Community Update
Fort Willow: Preserving Springwater’s History
Located in Ward 4 at 2714 Grenfel Road, Fort Willow is one of Springwater’s significant heritage sites, connecting visitors with centuries of local history.
Long before European settlement, Indigenous Peoples used the Nine Mile Portage as a transportation route linking Lake Simcoe, Willow Creek, the Nottawasaga River and Georgian Bay. Fur traders and French explorers later travelled the route. During the War of 1812, the site became a British supply depot, helping move people, equipment and supplies toward Georgian Bay and the western Great Lakes.
Archaeological work continues to deepen our understanding of the site. Excavations have identified structures, including barracks, a cookhouse, blacksmith’s shop, stable, commandant’s house and brick kiln. Springwater Council has supported this work, including funding assistance for the St. Joseph’s High School archaeological program. Students combine classroom study with supervised excavation led by a licensed archaeologist.
Council has most often supported the Festival at Fort Willow, which traditionally brings the site to life through historical demonstrations, displays and reenactments. Hoping to see the return of this great event in September 2026
Visitors can explore the timber outlines and interpretive displays, take a self-guided audio tour, picnic, or connect with the Ganaraska, North Simcoe Rail and Trans Canada trails.
Preserving Fort Willow ensures that future generations can continue learning from this historic place in our own community. Fort Willow is open year-round, daily from dawn to dusk – please come to visit