South Bruce was created in 1999 as part of countywide municipal restructuring. In 1998, the Township of Culross and the Village of Teeswater amalgamated to form the Township of Teeswater-Culross. Similarly, the Village of Mildmay joined with the Township of Carrick to form the Township of Mildmay-Carrick. The following year, both Mildmay-Carrick and Teeswater-Culross amalgamated again to form South Bruce, choosing Teeswater as the seat of the municipality.
The two main population centres in South Bruce are Mildmay and Teeswater. The following communities are also within the municipal boundaries: Carlsruhe, Deemerton, and Formosa.
Known as The Lamplighter Village, Mildmay decorates its main street (Highway 9) with old-style lamps and cobblestone walks. Every December, the Hanging of the Green ceremony celebrates a pre-Christmas tradition. Otter Creek provided power for mills and early industry in bygone days—today it flows through Rotary Park. Here travelers’ can refresh themselves at the ever-flowing artesian well, or explore a 2-kilometre walking trail.
Heritage plays a major part in the scenery in Formosa. Northbound visitors look over the beautiful valley from the former site of Formosa Mutual Insurance Company (established 1880), now the site of the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority. The stately Church of the Immaculate Conception crowns Formosa’s north hill, this architectural gem was built between 1875 and 1883, largely by the volunteer labour of parishioners.
Settlers brought German-Alsatian and Highland Scottish traditions to Carrick and Culross. They founded fine farms on productive land, watered by numerous springs and creeks.
From the Alps of Culross to the hamlets of Carlsruhe and Moltke, names on mailboxes tell of fourth, fifth, and sixth-generation families living the rural heritage. A good way to explore the scenic vistas of rural South Bruce is to follow the "Highland Route" of the Bruce County Driving Tours. Follow the "tree" symbol on signs from Teeswater east to Ambleside and Mildmay, then north to Walkerton.
Early settlers and today’s visitors alike are attracted by the Teeswater River, which flows through its namesake village. A newly created park in the former reservoir allows you to explore walkways in a natural wildlife habitat. Teeswater boasts the best Fall Fair of its class, where the horse show is an annual highlight. Nearby is the home of Teeswater Custom Tractor, the only Canadian maker of detailed farm machinery replicas.
As you travel the many country roads of the Bruce, you’ll see the gleaming stainless steel tankers of the Teeswater Creamery (founded in 1872). They’re headed to Canada’s oldest butter-making facility, now operated by the Gay Lea Co-op.
MUNICIPAL CONTACT INFORMATION
http://www.town.southbruce.on.ca/
Phone: (519) 392-6623
Fax: (519) 392-6266
Email: clerk@town.southbruce.on.ca
Address: P.O. BOX 540, 21 Gordon St E, Teeswater ON NOG 2S0
CHAMBER & BIA
Mildmay Chamber of Commerce
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Mildmay Cheese Haus
http://mildmaycheesehaus.com
Hoity Toity Cellars
http://www.hoitytoitycellars.ca
Mildmay Hanging of the Green
http://www.explorethebruce.com/events-in-bruce-county/Mildmay-Hanging-of-the-Green-14540.php
Annual Toy Show and Antique Vintage Tractor Tour
http://southbrucetourism.org/the-28th-annual-farm-toy-show-sale/
Belmore Maple Syrup Festival
http://www.explorethebruce.com/events-in-bruce-county/Belmore-Maple-Syrup-Festival-14720.php
Teeswater Fall Fair
http://www.teeswaterfair.org
Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority
http://www.svca.on.ca/index.php
Teeswater Highlanders
http://www.libris.ca/pipers/
