Zorra

Zorra is a township in Oxford County, situated in south-western Ontario, Canada. A predominantly rural municipality, Zorra was formed in 1975 through the amalgamation of East Nissouri, West Zorra and North Oxford townships. It is best known for the Highland Games weekend held each summer in Embro, celebrating the heritage of the Scottish pioneer families which grew from the 1830s to form nearly a quarter of the county's population.

Zorra
Township (lower-tier)
Township of Zorra
Embro
Zorra
Coordinates: 43°09′N 80°57′W
Country Canada
Province Ontario
CountyOxford
Formed1975
Government
 • MayorMarcus Ryan
 • Federal ridingOxford
 • Prov. ridingOxford
Area
 • Land528.94 km2 (204.22 sq mi)
Population
 (2016)[1]
 • Total8,138
 • Density15.4/km2 (40/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern Standard Time (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (Eastern Daylight Time (EDT))
Postal Code
N0J, N0M
Area code(s)519 and 226
Websitewww.zorra.on.ca

Government

The municipal government is led by a mayor and a councillor from each of the township's four geographic wards:[2]

  • Ward 1: Southern portion of township, the former North Oxford township (including Banner, Golspie), excluding Thamesford
  • Ward 2: Thamesford
  • Ward 3: Northwest portion of township, the former East Nissouri township (including Kintore, Uniondale)
  • Ward 4: Northeast portion of township, the former West Zorra township (including Embro, Maplewood)

Marcus Ryan is the current mayor, following the 2018 Ontario municipal elections.[3]

Communities

The township comprises the communities of Banner, Bennington, Brooksdale, Brown's Corners, Cody's Corners, Dicksons Corners, Dunn's Corner, Embro, Golspie, Granthurst, Harrington, Harrington West, Holiday, Kintore, Lakeside, Maplewood, McConkey, Medina, Rayside, Thamesford, Uniondale, Youngsville, and Zorra Station.

Demographics

In 2016, the median age was 42.5 years.

Historical population
YearPop.±%
20068,125—    
20118,058−0.8%
20168,138+1.0%

Cultural resources
  • Thamesford Public Library:[4] 165 Dundas Street, Thamesford. A branch of the Oxford County Library.
  • Embro Public Library : 135 Huron St., Embro. A branch of the Oxford County Library, it is located in the former Embro Town Hall.
  • Harrington Community Library : 539 Victoria St, Harrington. A branch of the Oxford County Library. Located in the former Broadview United Church that was built in 1924.
  • Harrington Schoolhouse (Community Centre) : 963624 County Road 96. The Old Stone School; initially referred to as S.S. number 17, and subsequently renumbered S.S. number 4, was originally constructed of logs in the mid-1800s. An entrance was located at the north side of the school, and a box stove was used for heating. In 1869, a contract was granted to enlarge the school with a stone addition, to address seating, lighting and other requirements. Purchased by several local residents to be used as a community centre, after the formal closure of one room schools.

Education

Schools include the Zorra Highland Park Public School, Thamesford Public School, A. J. Baker Public School and St. Joseph's Catholic School.

Attractions
  • Embro Highland Games, hosted annually by the Zorra Caledonian Society[5]
  • Embro Truck & Tractor Pull[6]
  • Wienerfest Dog Festival, celebrating the world of Dachshunds to provide funding for pet rescue[7]
  • Garagefest, an annual local music festival to raise funds for various charities[8]
  • Embro Fall Fair[9]

Famous people from Zorra

See also

References
  1. "Zorra census profile". 2016 Census of Population. Statistics Canada. Retrieved 2019-02-25.
  2. Corporation of the Township of Zorra, Township Council
  3. "Certificate of election results" (PDF). 23 October 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  4. "Oxford County Library > Branches & hours > Thamesford". www.ocl.net. Retrieved 2016-04-20.
  5. "Embro Highland Games". Zorra Caledonian Society. Retrieved June 25, 2019.
  6. "Embro Truck and Tractor Pull". Retrieved June 25, 2019.
  7. "Wienerfest Home County Festival". Retrieved June 25, 2019.
  8. "Garagefest". Facebook. Retrieved June 25, 2019.
  9. "Embro Fair". Embro & Zorra Agricultural Society. Retrieved June 25, 2019.
  10. https://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/sh/TBk79oWhpi/elizabeth-wettlaufer-nurse-senior-deaths/
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