New Chabad Center to Collingwood in Ontario, Canada

Surrounded by the blue waters of Georgian Bay and the ski slopes of the Niagara Escarpment, Collingwood has become one of Ontario’s fastest-growing communities. The area has recently drawn a wave of new full‑time residents from the Greater Toronto Area — and with them, a growing demand for Jewish life and infrastructure.

Rabbi Berel and Sara Shur have been traveling to Collingwood over the past several months, hosting holiday events, and setting up what will soon be a permanent Chabad presence. Their events — including holiday services and dinners, Purim celebrations, and a well‑attended public menorah lighting at the Blue Mountain ski resort — have drawn dozens of participants and revealed a vibrant Jewish population. Rabbi Shur has also been hosting Torah classes on Zoom for the community.

“There’s no synagogue for dozens of miles around,” said Rabbi Shur. “People here are eager to celebrate Jewish life, especially since October 7th. Many feel isolated and crave connection and community.”

Local resident Niel Berg, who moved to Collingwood three years ago, has attended many of Chabad’s programs, including High Holiday services and Friday night dinners. “The ability to have a synagogue close by, to be able to say Kaddish for my father, to study Torah, and to meet fellow Jews is fantastic,” he said. “This is a very exciting time for Jews in and around Collingwood, Blue Mountain, and Thornbury.”

At the end of August, the Shurs will move down permanently to Collingwood, officially establishing Chabad there. Plans are already underway to expand programming with children’s activities, in-person Torah classes, and larger Shabbat and holiday celebrations as the community continues to grow.