If You Know, You Know: How to Pronounce These Streets in Durham & Northumberland

If you’ve lived in Durham Region or Northumberland County long enough, you already know…
there are just some street names people will argue about forever.
The kind where you can instantly tell who’s local and who’s not just by how they say it.
I saw a post recently about Garrard Road in Whitby and it got me thinking… we have a lot of these. And honestly, they’re part of what makes living here feel like a community.
So let’s get into it.

Garrard Road (Whitby / Oshawa)

Let’s start with the one that sparked it all.
Is it “Jerard” or “Guh-rard”?
If you ask most locals, it’s Jerard. No hesitation.
But GPS, newcomers, and technically correct pronunciation? You’ll hear Guh-rard.
This one will divide a room real quick.

McQuay Boulevard (Whitby)

This one throws people off constantly.
You’ll hear:
“Mc-Kway”
“Mc-Key”
“Mick-Kway”
Most locals lean toward “Mick-Kway”, but even then… it’s not always consistent.

Thickson Road (Whitby)

This one seems straightforward… until it’s not.
Is it:
“Thick-son”
or “Tick-son”?
Locals typically say “Thick-son”, but you’ll still hear both depending on who you ask.

Taunton Road (Ajax / Whitby / Oshawa)

If you’re not from here, you’re probably saying “Tawn-ton.”
Locals? It usually sounds more like “Tawn-tin.”
Subtle difference, but very telling.

Simcoe Street (Oshawa)

This one’s less of a debate and more of a giveaway.
Outsiders tend to overthink it:
“Sim-coe-ee”
“Sim-co”
Locals keep it simple: “Sim-co.”

Concession Roads (Durham & Northumberland)

If you’re new to the area, you might say “Con-session.”
Locals say “Con-cesh-in.”
And if you know, you know.

Scugog (Port Perry)

This one is a rite of passage.
If you can say it correctly, you’ve officially earned some local credibility.
It’s “Skoo-gog.”
Not “Scug-og.” Not “Skoo-go.”
Just trust me on this one.

Ganaraska (Port Hope)

This one trips people up all the time.
You’ll hear people over-pronounce it or break it up awkwardly, but locals tend to say it more fluidly:
“Gan-a-ras-ka.”
Once you hear it properly, it sticks.

Cavan (Northumberland / near Peterborough)

Looks like it should be “Cay-van,” right?
It’s actually “Cav-an” with a short “a.”

Bewdley (Northumberland)
I had to include this one.
If you’re not from here, you might say “Beewd-lee.”
Locals? It’s “Bood-lee.”

Why This Stuff Actually Matters -- It sounds small, but these little things are part of what makes a place feel like home.
Knowing how to say the street names, understanding the quirks of each area, and picking up on the local habits… it all adds up.
It’s also one of the things I love most about working in real estate across Durham and Northumberland. You’re not just helping people find a house, you’re helping them feel like they belong in the community.

Thinking About Moving to Durham or Northumberland? 

If you’re considering a move and want someone who actually knows the ins and outs of these communities (including how to say the street names 😅), I’d love to help.
But beyond the fun local quirks, there’s also a deeper side to our communities that matters just as much.
Start here:
If you love exploring the area, check out my favourite Lake Ontario Circle Tour day trips around Durham and Northumberland -- Read Article Here
Or if you want a real look at what’s happening locally, including some of the challenges people are facing, read my thoughts on senior housing insecurity in our area -- Full Article Here
Or... Just reach out anytime. I’m always happy to chat.