We mentioned binge-watching the Canadian CBC show Still Standing, and how it inspired us to try and visit as many of these small Canadian towns as possible. The show features towns that didn’t fare well due to closure of industry or diversion of highways and railways. Through humour and close encounters with the locals, they hope to bring some new attention to these towns.
So we visit whenever we are in the area of one of these Still Standing towns. We try and buy something, see if they are still standing, and we share our experiences with you all.
Our next Still Standing town, just down the road from Inverhuron, is Teeswater, a rural community in the centre of nuclear waste battle.
The “No Nukes” signs lead up to town and can be found on many properties.
Understandably, the idea of having any form of nuclear waste nearby is not a popular prospect anywhere… Teeswater is one of three locations considered for a deep nuclear waste dumping. The deep bunker would operate for 50 year and then sealed off and abandoned. Who wouldn’t want this in their backyard?
This was back in September. Since then, the deep radioactive bunker may be off the table since the Saugeen First Nations recently rejected the proposal with 85% voting against it.
There is more to Teeswater than nuclear waste. The smell of cow manure whiffs through the air as you stroll through its streets.
It’s a farming community and its farming heritage is evident through public displays of barn quilts,
and did we mention the cow manure aroma in the air?
It is also known for its tractor square dancing. Yup, you heard it right. Tractor square dancing is a thing.
We admired some of the old buildings that dot main street such as the library
and town hall,
and were able to shower this small town with our hard-earned money in return for the pleasure of visiting the town’s creamery.
Teeswater Creamery was first established in 1875 until 1981, when it was sold to Gay Lea, a large dairy co-op owned and operated by Ontario milk producers. Its members represent approximately thirty-five percent of all Ontario dairy farms.
You can buy their products in the store attached,
and we left with a bagful of cheeses and some other yummy treats such as this butter tart.
And this was the last leg of our short Lake Huron road trip. We fell in love in the area, and our next road trip will feature more of the communities along the shores of Lake Huron, coming right after this trip’s summary.
Hope you can follow along. In the meantime, stay safe and be well!
That’s a yummy looking butter tart. It’s a cute little place. Worth visiting. Thank you.
Yeah, we have a bit of a soft spot for butter tarts!
Almost looks like another ghost town. Not a car or person on the street. It’s kind of sad for a place with both a town hall and a library.
That’s true. It’s a bit sleepy, but there was some activity around. I think that Covid and off-season travel helped with the sleepiness though.
Small towns are the best. Each one has a story to tell. We found many small Ontario towns along our 2018 cross Canada trip claiming to have the best butter tarts. Naturally, we had to try them all to verify. Thanks for sharing. Allan
One day we’ll do the butter tart trail! Well, on second thought maybe not the best idea…thanks for coming along!
Learning about the history and sometimes boom and bust of these small towns is always interesting. I look forward to hearing about your journey along the shores of Lake Huron. This summer we hope to explore the small towns along Lake Superior (the U.S. side).
I love those small stories! Looking forward to reading your Lake Superior adventures.
Looks like a cute little farm town. I’d go just for that butter tart!!
I know, right?
Tractor square dancing—with actual music!???? Why does that make me laugh?
Because it is kind of hilarious. That’s why 🙂
what a nice little town; I hope it will still be standing 100 years from now. I am sure that creamery probably makes some great ice cream…
I certainly hope so! I also hope that they won’t be standing on a nuclear waste bunker! I will have to go back there to check on the ice cream 🙂
getting ice cream is a legitimate reason to return to town…
I love this story! I travelled through small town Oklahoma in early 2016 – and saw firsthand why these dying towns are increasing isolated from the rest of America – and how that drives their political thinking…small towns need to survive, but it takes effort – and a partnership between the people and their government…again, a great story!
This is why we try to shine some light on these towns. They are on the brink to oblivion. I’ve seen those towns in rural America that you mention…we drove through some on our trip west a few years ago. I was heartbreaking, and as you say effort, partnerships, and a lot of government goodwill is required. Thanks!
Yes, it’s a shame…here in the US mid-sized cities like Kansas City, Pittsburgh and Nashville are the new hots spots…big enough to feel modern but not so big…maybe the next wave will be even smaller towns as well
Yeah, it’s a shame, but there is hope!
Small country towns can be heart wrenching at times. So many died out completely after the First World War when so many young men went away and never came back. Now they are being wiped out when the big internationals come and amalgamate everything.
It’s sad to see populations dwindle and only a few old people left to guard the place. Some places are able to reinvent themselves, others just limp along as best they can.
PS. Maybe I’ll get Bear and Duck to take a few trips.
I would love to be your ventures tour guide!
What a neat idea! I’m so going to check out that show now. And oh wow does that butter tart look delicious!
Right? Who knew that tractors can dance!
Here you go! Grand Chain!
https://youtu.be/0Y1NnFZ_Jaw
Haha. Thank you!
I grew up in Teeswater and although the Main Street isn’t bustling like it was years ago, it’s a great little town to grow up and raise a family. Teeswater is also home to Canada’s largest rural fair. Love my little hometown
This is great! We love hearing from people who live, or grew up in towns that we write about. We thought that Teeswater was a lovely place and even considered buying a house there during our home search in the area!
The creamery mural is an amazing piece of art and history.
Murals are great and this one is a very fine example of art and history combined!
I love butter tarts! I usually pick some up when visiting Ontario.
They are scrumptious! Thanks for stopping by ❤️