Every year, the Mayor and Council’s Milestone Awards shine a light on seven of Georgina’s long-standing businesses that have shaped our local economy, strengthened our neighbourhoods and contributed to the character of our community. Since 2016, these awards have honoured the history, dedication and community spirit of Georgina’s businesses and families.
This year, we celebrate businesses that have been operating for more than 20 years, true ambassadors for Georgina whose legacy extends far beyond their storefronts and operations. Their longevity reflects resilience, commitment and a deep connection to the people they serve. Below, we proudly highlight the remarkable 2025 Milestone Award recipients.
Pollard’s Auctions: A Georgina tradition for more than 60 years
Few businesses reflect Georgina’s heritage quite like Pollard’s Auctions, one of Ontario’s longest-running auction barns. For decades, the Pollard family barn buzzed with activity. Weekly sales, major antique events and crowds that filled the building, the yard and often the road outside became a familiar tradition in community life.
Today, Dan and Sheila continue the legacy, supported by their three children who have helped with nearly every aspect of auction days, from clerking to running sheets. As in-person events shifted and the pandemic reshaped public gatherings, the family adapted to online auctions, now drawing bidders from throughout Ontario.
Pollard’s reputation is built on honesty, clear communication and standing behind every sale. Beyond the business, Dan’s volunteer work, donating his time as an auctioneer for countless charity events, has made a lasting impact in Georgina.
Holtrop Family Farm: Generations of farming and community giving
Holtrop Family Farm embodies the heart of rural Georgina: dedication, resilience and a deep sense of community. Since purchasing the farm in 1958, the Holtrop brothers balanced their education with caring for livestock and cultivating crops, laying the foundation for what would become a major agricultural operation.
By the late 1960s, the farm expanded into cash crop production. Today, the Holtrops manage roughly 5,000 acres throughout Georgina, Brock Township, Kawartha, East Gwillimbury and Newmarket. Over the decades, each generation has shaped the farm’s direction, helping it grow sustainably and successfully.
The Holtrop legacy is also defined by giving back. Their longstanding donations of fresh produce to local food banks in Georgina and Bradford have supported countless families and ensured access to healthy, local food.
In 1997, the family opened their iconic farm stand, beloved for fresh sweet corn, pumpkins, squash and fall decor. It remains a favourite stop for residents and visitors alike.
Their support of the Town’s Field to Table event has also helped raise awareness about sustainable agriculture and the importance of local food.
Holtrop Family Farm remains a proud, hardworking, multi-generational operation rooted in our community.
Mik-Lin Farms: Growing with purpose and innovation
Mik-Lin Farms began in 1992 with just 10 sheep and a vision. Over more than three decades, the Thompson family, Mike, Linda and later their son Joe, transformed that vision into one of Ontario’s notable sheep and beef operations.
The farm expanded steadily, moving to its current property in 2011. By 2013, with Joe joining full-time, Mik-Lin Farms entered the milking sheep industry, shipping milk to Mariposa Dairy to become award-winning cheeses enjoyed throughout the province.
A true family-run operation, Mik-Lin Farms thrives on teamwork. Each member contributes to livestock care, fieldwork, maintenance and farm management, helping the business grow sustainably while honouring its roots.
Their leadership has also influenced agriculture throughout Ontario. Mike was a founding member of the Trillium Lamb Producers value chain, helping strengthen the province’s supply of high-quality, traceable lamb. The farm’s early adoption of RFID tagging and computerized tracking led to OMAFRA studies and improvements across the sector.
From 10 sheep to one of Ontario’s larger flocks, now about 1,300, and a herd of 50 cows, Mik-Lin Farms remains a proud family-run farm in the Town of Georgina.
Forest Glenn Tree Care: Nearly three decades of expert arboriculture
Since 1998, Forest Glenn Tree Care has been known for professionalism, safety and expert tree care in Georgina. What began as a one-person operation with Glenn, a certified arborist and former Scarborough Hydro employee, has grown into a respected team equipped to take on complex tree projects throughout the region.
From the beginning, quality and safety have defined their work. The company’s team includes certified arborists and trained staff who uphold strict safety protocols and responsible tree-care practices. Their dedication has earned them the trust of homeowners and businesses alike.
Forest Glenn Tree Care now operates a full fleet of specialized equipment, including one of York Region’s largest knuckle boom cranes. This allows them to complete large-scale, technical jobs with precision and confidence.
Beyond technical expertise, the team is known for its commitment to environmental stewardship. They prioritize saving healthy trees, educate residents about issues such as emerald ash borer and advocate for responsible management of Georgina’s urban landscape.
Cantope Kennel: A trusted name in responsible breeding and pet care
For more than two decades, Cantope Kennel has played an important role in Georgina’s pet-care community. Established in 2001 by Diane and Peter, the kennel grew from a small operation into a respected business offering responsible breeding, grooming services and personalized boarding.
Supported by extensive genetic and temperament testing, their breeding program has earned international recognition for high-quality standard poodles. Locally, their grooming and boarding services have become trusted resources for pet owners throughout Ontario.
Their team of six, including two full-time groomers and long-time assistant Thomas, has created a warm, supportive environment for animals and clients alike. Weekly dog socials and long-standing customer relationships reflect the care and connection at the heart of their work.
Cantope Kennel remains a much-loved part of Georgina’s furry-friend community.
Gen Sports Pro Shop: Supporting local athletes for more than 30 years
Since 1992, Gen Sports Pro Shop has been a familiar part of life for athletes throughout Georgina. Founded by brothers Jerry and Lorne, the shop began with skate sharpening, bike repairs and essential sporting equipment, quickly becoming a trusted destination for families.
Over the years, the shop expanded from its original Church Street location to Glenwoods Plaza and eventually to its home in the Georgina Ice Palace. It continues to serve as a hub for skaters, hockey players and coaches.
Gen Sports is known for high-quality skate sharpening, refined through decades of practice, and for the genuine care shown to every customer. Generations have passed through its doors, from young children learning to skate to adults who once worked there and credit the experience for shaping their careers.
Today, Gen Sports remains a thriving, family-involved operation supported by part-time staff throughout Georgina and East Gwillimbury.
Naylor Pest Control: A century of service and community trust
Naylor Pest Control stands as Ontario’s oldest pest control company, a legacy that began in 1922. Founded in Toronto by a First World War veteran, the business expanded into Georgina in the 1940s as more residents built summer homes along Lake Simcoe.
In 1993, third-generation owner Liz Naylor moved the business and her family to Georgina, establishing deep roots in the community.
Now in its fourth generation, the company is known for its humane approach and expertise. Liz has contributed significantly to the industry as President and Past President of the provincial pest control association, advocating for higher standards and enhanced training across the sector.
Naylors team-oriented approach blends decades of knowledge with modern practices and mentorship, creating a culture where everyone contributes to the company’s continued evolution.
More than 1,000 businesses have chosen Georgina as their home, contributing to a thriving and diverse local economy. If you are interested in learning more about our growing community or exploring opportunities here, contact our Economic Development and Tourism Office at ed@georgina.ca. We look forward to connecting with you.