Hanover, Ontario
Encyclopedia
Hanover is a town in the Canadian
province of Ontario
, located in southern Grey County
, west of Durham
and east of Walkerton
on Grey/Bruce Road 4. Hanover marks the border between Grey County and Bruce County
.
The next settler, Christian Hassenjager, arrived a few weeks later. He built his home just south of the current Community Centre. His daughter Hannah was the first white child
to be born in the area.
There is currently a population of 7,147 residents.
Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 3044 (total dwellings: 3192)
Mother tongue:
A new school was opened in 1875, just north of main street. This structure accommodated both elementary students and those studying the first and second years of secondary. Additions were added to the structure in 1884, 1891,1895, and 1905.
Finally, in 1912, a new six room school was built on what is the current site of Hanover Heights Community School. James A. Magee, who had become principal of the previous school in 1905, remained principal for 46 years.
The high school was built in 1924, in the south-west corner of the town, on a site known as Bartrap's Field.
Currently, there are three elementary schools:
There is one secondary school, John Diefenbaker Secondary School, which has about 800 students drawn from Hanover and neighbouring towns and villages.
. The Company expanded its manufacturing base in 1956 by purchasing the existing factory in Hanover. Dickies Canada produces clothing for the work wear industry with traditional matched sets of work shirts and work pants. In addition, the production lines now include jeans and casual wear. Dickies Canada Co. also merchandises a complete outer wear line. Brand names include - Dickies, Kodiak and Terra. A factory outlet has been opened in Hanover. The Distribution Centre/Head Office is located in Toronto. Dickies Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Williamson Dickie Manufacturing Co. of Fort Worth, Texas. Dickies Canada employs 140 local people. In December 2009, Dickies announced that it was closing their manufacturing subsidiary in Hanover, but continuing sales from the Hanover outlet.
, appliance and distribution industries. They currently export 80% of their shipments to markets in North America and Asia
.
, the United States
and Japan
. Hanover-Hearth Cabinets closed their doors December 21, 2006.
, a successful poultry industry leader, has been located in Hanover since 1969. They employ approximately 750 people at their four locations, Hanover, St. Marys
, Ayr
and Kitchener
. Hanover is the home of their hatchery and breeder farms. A division of J. M. Schneider Inc. and a division of Maple Leaf Foods, their products are distributed throughout Canada and also exported to many countries under the J. M. Schneider label. Regular capital injections keep this modern facility up to date.
stocks are grown locally and the balance comes from western Canada. Flour
from the Hanover mill is shipped to bakers, consumers and makers of cake mixes, pasta
and other fast and convenience goods. Products are shipped through the provinces of Ontario and Quebec and various countries around the world. Owned by Parrish & Heimbecker.
. Plans for further improvements and expansion are on-going.
and NorthwesTel – to extend their services to remote areas of Canada. Telesat operates the largest of its 4,000 earth stations
at Allan Park, the nerve centre of its satellite communications network. Located just outside of Hanover, this facility employs over 50 staff to provide technical support for its satellites and networks.
for the entire family
. Also the Hanover Drive in Theatre is one of only 20 remaining drive-in theatres in Ontario.
has something for everyone, from books to computers. The collection includes a large number of books, videocassettes and DVDs, audio cassettes, magazines and newspapers. Audiovisual equipment is available for rent and internet connected computers are available for use by patrons. Library services include quick and in-depth reference; a local history
collection including back issues of The Hanover Post (now published as The Post) and censuses of Grey and Bruce counties on microfilm; pre-school programs; a shut-in material delivery service; French language books; large print and talking books. The library actively participates in the Southern Ontario Library Service giving patrons access to a large selection of audiovisual materials and books through interlibrary loans.
and offers 40 fully serviced campsites. Very popular with town residents, the Hanover Park offers large picnic areas, fishing, a wide variety of playground equipment for children of all ages, and a covered picnic pavilion with kitchen facilities. Many community special events are held in the park providing entertainment and lots of fun for residents and visitors alike. Several smaller parks, playgrounds and baseball
diamonds are located throughout the town.
91.3 FM Bluewater Radio.
The Hanover Post was the local newspaper, first established in 1880 and operated until 2005 when it was merged with three other regional newspapers to form The Post.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
province of Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, located in southern Grey County
Grey County, Ontario
Grey County is a county and census division of the Canadian province of Ontario. The county seat is in Owen Sound. The population was 92,411 in 2006. It is located in the subregion of Southern Ontario named Southwestern Ontario...
, west of Durham
Durham, Ontario
Durham is a community in the municipality of West Grey, Grey County, Ontario, Canada. Durham is located near the base of the Bruce Peninsula.-Location:...
and east of Walkerton
Walkerton, Ontario
Walkerton is a community in the Canadian province of Ontario, located within and governed by the municipality of Brockton. It is the site of Brockton's municipal offices and the county seat of Bruce County...
on Grey/Bruce Road 4. Hanover marks the border between Grey County and Bruce County
Bruce County, Ontario
Bruce County is a county in western Ontario, Canada, and includes the Bruce Peninsula. As of 2006, the population was 65,349. The area was . The county seat is Walkerton, Ontario. It is located at ....
.
History
The first settler in Hanover was Abraham Buck, who in 1849, turned west from the Garafraxa road at Durham with his travelling companion Mr. Jasper. After travelling approximately 11 miles, they came across the Saugeen River. Apparently claiming, "It is good for us to be here," Buck staked his land claim near a jam of logs and debris which provided a risky bridge for travellers and which became known as Buck's Crossing.The next settler, Christian Hassenjager, arrived a few weeks later. He built his home just south of the current Community Centre. His daughter Hannah was the first white child
First white child
The birth of the first white child was a celebrated occasion across many parts of the New World. Such births are a matter of pride for many townships, and they are commemorated with plaques and monuments at the location of the event. The birth was seen as such an honor that it was at times...
to be born in the area.
There is currently a population of 7,147 residents.
Demographics
Population trend:- Population in 2006: 7147 (2001 to 2006 population change: 4.0 %)
- Population in 2001: 6869
- Population in 1996: 6844 (or 6965 when adjusted to 2001 boundaries)
- Population in 1991: 6711
Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 3044 (total dwellings: 3192)
Mother tongue:
- English as first language: 93.5 %
- French as first language: 0.9 %
- English and French as first language: 0.3 %
- Other as first language: 5.4 %
Local schools
The first school was privately operated in the home of the teacher, Mrs. Campbell, on the eastern outskirts of the town (Campbell's Corner). When it became overcrowded, classes were held in the Orange Hall.A new school was opened in 1875, just north of main street. This structure accommodated both elementary students and those studying the first and second years of secondary. Additions were added to the structure in 1884, 1891,1895, and 1905.
Finally, in 1912, a new six room school was built on what is the current site of Hanover Heights Community School. James A. Magee, who had become principal of the previous school in 1905, remained principal for 46 years.
The high school was built in 1924, in the south-west corner of the town, on a site known as Bartrap's Field.
Currently, there are three elementary schools:
- Dawnview Public School,
- Hanover Heights Community school, and
- Holy Family Catholic School.
There is one secondary school, John Diefenbaker Secondary School, which has about 800 students drawn from Hanover and neighbouring towns and villages.
Economy
There are many factories and farms, which are the two major employers of the residents.West Bros. Furniture Manufacturing
West Bros. Furniture is now Hanover’s only furniture manufacturer and a major player in the solid wood furniture market supplying bedroom, dining room, occasional & accent furniture throughout North America, and to External Affairs Canada to furnish the Canadian Embassy residences worldwide. Beginning in 1992 the West Brothers, a family of Ontario furniture manufacturers created a new company located in Hanover.Dickies Canada Co.
Dickies Canada Co., formerly Buckeye Industries, originated in 1920 as Peerless Textiles of TorontoToronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
. The Company expanded its manufacturing base in 1956 by purchasing the existing factory in Hanover. Dickies Canada produces clothing for the work wear industry with traditional matched sets of work shirts and work pants. In addition, the production lines now include jeans and casual wear. Dickies Canada Co. also merchandises a complete outer wear line. Brand names include - Dickies, Kodiak and Terra. A factory outlet has been opened in Hanover. The Distribution Centre/Head Office is located in Toronto. Dickies Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Williamson Dickie Manufacturing Co. of Fort Worth, Texas. Dickies Canada employs 140 local people. In December 2009, Dickies announced that it was closing their manufacturing subsidiary in Hanover, but continuing sales from the Hanover outlet.
Electrical Contacts Ltd.
Founded in 1970, Electrical Contacts Ltd. is a contact material manufacturer, servicing the needs of automobileAutomobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
, appliance and distribution industries. They currently export 80% of their shipments to markets in North America and Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
.
Hanover-Hearth Cabinets
Hanover-Hearth Cabinets (formerly Hanover Kitchens Inc.) was officially founded on June 18, 1952 on the same site of the previously existing two adjacent factories in Hanover. Beginning with only one door style, the company grew to a modern manufacturing facility, offering well over 2,000 possible combinations of styles, woods, finishes and materials. All products were manufactured in the Hanover factories and were sold in CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. Hanover-Hearth Cabinets closed their doors December 21, 2006.
Hanover Racetrack Slots
Ontario's twelfth slots-at-racetrack operation at Hanover Raceway, opened on February 19, 2001. Since opening, the facility has averaged more than 860 patrons daily. Slots at Hanover Raceway is located at 265 5th Street. The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. seven days a week, beginning April 1, 2009. There is no smoking on the gaming floor. Slots at Hanover Raceway is operated and managed by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). Ontario's slots-at-racetrack program ensures the continued viability of the horse racing industry through improved facilities, increased purses, which lead to more horses of better quality, improved racing and more employment throughout the supporting industries. Approximately 70 permanent employees work at Slots at Hanover Raceway. The Town of Hanover receives 5% of the facility's gross slot machine revenue. The funds are used at the discretion of the Municipality. Revenue from Ontario's slots at racetrack facilities as well as charity casinos and lotteries guarantees $100 million annually for the Province's charities. This money is distributed to charities through the Ontario Trillium Foundation.Horizon Poultry
Horizon PoultryPoultry
Poultry are domesticated birds kept by humans for the purpose of producing eggs, meat, and/or feathers. These most typically are members of the superorder Galloanserae , especially the order Galliformes and the family Anatidae , commonly known as "waterfowl"...
, a successful poultry industry leader, has been located in Hanover since 1969. They employ approximately 750 people at their four locations, Hanover, St. Marys
St. Marys, Ontario
St. Marys is a town in southwestern Ontario, Canada. It is located on the Thames River southwest of Stratford in Perth County, and surrounded by the Township of Perth South. The town is also known by its nickname, "The Stone Town", due to the abundance of limestone in the surrounding area, giving...
, Ayr
Ayr
Ayr is a town and port situated on the Firth of Clyde in south-west Scotland. With a population of around 46,000, Ayr is the largest settlement in Ayrshire, of which it is the county town, and has held royal burgh status since 1205...
and Kitchener
Kitchener, Ontario
The City of Kitchener is a city in Southern Ontario, Canada. It was the Town of Berlin from 1854 until 1912 and the City of Berlin from 1912 until 1916. The city had a population of 204,668 in the Canada 2006 Census...
. Hanover is the home of their hatchery and breeder farms. A division of J. M. Schneider Inc. and a division of Maple Leaf Foods, their products are distributed throughout Canada and also exported to many countries under the J. M. Schneider label. Regular capital injections keep this modern facility up to date.
Leeson Canada
Founded in 1978 to provide the Canadian marketplace with AC and DC electric motors LEESON Canada has since grown to become one of this country's major sources for an array of related power transmission components. LEESON Canada operates its own specialized manufacturing plant in Hanover where they produce unusual multi-speed and high-efficiency motors through 350 HP for customers throughout North America.New-Life Mills Limited
New-Life Mills Limited is a modern automated flour mill. The original mill in Hanover, constructed over a century ago, had a capacity to stone grind 10 metric tonnes of wheat per day. The present day mill, with its two milling units, grinds over 500 metric tonnes of wheat daily. Some of the wheatWheat
Wheat is a cereal grain, originally from the Levant region of the Near East, but now cultivated worldwide. In 2007 world production of wheat was 607 million tons, making it the third most-produced cereal after maize and rice...
stocks are grown locally and the balance comes from western Canada. Flour
Flour
Flour is a powder which is made by grinding cereal grains, other seeds or roots . It is the main ingredient of bread, which is a staple food for many cultures, making the availability of adequate supplies of flour a major economic and political issue at various times throughout history...
from the Hanover mill is shipped to bakers, consumers and makers of cake mixes, pasta
Pasta
Pasta is a staple food of traditional Italian cuisine, now of worldwide renown. It takes the form of unleavened dough, made in Italy, mostly of durum wheat , water and sometimes eggs. Pasta comes in a variety of different shapes that serve for both decoration and to act as a carrier for the...
and other fast and convenience goods. Products are shipped through the provinces of Ontario and Quebec and various countries around the world. Owned by Parrish & Heimbecker.
P & H Foods
P & H Foods, a division of Parrish & Heimbecker, operates a turkey processing and further processing plant. This facility has been located in Hanover since 1934 and has operated as a turkey processing plant since 1965. P & H Foods employ 280 plus hourly people and a staff of 25 plus salaried management people. The Hanover Plant processes about 40 million pounds annually and daily volumes embrace about 16,000 turkeys. "Butterball" turkey products are produced at this facility, as well as raw product being supplied to the further processing industry. P & H Foods exports frozen whole and part turkeys worldwide. P & H Foods has invested $8,000,000 within the last seven years in new buildings and equipment because they have continued faith in the Town of Hanover and surrounding district to be able to supply raw materials and labourManual labour
Manual labour , manual or manual work is physical work done by people, most especially in contrast to that done by machines, and also to that done by working animals...
. Plans for further improvements and expansion are on-going.
Telesat Canada
The world’s most experienced satellite operator, Telesat has established itself as a world leader, with over 30 years of experience and a lengthy list of accomplishments that have won international acclaim for Canada. Telesat’s satellites have long played a critical role in bridging Canada’s vast distances. Telesat ushered in the age of satellite communications with the launch of Anik A1 in 1972 – becoming the first company in the world to place a domestic geostationary communications satellite into commercial service. Since then, Telesat has successfully launched 11 more Anik satellites, as well as Nimiq, a new satellite that brings direct-to-home satellite television to Canadians from coast to coast. Telesat also provides voice and data transmission services that enable telephone companies – such as Bell CanadaBell Canada
Bell Canada is a major Canadian telecommunications company. Including its subsidiaries such as Bell Aliant, Northwestel, Télébec, and NorthernTel, it is the incumbent local exchange carrier for telephone and DSL Internet services in most of Canada east of Manitoba and in the northern territories,...
and NorthwesTel – to extend their services to remote areas of Canada. Telesat operates the largest of its 4,000 earth stations
Earth station
A ground station, earth station, or earth terminal is a terrestrial terminal station designed for extraplanetary telecommunication with spacecraft, and/or reception of radio waves from an astronomical radio source. Ground stations are located either on the surface of the Earth, or within Earth's...
at Allan Park, the nerve centre of its satellite communications network. Located just outside of Hanover, this facility employs over 50 staff to provide technical support for its satellites and networks.
Climate
Theatres
The Paramount Theatre, located downtown, provides year-round entertainment with the latest movie releases. The Hanover Drive-In Theatre is located at the southeast edge of Hanover and offers summer entertainmentEntertainment
Entertainment consists of any activity which provides a diversion or permits people to amuse themselves in their leisure time. Entertainment is generally passive, such as watching opera or a movie. Active forms of amusement, such as sports, are more often considered to be recreation...
for the entire family
Family
In human context, a family is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity, affinity, or co-residence. In most societies it is the principal institution for the socialization of children...
. Also the Hanover Drive in Theatre is one of only 20 remaining drive-in theatres in Ontario.
Hanover Public Library
Located in the renovated Civic Centre complex in the centre of town, the libraryLibrary
In a traditional sense, a library is a large collection of books, and can refer to the place in which the collection is housed. Today, the term can refer to any collection, including digital sources, resources, and services...
has something for everyone, from books to computers. The collection includes a large number of books, videocassettes and DVDs, audio cassettes, magazines and newspapers. Audiovisual equipment is available for rent and internet connected computers are available for use by patrons. Library services include quick and in-depth reference; a local history
History
History is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Scholars who write about history are called historians...
collection including back issues of The Hanover Post (now published as The Post) and censuses of Grey and Bruce counties on microfilm; pre-school programs; a shut-in material delivery service; French language books; large print and talking books. The library actively participates in the Southern Ontario Library Service giving patrons access to a large selection of audiovisual materials and books through interlibrary loans.
Hanover Town Park
Hanover Town Park and Campground is located on the banks of the Saugeen RiverSaugeen River
The Saugeen River is located in southern Ontario, Canada, flowing generally north-west about 160 km before exiting into Lake Huron. The river is navigable for some distance, and was once an important barge route...
and offers 40 fully serviced campsites. Very popular with town residents, the Hanover Park offers large picnic areas, fishing, a wide variety of playground equipment for children of all ages, and a covered picnic pavilion with kitchen facilities. Many community special events are held in the park providing entertainment and lots of fun for residents and visitors alike. Several smaller parks, playgrounds and baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
diamonds are located throughout the town.
Local media
Hanover has its own community radio station, CFBW-FMCFBW-FM
CFBW-FM is a community radio station broadcasting at 91.3 FM in Hanover, Ontario, Canada.The station was originally granted a three-year developmental community radio license, and began broadcasting on December 31, 2001...
91.3 FM Bluewater Radio.
The Hanover Post was the local newspaper, first established in 1880 and operated until 2005 when it was merged with three other regional newspapers to form The Post.
Residents of note
- Ryan Bester, a world champion lawn bowler. A street sign named after him called "Ryan Bester Way" is on the same street as the Hanover Lawn Bowling Club on 6th Street.
- Tommy BurnsTommy Burns (boxer)Tommy Burns , born Noah Brusso, is the only Canadian born world heavyweight champion boxer. The first to travel the globe in defending his title, Tommy made 11 title defenses despite often being the underdog due to his size. Burns famously challenged all comers as Heavyweight Champion, leading to...
, one time heavyweight world champion boxer. - Jamie WarrenJamie WarrenJamie Warren, born April 8, 1961 in Hanover, Ontario, Canada, is a country music singer-songwriter, and the most awarded independent male artist in the Canadian country music industry.-Biography:...
, Canadian country music singer. - Brooke Maskell, Canadian National bodybuilding champion.