Many longtime residents in Georgina can share an experience or tell a story about the history of the Briars Resort and Spa, one of the area's oldest business establishments. Maybe they worked there during the summer, celebrated an important event, saw a play at the Red Barn Theatre or knew of some famous people that were guests. Whatever the connection, there is no denying the Briar’s Resort and Spa is part of Georgina’s fabric, and its existence has had a multigenerational impact on the area.
We stopped by the resort to ask staff to share their perspective on the impact tourism has on the local economy and learn a little more about this important piece of the Town’s history.
Bob Law, Resort Manager, commented on the evolution of the resort and how the community’s growth has changed how they have done business since its beginning as a summer holiday spot in 1942. “I think that the resort has changed a lot since 1988 when I first came here. We used to put on all of the entertainment because this was a small, seasonal community. We had to entertain our guests, but business has changed, and so has the area. As the area has grown, we have more partners, artisans, restaurants, shops and interesting places for our guests. It’s really become a draw for us,” said Bob.
The resort employs up to 100 people or more in the summertime and approximately 70 staff in the winter. During its busiest months in the summer, 30-40 of the 100 positions are seasonal jobs, which employ mostly local residents.
“A lot of people have been employed here over the years—lots of summer jobs. You know, a lot of people wouldn’t have had that work if there was no tourism. You think about not just the Briars, but all the restaurants and places in the area that employ people – it's helped bring some money into the community.”
Mandy Morrison, the resort’s Sales Development Agent, commented on the area’s collaborative business community and how it enhances their offerings, which in turn helps to attract more visitors to the area.
“There is a real sense of support in the community where people really want to see other businesses succeed. There’s a lot of partnerships that go on. We’ve already collaborated with other businesses to put together programs where we can work with each other and offer special programs. What I’ve found is Georgina is a very warm and welcoming community. There are lots of unique experiences that can happen here. What’s really great for us is that we can market our resort as a great all-inclusive property – we have our spa, golf club, great food and beverage, but we can really market this place as a destination because there are so many experiences people can have in the area,” said Mandy.
The perfect destination resort close to Toronto for history buffs
The history of the Briars is one of the things that makes the resort so special. With more than 200 years of heritage, there are a number of fun facts and stories to be shared, which visitors can learn about through one of its history tours.
The land was acquired by Captain William Bourchier in 1819 for his services in the War of 1812 and started as a working farm. The manor house that he built in 1840 is part of the resort today and can be enjoyed by those looking for a quiet corner to read a book in the library or enjoy a meal in the dining room with window views of the grounds and Lake Simcoe.
The property was purchased in 1878 by Dr. Frank Sibbald and remained in his family for 139 years before being purchased by the Lu family in 2017. Mandy noted that one of the things the Sibbald family was happy about was the Lu family cherished the resort and wanted to carry on its heritage and legacy.
About a century ago, people would arrive by horse and buggy down the laneway, which is now the indoor dining room. You can still see the old trees lining where the old driveway used to be. Something you'll be able to see firsthand on a tour.
Many of the buildings on the property that were used nearly a century ago are incorporated into the resort. The Ice House used to house ice from Lake Simcoe, which supplied ice to many households and businesses in the area. The Peacock House, built in 1886, which is protected by the Ontario Heritage Foundation like many of the other structures, housed Dr. Frank Sibbald’s collection of prized peacocks. The windows were built at a precise location off the ground so the peacocks’ feathers could hang without being bent by the floor.
What makes the Briars Resort and Spa a destination tourists enjoy again and again?
The resort is described by many as a tranquil, lakeside getaway only an hour from Toronto. It sees many guests return year after year. Some, now bringing their grandchildren, first came when they were little.
Bob commented on how guests really like the atmosphere and the people who live in the area. “When people come here and find out it’s not Muskoka, they think it’s not so great, and they realize it is great because this is an eclectic community with a small-town feel, and the people are warm and caring. It’s a warm, friendly place. And, that’s what the Briars is all about as well,” said Bob.
Not only does the resort have all the amenities that people expect from an all-inclusive resort, but there are also many unique experiences that visitors enjoy. You can read a book in the old manor library, enjoy scenic Lake Simcoe views from the dock or take a walk down Hedge Road by the water – named after the hedges Dr. Frank Sibbald planted – to name a few.
The resort is happy to welcome locals and visitors back, and is thrilled for guests to enjoy its newly renovated indoor pool when it is safe to do so. They’ve also been working on some great new recreation programming, collaborating with local artisans and fitness instructors to offer some truly unique experiences. For more information on the Briars and its packages, visit briars.ca.
For more information on things to do and where to shop, view the Town of Georgina’s official tourism guide at georgina.ca/Discover-Georgina or in person at the Tourist Information Centre at 20849 Dalton Rd., in Sutton.