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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Bradford, Ontario

Bradford is the main urban community in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, in Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bradford is the main urban community in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, in Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. It sits near the Holland Marsh on the Holland River, north of Lake Simcoe. In the 2021 census, the Bradford population centre had 38,128 people.

Geography

Bradford is located in south-central Ontario, north of Lake Simcoe and near the Holland River. It overlooks the Holland Marsh, a notable agricultural district.

History

Settlement in the Bradford area began in the early 19th century. The village of Bradford was incorporated in 1857 and later became part of the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.

Demographics

In the 2021 Canadian census, the Bradford population centre had 38,128 residents. The area of the population centre was 16.10 km².

Municipal context

Bradford is the main built-up area within Bradford West Gwillimbury, which also contains several smaller communities such as Bond Head, Green Valley, Pinkerton, and Newton Robinson. The town was incorporated in 1991.

Key facts

  • Bradford is the primary urban community within the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury in Simcoe County.
  • The community overlooks the Holland Marsh, a notable agricultural area on the Holland River.
  • The 2021 census recorded a population of 38,128 in the Bradford population centre, covering 16.10 km².
  • The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury was created in 1991 by amalgamation, incorporating the former village of Bradford (incorporated 1857).
  • Bradford is a growing commuter and service community connected to the Holland Marsh, one of Canada's best-known market-garden regions.
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Canadian context

Bradford is a growing commuter and service community in Ontario, and its location near the Holland Marsh connects it to one of Canada’s best-known market-garden regions.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bradford, Ontario?
Bradford is the main urban community in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury in Simcoe County, Ontario.
Where is Bradford located?
It is in south-central Ontario, north of Lake Simcoe, near the Holland River and the Holland Marsh.
What was Bradford’s population in 2021?
The Bradford population centre had 38,128 people in the 2021 census.
Is Bradford a separate municipality?
No. It is the primary urban area within the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.
When was the village of Bradford incorporated?
The village of Bradford was incorporated in 1857.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradford,_Ontario
    Supports: Location, description as primary urban area, 2021 population centre population and land area
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/bradford-west-gwillimbury
    Supports: History of Bradford West Gwillimbury, incorporation details, settlement history, and regional context
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradford_West_Gwillimbury
    Supports: Town incorporation date, included communities, and 2021 census population of the municipality