and the Métis. Samuel Lount, a martyr of the 1837 Rebellion led by William Lyon Mackenzie, farmed and operated a smithy here. Lount was captured later, convicted of treason, and hanged on April 12, 1838. The idea for a canal linking to Lake Simcoe and the Trent-Severn Waterway was approved and construction started in 1906. Holland Landing would connect Newmarket and Bradford. It was almost complete in the summer of 1912 – three lift locks, three swing bridges and a turning basin – when the new government of Robert Borden cancelled the project. The project was abandoned, earning it the name "The Ghost Canal". It continues to serve as a historical landmark. Demographics Population: 2006: about 8,500 - estimate based on the census population of East Gwillimbury, and the town's data which indicate 41% of its residents are in Holland Landing. 2015: about 9,000 Education The community has four primary schools; Holland Landing Public School (YRDSB), Park Avenue Public School (YRDSB) and Good Shepherd Catholic School (YCDSB) and École élémentaire catholique Jean-Béliveau (a French-language Catholic school). There are no higher education institutions in Holland Landing, or indeed in East Gwillimbury. Students from Holland Landing typically attend one of the high schools in Newmarket. Notable people Sam Bennett, ice hockey player, currently playing with the Florida Panthers of the NHL. Darrin Madeley, former ice hockey player, who had a brief stint with the Ottawa Senators of the NHL. Kevin Pangos, basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. Nearest communities Bradford, northwest Queensville, northeast Sharon, east Newmarket, south Kettleby, southwest Ansnorveldt, west Keswick, north See also Schleese Saddlery, a manufacturer of English riding saddles in Holland Landing. References Communities in the Regional Municipality of York East Gwillimbury