Midland (Canada 2006 Census population 16,300) is a town located on Georgian Bay in Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. Situated at the southern end of Georgian Bay's 30,000 Islands, Midland is the economic centre of the region, with a 125-bed hospital and a local airport. It is the main town of the southern Georgian Bay area. In the summer months, the area's population grows to over 100,000 with seasonal visitors to more than 8,000 cottages, resort hotels, provincial and national parks in the surrounding municipalities of Penetanguishene, Tiny and Tay. Contents History The town of Midland was founded when, in 1871, the Midland Railway of Canada selected the sparsely populated community of Mundy's Bay as the new terminus of the railway. The town site was surveyed in 1872-3 and the line to the town was completed by 1879. The company sold off lots in town (Midland City) to help finance the settlement.

The village (incorporated in 1878) thrived based on Georgian Bay shipping and the lumber and grain trade. Incorporated into a town in 1890, a number of light industrial companies have established themselves in the area and tourism in the southern Georgian Bay area also contributes to the economy. Demographics Midland had a population of 16,300 people in 2006, which was an increase of 0.5% from the 2001 census count. The median household income in 2005 for Midland was $45,256, which is below the Ontario provincial average of $60,455.

Local attractions In and around the centre of Midland there are a number of murals which were painted by Fred Lenz. The largest is on the silos overlooking the main harbour. Notable sites in or near Midland include the Jesuit mission of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, which is now a living museum depicting missionary life in the 17th century, and the Martyrs' Shrine, a Roman Catholic church commemorating the Canadian Martyrs, five missionaries from Sainte-Marie who were martyred during the Huron-Iroquois wars, and the Huronia museum. Unfortunately, the Indian Village outside the Huronia Museum recently suffered a case of arson, in which one third of the village was destroyed. Reconstruction of the village is now underway and the village has re-opened to the public.

The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is nearby. The marsh provides habitat for Trumpeter Swans, Black Terns and Least Bitterns. The trumpeter swan is considered a symbol of Midland and a large statue of one has been erected by the harbour.

Sports activities Midland is the home of The Midland Flyers Junior Ice Hockey Club of the Georgian Mid-Ontario Junior C Hockey League. Boating, both power and sail, is very popular with a number of marinas and a sailing club based in the town. The town has easy access to the relatively sheltered waters of south eastern Georgian Bay. Among the marinas nearby are Bay Port Yachting Centre on the northwest side of the bay, and Doral Marine Resort along the southeast shore. There is also good fishing. Midland also has an ever growing and active cycling base. The Midland Tri Club has increased the number of road riders in the area. Many of these riders also participate in the popular weekly Time Trial series and group rides that run throughout the summer months. Mountainview Ski Center has also encouraged the growth of mountain bikers, with an extensive trail system in town. The Center hosts a variety of races, including a summerlong weekly series, as well as a night race, high school event, and 9 hour relay. Also, an MTB club has been borne of the Center, and is expanding its breadth into competition and other pursuits. In the winter, snowmobiling and ice fishing are popular activities. Mountainview Ski Centre has a modest elevation but usually a large base of all-natural snowfall and 6 runs and has 25 km of cross country ski trails.

Notable residents * John W. Bald, Photographer * Sarah Burke, Voted Top Female Freestyle Skier, 3X Winter X-games gold medalist * George Chuvalo, Heavyweight Boxer * Adam Dixon, Paralympian (Sledge Hockey) * Herbert Drury, Former NHL and Olympic Hockey player * George Dudley, Treasurer of the Ontario Hockey Association, and the president of the International Ice Hockey Federation * Glenn Howard, World champion curler * Russ Howard, Olympic champion curler * James LaBrie, Vocalist for the progressive-metal band Dream Theater * Alex McKendry, Former NHL Hockey player * John Muckler, NHL coach * David Onley, Former CITY-TV reporter and current Lieutenant Governor of Ontario * Mike Robitaille, Former NHL Hockey player * Born Ruffians, Indie Rock Band * Susan Swan, Canadian Author * Richard B. Wright, Novelist