East Garafraxa

East Garafraxa
Township of East Garafraxa
Location of East Garafraxa within Dufferin County
Location of East Garafraxa within Dufferin County
East Garafraxa is located in Southern Ontario
East Garafraxa
East Garafraxa
Coordinates: 43°51′N 80°15′W / 43.85°N 80.25°W / 43.85; -80.25
Country Canada
Province Ontario
CountyDufferin
IncorporatedJanuary 1, 1850 (Garafraxa Twp.)
IncorporatedJanuary 1, 1869 (East Garafraxa)
Government
 • MayorGuy Gardhouse
 • Federal ridingDufferin—Caledon
 • Prov. ridingDufferin—Caledon
Area
 • Land166.07 km2 (64.12 sq mi)
Population
 (2016)[1]
 • Total2,579
 • Density15.5/km2 (40/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC-5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
Postal Code
L9W
Area code(s)519, 226, 548
Websitewww.eastgarafraxa.ca Edit this at Wikidata

East Garafraxa is a rural township located in Dufferin County, Ontario, Canada, to the west of Orangeville and within relative commuting distance of Toronto, Brampton, Guelph, and Kitchener.

While it is unknown how the name "Garafraxa" came to be, there are a number of theories to its origins:[citation needed]

  • It is derived from an Indigeous word meaning "panther country"
  • Commemorating an old Irish estate or castle
  • From the Scottish stream, the River Garry
  • From Gaelic fraoch garbh meaning "rough heath"
  • From local botany Saxifrage or Sassafras
  • Old English word gara or gar means either a small triangular piece of land or cloth as in a sail, and the Township could be considered part fracta of the Gore, or Gara

East Garafraxa is known for, among other things, its scenic spots, and many people go there to escape from the city.

  1. ^ a b "Census Profile, 2016 Census: East Garafraxa, Township". Statistics Canada. Retrieved June 11, 2019.