Since 2016, the Mayor and Council's Milestone Awards have honoured Georgina’s long-standing businesses and families, celebrating their deep roots in the community. These businesses provide valuable products and services, drive job creation and support local causes, contributing to the Town's growing economy. These awards are given out alongside the Georgina Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards.
This year, the focus was on businesses with more than 20 years of operation, businesses that are dedicated ambassadors for Georgina and who have strengthened its reputation.
Dr. Woodley, Georgina Veterinary Clinic
For more than 40 years, the Georgina Veterinary Clinic has provided compassionate, high-quality animal care. Founded in 1984 by Dr. Lawrence Woodley, the clinic has grown from a small practice to a comprehensive facility. Dr. Woodley, inspired by his childhood on a family farm, took over a temporary clinic on Dalton Road, eventually relocating it to its current site on Highway 48.
Dr. Woodley’s dedication has guided the clinic’s growth from a four-person team to 19 staff. The clinic’s commitment to care is reflected in its loyal clientele, many of whom have remained for decades, even travelling from outside Georgina for its trusted atmosphere.
The clinic’s unwavering commitment to patient care was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the importance of providing comfort during difficult moments, Dr. Woodley and his team set up an outdoor gazebo to allow owners to be with their pets during end-of-life moments. “We wanted to ensure our clients and their pets had that support, even during such a challenging time,” he shared. This dedication to both animals and their owners has built a strong foundation of trust and loyalty, with many clients remaining with the clinic for decades.
Recent investments in advanced tools like a dental suite, ultrasound and digital X-rays ensure comprehensive in-house care. To better serve their patients, the clinic recently added a new dental suite, complete with a state-of-the-art dental X-ray machine. This allows the clinic to add to their comprehensive range of services, reducing the need to refer patients elsewhere. “We want to provide complete care,” says Dr. Woodley. “Our goal is to give owners the answers they need to make informed decisions for their pets.”
The clinic’s dedication extends beyond household pets to local wildlife, as Dr. Woodley also volunteers his time with Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge, where he sits on the board. The clinic also supports local sports teams, and Dr. Woodley provides services to the OSPCA and the Animal Welfare Society.
The Georgina Veterinary Clinic is a valued community presence, exemplifying care, compassion, and a legacy of trust in every service it provides.
Keswick Home Hardware
From a modest start to becoming a thriving business deeply connected to the community, Steve Clee’s journey with Home Hardware in Keswick is an inspiring tale of entrepreneurial spirit and dedication.
Taking over in 2002, Steve inherited a store with deep roots, evolving from Dominion Hardware to Home Hardware in the late 1980s. Initially housed in a 4,700-square-foot space on Simcoe Street, Steve built a new building and expanded to the 13,500-square-foot facility in Keswick’s south end, driven by a commitment to meet community needs.
Steve, with a background in the industry, saw Keswick’s growth potential and invested in more than just a business. Within five years, he quadrupled sales by prioritizing customer service and tailoring inventory to local needs.
Today, the store employs between 14 and 20 staff members, many of whom have been with Steve for more than 10 years. He takes pride in training his team to deliver personalized customer assistance, offering practical knowledge on everything from plumbing to product recommendations. “We always go above and beyond,” Steve shares, emphasizing the store’s unique approach to equipping employees and serving customers.
Beyond the store, he volunteers as a firefighter and has spearheaded community initiatives like toy drives, charity fundraising, and building an annual outdoor ice rink.
For Steve, success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about fostering a business and community that grow together. "I want to give back to the community that supports us," he says – a mission he fulfills daily, both inside and outside the store.
Dr. McNeil, Keswick and Dalton Road Veterinary Clinics
For nearly 40 years, Dr. Michael McNeil and his wife Andrea have been integral to Georgina’s veterinary community, offering compassionate animal care and building strong bonds with pet owners.
They opened the first clinic in Sutton on Dalton Road, and as Georgina grew expanded, opened a second location in Keswick to better serve the community.
Originally from Nova Scotia, Dr. McNeil was drawn to Georgina for its affordable real estate, proximity to the lake and its welcoming small-town vibe. He and Andrea, who met in veterinary school, quickly fell in love with the community. Beyond caring for animals, they cherish the relationships built over decades, saying, “Helping the animals is a big factor, but getting to know the people is what keeps us going.”
A team of six full-time staff ensures accessible, personalized care tailored to each patient. Dr. McNeil emphasizes their commitment to quality medicine and finding solutions that work best for each family.
Beyond veterinary care, they have built lasting community ties. Dr. McNeil has coached youth sports, and the clinic supports initiatives like the Farley Foundation and the CNIB.
For the McNeil’s, life in Georgina is about connection. Helping animals is important, but it’s the relationships with people that keep them going. They reflect fondly on their decades of impact and are grateful for the bonds they have formed.
Prosser’s Garage
Prosser’s Garage has been providing mechanical expertise to Georgina and surrounding areas since 1976. Founded by Scott Prosser, the garage began in a rented space in Sutton before relocating in the late 70s to its current location on Old Homestead Road. Major expansions in the 2000s added a larger shop and administrative offices, reflecting the business’s growth alongside the town.
Scott’s mechanical journey began at 16, quickly earning certifications in automotive and heavy-duty truck mechanics. A self-taught welder and Diamond T Trucks enthusiast, Scott was renowned for his work ethic and expertise. As a Cummins dealer, he became a trusted expert on Cummins engines, even advising Cummins Canada. His knowledge of Diamond T Trucks drew enthusiasts from throughout North America.
From its modest start with Scott, the garage now employs 10 skilled staff. Scott’s influence extended beyond his technical skills; he mentored countless employees, shaping their careers. Many returned to express gratitude during his illness, highlighting his lasting impact.
Rooted in Georgina for seven generations, Scott’s legacy lives on through his staff, who continue to operate Prosser’s Garage. More than a business, it stands as a tribute to Scott’s dedication, innovation and commitment to the community.
Sutton Home Hardware
In 1991, during a tough recession, Dave and Anita took a leap of faith to purchase a Home Hardware store in Georgina, driven by a shared ambition to work for themselves and build a future for their young family. It was the scenic lakeside location and the nearby provincial park that brought in hundreds of thousands of visitors annually which added to the appeal of the area.
Despite economic challenges, their focus on reliability and customer service quickly built a loyal clientele. By ensuring the store was always stocked with essentials, they earned a reputation for dependability. As the business grew, they built a new facility on Dalton Road, relocating to a larger, custom-built space in 2008. Today, with a team of 25 to 30 employees, they’ve fostered a supportive, family-like workplace culture, empowering staff to solve problems independently.
Deeply committed to Georgina, the business supports local sports teams, the food bank, Georgina Cares, Hospice Georgina and the Santa Claus parade.
Dave and Anita’s dedication to excellent service, community involvement and workplace empowerment has made their store an integral part of Georgina, reflecting their values and love for the community they call home.
Erwood Air – Heating and Air Conditioning
Erwood Air has become a trusted provider of heating, cooling and air management services in Georgina for 25 years. Founded by Beric Erwood, the company has grown from a two-person operation to a thriving business with up to nine employees, focusing on local projects to support work-life balance and community ties.
Beric's journey began more than 30 years ago in sheet metal before training in refrigeration and gas fitting. Seeking to serve his community directly, he launched Erwood Air in 1999.
Erwood Air has a loyal customer base, built largely through word-of-mouth referrals and repeat clients. What truly sets them apart, though, is their dedication to honesty, quality workmanship and comprehensive customer support. “Our slogan is ‘We care,’” says Erwood. “We don’t pressure people or try to upsell them. We educate them, helping them make the right choice for their needs.” This philosophy of no-pressure, customer-focused service has been central to Erwood Air’s success and reputation.
Beric fosters a teaching culture within his team, training employees in installation and service to develop well-rounded skills. This approach has retained employees, some for more than 15 years. With his son joining the team and preparing to lead, the company is poised for future success.
As it marks 25 years, Erwood Air exemplifies resilience, quality and dedication, continuing to meet residential and commercial HVAC needs with professionalism and care.
Michael Smith Planning Consultants
For decades, Michael Smith has been instrumental in Georgina’s growth. His journey began as a draftsman for York Region, where he mastered the art of map-making. His talent and passion propelled him into planning, eventually leading him to serve as a York Region Planner and later Director of Planning and Development Services for Georgina in the late 1970s. During this tenure, Michael played a pivotal role in shaping foundational documents such as the Official Plan and zoning bylaws, setting the stage for decades of thoughtful growth.
In 1988, Michael transitioned to the private sector, founding a consultancy that continues to influence planning and development throughout Georgina and beyond. Serving many municipalities, his firm has left an indelible mark on the region. Notable local projects include Ainslie Hill and Hedge Road Landing, key developments that reflect Michael’s vision of balanced growth that fosters community and preserves Georgina’s unique character.
A hallmark of Michael’s career is his unwavering commitment to ethical planning. He chooses to champion initiatives that benefit the broader community. His dedication extends to pro bono work for nonprofits like CNIB, Shades of Hope, church groups and shelters, reflecting a heartfelt commitment to helping those in need.
Michael’s leadership extends beyond his consultancy. In 2012, he founded the Georgina Developers Association (GDA), fostering collaboration between developers and municipal stakeholders. This initiative has facilitated open dialogue on critical issues such as climate change policies and planning, engineering, and tree protection, updates, ensuring a unified approach to Georgina’s growth.
An advocate for education and fairness, Michael conducts seminars for real estate agents, demystifying policies and regulations. His efforts to support small businesses and reduce barriers for developers have earned him widespread respect.
Supported by a dedicated team, including his wife Laurie and son Alex, Michael’s consultancy continues to provide innovative solutions while fostering trust and collaboration. Michael is admired for his composed demeanour, extensive expertise and unwavering commitment to ethical practices. He continues to be a driving force behind Georgina’s development, exemplifying the impact of visionary leadership
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