ever, where cherished memories meet opportunities to create new ones. Summer in Elmvale is brief but vibrant, and the downtown comes alive with activity.
The Village of Elmvale has undergone remarkable growth over the years. Anyone returning after several years away would immediately notice the improvements that have transformed the community while preserving its small-town character.
The contrast is even more striking when compared with Elmvale’s earliest days. Prior to 1847, the flat lands of Flos Township—where Elmvale, Fergusonvale, and Phelpston now stand, as well as the area stretching west to the Nottawasaga River—were dense wilderness, rarely visited by European settlers.
In 1847, James Harvey emigrated from Northern Ireland and settled along the banks of the River Wye, approximately 1.25 miles east of the present-day village. His son, William Harvey, later served as superintendent of Flos Township schools from 1858 to 1871 before becoming township clerk and treasurer for many years.
Another early pioneer, John Ritchie, arrived from Dumfriesshire, Scotland, with his family in 1849, settling near the Harvey homestead. William Ritchie and Edward Archer followed in 1851. Around 1853, John McGinnis established himself on the north half of Lot 6, Concession 8—land that would later become part of Elmvale. The settlement was then known as the “Four Corners.”
Additional families, including the Straths, Grahams, Patersons, Dickeys, Drysdales, Lambies, Kerrs, and Malcolms, soon followed. Gabriel French was another prominent early settler, establishing himself on the high ground northeast of Elmvale, where many of his descendants remained for generations.
Over the following years, these pioneering families cleared the forest, cultivated the land, and built homes, laying the foundation for a thriving agricultural community. Around 1859, Thomas Stone opened the first general store at the Four Corners, followed a few years later by a second store operated by Joseph Lambie.
The community’s first Presbyterian church was built in 1864 beside the cemetery east of the village, where many of Elmvale’s earliest settlers were laid to rest.
Elmvale’s first major period of growth came with the arrival of the North Simcoe Branch Railway in 1879, creating new opportunities for trade and transportation.
In 1887, G. Copeland & Sons constructed a flour mill capable of producing 150 barrels of flour each day. The attached grain elevator held 30,000 bushels of wheat, reflecting the importance of agriculture to the local economy.
Much of the township’s early history was preserved through local publications. Wm. Rowley Sr. contributed an article titled Early Settlers of Flos to the Elmvale Lance on Sept. 27, 1906, followed by a broader township history in the Dec. 13, 1906, edition.
Elmvale was officially established as a Police Village through a bylaw passed by County Council in June 1894, marking an important milestone in the community’s development and local governance.
Today, Elmvale stands as a vibrant community where small-town charm meets rich history, thriving local businesses, and year-round celebrations. Originally known as Elm Flats, downtown Elmvale has been the heart of the community for nearly 200 years. Its streets are lined with unique boutiques, locally owned restaurants, professional services, artisan shops, and welcoming businesses that reflect the village’s strong community spirit.
From June through August, the Elmvale Farmers’ Market fills the downtown with fresh local flavours and entertainment. Built on the philosophy that vendors must “make it, bake it, or grow it,” the market offers seasonal produce, handcrafted goods, baked treats, maple syrup, and much more.
Community remains at the heart of life in Elmvale. Residents enjoy baseball, pickleball, cycling, swimming, splash pads, parks, walking trails, and playgrounds throughout the warmer months. Colourful hanging flower baskets, popular Bike Nights, and the memorial banner program all contribute to the welcoming atmosphere that draws people downtown.
One of the biggest additions to downtown life in recent years has been the growth of local patios.
99 Bottles has opened its summer patio, welcoming visitors with a new culinary experience in the heart of Elmvale. Its selection includes beer, wine, spirits, seltzers, non-alcoholic beverages, coffee, lattes, appetizers, snacks, and easy-to-prepare meals. Throughout the season, the business also hosts karaoke, open mic nights, culinary experiences, pairings, and tastings.
Owner Abbey Warren said the patio has become much more than an outdoor seating area.
“Not only is it fabulous to sit out and enjoy a cold beverage on a hot day, but it also gives people the chance to interact with each other. Just the other day I witnessed two friendships begin simply because they were sitting on the patio and a passerby sparked a conversation. This kind of thing brings me such joy!”
Steelers has also opened its expansive patio for the season, creating additional event space for community favourites such as the weekly Bike Night, which brings more than 100 motorcycles to Main Street every Wednesday throughout the summer.
Owner Susan Gilson said the patio not only beautifies the downtown but also creates a welcoming space for customers and their pets while significantly increasing business during the busy summer months.
The Palace Tavern will once again open its side-alley patio during the summer months for its weekly Jam Night. Guests can enjoy the colourful murals, classic rock, and a cold drink while taking in another summer evening in downtown Elmvale.
Owner Francis Horgan said the patio has become a gathering place for both residents and visitors. While locals regularly enjoy the space, he noted that seasonal visitors account for nearly three times the patio’s revenue during the summer months.
“There is a financial spin-off to the other businesses in town while people are enjoying the patio,” Horgan said. “They are discussing visiting the other businesses in town.”
He added that the patio encourages visitors to spend more time downtown, benefiting neighbouring shops, restaurants, and local businesses.
Ward 1 Councillor and Elmvale BIA member Matt Garwood said the growth of downtown patios reflects the village’s continued investment in its business community.
“In recent years, Elmvale has experienced meaningful growth, with renewed investment and energy bringing Queen Street to life,” Garwood said. “The revitalization of the BIA has played a key role in strengthening that momentum and connecting our business community.
“Our expanding patio culture, both on Queen Street and beyond, is a big part of that. Whether you’re at 99 Bottles, The Palace, or enjoying the outdoor oasis at Steelers, these spaces bring people together. Supporting local businesses has never been more important, and patios create opportunities for residents and visitors to stay longer, explore more, and directly contribute to the success of our downtown during the summer months.”
His comments echo those of local business owners, who say the growth of outdoor patios has created more than additional seating—it has strengthened Elmvale’s downtown economy, encouraged visitors to explore neighbouring businesses, and reinforced the sense of community that continues to define the village.
As patios fill with conversation, live music, and visitors, they have become an important part of Elmvale’s summer economy. They encourage people to spend more time downtown, support local businesses, and create the community connections that have long defined the village.
Elmvale offers more than places to shop or events to attend—it offers a way of life. It is a place where history is honoured, neighbours support one another, businesses thrive, and traditions continue to grow. Whether you’re here for a weekend, a festival, or a lifetime, Elmvale invites you to discover its story—and perhaps begin writing your own.