Buckhorn Sands was originally a grazing ranch for cattle; the remnants of a feeding trough and loading chute were still visible on Antelope Trail until 2007. The property development began in 1972. The sales brochure listed the prices for each lot and contained the slogan “Money Grows under Trees”. The sales office was at 1635 Gazelle Trail. Lake front lots started at $10,000 with most in the mid teens, one or two as high as $20,000. This was a lot of money for a unserviced cottage lot, considering that a new home with all amenities in 1972 was about $70,000. Back lots started at approximately $5000.
Many of the present homes were built between 1973 and 1985. Among the earlier builders were the late Ron Nicholson, Barbara and Wayne Holtz, Madeline and Ken Watson, Miriam and Jack Filyer, Jim Johnson, Jr., and Vic and Anne Pathe.
The Property Owners Association was incorporated in September of 1972. The first Board of Directors included Jack Filyer, Don Lawrie, Ken Watson, Vic Pathe, Herb Siebert and Wayne Holtz. The first meeting was held in the former church building in Selwyn. The four parks were one of the first big issues facing the board. The Township made it clear that if the Association failed to maintain the parks, the Township would assume ownership and the parks would be open to the general public. (Remember this when it is time to pay your annual lot fees!) The Board decided that Acorn and Cedar Parks would be reserved for swimming, and Birch and Driftwood Parks reserved for boat docks.
Annual meetings in the early days were well attended, with vigorous debates taking place regarding the parks, annual dues, weed control, caterpillar spraying and possible street lights. There was even discussion over a convenience store and a tennis court.
In the 1980’s, the hardwood trees were seriously threatened by gypsy moth caterpillars. The MNR did aerial spraying. In 1989, a massive infestation of tent caterpillars covered homes and roads, stripping the leaves from most of the trees. Vehicles were skidding on the caterpillar covered roads!
In the early days, the Hamlet of Buckhorn had no post office, no LCBO and very few retail outlets. There was a food store, but not the current Foodland. The hardware store, owned by Wayne Shearer, was located at the current post office site. The bridge was single lane and was replaced in 1977.
To celebrate the first 25 years of Buckhorn Sands, the Board of Directors organized a dinner-dance at the Buckhorn Community Centre in 2000. It was well attended and a great time was had by all!
The information on this page is taken from an article in the Sandpiper Newsletter, September 2009. The article was written by Vic and Anne Pathe and Wayne and Barbara Holtz.
Buckhorn Sands 