Collingwood’s Creative Community – Simcoe Street
Simcoe Street, Collingwood has become a hub for the creative community in downtown Collingwood, hosting more than 25 independent artistic businesses including artist studios, a theatre, a dance and music school, two galleries, several cafes and a food co-op.
The Historic Tremont Building at 80 Simcoe Street was saved from demolition by the Collingwood Branch of the Architectural Conservatory of Ontario (ACO) and was purchased by Richard (an avid preservationist) and Anke (a ceramicist) Lex. Reopened in the fall of 2010, the first floor is home to the popular Tremont Cafe, while 12 individual artist’s studios make regular use of the second level. A separate building at 65 Simcoe Street houses a variety of creative and culinary businesses ranging from a theatre and dance studio to a farm-to-market enterprise and cafe.
Galleries – Simcoe Street houses several galleries including the Tremont’s Hall Gallery and Studio Gallery (both at 80 Simcoe Street), as well as the Press Gallery located in the old newspaper building at 65 Simcoe. The Tremont Studios and the Tremont Annex Studios are open to the public, allowing you to meet the artists or view and purchase work. Hall Gallery and Press Gallery host art shows and are open to the public in that capacity.
Simcoe Street Galleries Website
The Tremont Cafe 80 Simcoe Street 705-293-6000 – Offering Bistro style dining in a bright and intimate setting, the Tremont Cafe serves up fresh, French-inspired cuisine and a “fabulous wine list for pairing with creative lunch or dinner menus featuring locally sourced ingredients”. Open 11am – 10pm and closed on Tuesdays.
Tremont Website
Paperwhite Flowers and Framing 80 Simcoe Street 705-445-3306 – Known for gorgeous floral designs and wonderful party/holiday decor, Paperwhite delivers throughout Collingwood and the surrounding area as well as providing custom framing, tablescaping and wedding services within the same geographic boundary.
Paperwhite Website
Simcoe Street Theatre 65 Simcoe Street – An intimate 100 seat black-box studio, the theatre is an ideal venue for showcasing anything from concerts and lectures to private functions or workshops. And is available for both short and long term rentals. For additional rental information or booking information contact simcoestreettheatre@gmail.com
For upcoming shows and events – Simcoe Street Theatre Website
Fleet-Wood Dancentre 65 Simcoe Street 705-446-1568 – An active part of the community for over 21 years, Fleet-Wood offers a wide range of instructional and competitive dance classes. Parents are welcome to enjoy viewing their child’s class via a live video feed available in the Press Gallery.
For more information visit Fleet-Wood Website
Simcoe Street Books 65 Simcoe Street 705-293-0329 – The latest addition to the creative neighbourhood, Simcoe Street Books is an independent book shop specializing in new and current books, art, gifts, magazines and cards. Simcoe Street Books is a sister store to Curiosity House Books in Creemore. Open 10am-4:30pm during the week, 10am-4pm on Saturdays and closed Sundays and Mondays.
Simcoe Street Books Website
Collingwood Community Food Co-operative 65 Simcoe Street 705-444-6200 – CCFC is a farm-to-table-market and kitchen and is intended to be a one stop shop for fresh, local, organic and artisanal food within the Collingwood community. The store is open to the public but memberships are available and encouraged! CCFC is member owned, operated, and managed.
News & specials and event information: Collingwood Co-op Website
Creemore Coffee Studio 65 Simcoe Street 705-444-7633 – The Studio is a cozy cafe dedicated to “the Art of Coffee”. Featuring speciality roasted coffees, gourmet teas and delicious bakedtreats, the menu can accommodate most dietary restrictions. The studio is open 7 days/week and provides great customer service in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Creemore Coffee Studio on Facebook
