Welcome Here

Stayner is a village of about 5,000 people and the commercial centre of Clearview Township, which has a total population of around 15,000. It sits in south Simcoe County, roughly 15 minutes south of Collingwood and about 30 minutes west of Barrie by highway. It is a quieter, more affordable alternative to the ski-town bustle of Collingwood while still being close enough to take advantage of everything that area offers.

If you are moving to Stayner or the surrounding Clearview area, this page covers the practical starting points: finding housing, keeping up with local events, understanding the weather, and knowing where to go for schools and everyday services.

Where to Look for Housing

Stayner's housing stock is a mix of older village homes near the main street, some newer builds on the edges of town, and rural properties in the surrounding township. Clearview Township also includes the communities of Creemore, New Lowell, and Nottawa, each with their own character. Compared to Collingwood and the Blue Mountain area, prices in Stayner and Clearview are generally more accessible, though the gap has narrowed as more people look to the area.

Start your search on Realtor.ca for purchase listings. For rentals, check Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and local Clearview and south Simcoe Facebook groups. Housing turnover is slower than in a larger centre, so be patient and check regularly. If you are open to a rural property, the surrounding farmland and country lots can offer more space for the price.

Stayner's main street has basic commercial services, a grocery store, pharmacy, and a few restaurants. Collingwood, 15 minutes north, has larger retail options. For a broader view of housing strategies in small Ontario towns, our housing search guide has useful tips.

Where to Find Local Events

Stayner has a Thursday evening farmers' market during the summer months, held on the main street. It is a good low-key way to meet people and try local produce. The Stayner Kinsmen Fair, held in September, is the traditional community fair with agricultural displays, midway rides, and a parade.

The Clearview Township community centres and the Stayner Arena host recreation programs, hockey, figure skating, and public skating through the winter. Creemore, about 10 minutes west, has its own draw with the Creemore Springs brewery and a lively village atmosphere. Collingwood, 15 minutes north, adds a much wider range of restaurants, shops, festivals, and access to Blue Mountain for skiing and mountain biking.

Check the Clearview Township website for recreation schedules and community event listings. The Stayner branch of the Clearview Public Library runs programs for all ages, including children's story times and adult book clubs. If you are settling into a new community and want to find your footing, our local events guide offers practical suggestions.

Where to Check Weather and Conditions

Stayner sits in the snow belt south of Georgian Bay. Snowfall here is significant, though somewhat less than Collingwood and the Blue Mountain corridor. Expect snow from late November through March, with periodic heavy dumps from lake-effect systems. Winter temperatures regularly drop below minus 10, and wind chill can make it feel much colder on open farm roads.

Use Environment Canada for forecasts and warnings (search for Collingwood or Barrie, both of which cover the Stayner area). Ontario 511 provides highway reports for Highway 26 and Highway 91, the main routes through the area. Simcoe County posts road condition updates during winter storms.

The surrounding area is also known for beautiful fall colour in October and warm, green summers perfect for cycling and exploring the local countryside. If this is your first Ontario winter, our winter prep guide covers the essentials.

Family and Everyday Info

Schools in the Stayner area are operated by the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB). Stayner Collegiate Institute is the local high school, and there are elementary schools in Stayner and the surrounding communities. For secondary Catholic education, students generally travel to Collingwood or Barrie. French immersion is available through SCDSB at select schools in the region.

For healthcare, the nearest hospital is in Collingwood (Collingwood General and Marine Hospital), about 15 minutes away, with an emergency department and outpatient services. There are also medical clinics in Stayner. Family doctor availability is limited across Simcoe County, so register with Health Care Connect through ontario.ca as soon as you can.

The Stayner library is a good community resource, offering free internet, children's programs, and a quiet workspace. The arena is the centre of winter recreation, with hockey leagues and public skating. In summer, local parks and the nearby Pretty River Valley Provincial Park provide trails and green space. Day-to-day shopping is manageable in Stayner for basics, with Collingwood or Barrie for larger trips. For help organizing a family move, see our family moving checklist.