The Hills of Headwaters tourism region will once again be participating in Ontario's Doors Open program.

On Saturday, August 15, visitors and residents are invited to explore this sophisticated rural destination, just steps outside Toronto's back door and discover 24 unique heritage sites that depict the history of this picturesque region of the province.

The Hills of Headwaters has chosen 24 sites that will provide visitors with a unique look at the history of the region. From the heritage homes of our founding fathers, to places of worship that were central in the small towns, to natural heritage sites, parks and trails, the Hills of Headwaters Doors Open program will offer something for everyone.

Four new sites are being added to the event: the Upper Credit Conservation Area (between Orangeville & Alton), Woolen Mill Conservation (Erin), and Greystones Inn and the County of Dufferin Court House & County Offices (both in Orangeville).

A variety of events will be taking place at the various Doors Open locations, including a re-creation of an old-fashioned croquet match at Devonshire Guest House in Erin, guided downtown heritage walking tours in Erin and Cheltenham, guided tours of the Woolen Mill Conservation Area, Upper Credit Conservation Area, the Dufferin County Court House, the Orangeville Town Hall Opera House and the Alton Mill. For a complete schedule of events and times you can visit www. doorsopeninthehills. ca .

In 2009 the following heritage sites in the Hills of Headwaters region will be opening doors to visitors:

Caledon: The Historic Alton Mill - 1402 Queen Street, Alton; Upper Credit Conservation Area - 20073 Porterfield Road - between Alton and Orangeville; Cheltenham General Store, 14386 Creditview Road, Cheltenham; Cheltenham Badlands, Olde Baseline Road; Top of the Hill Bed & Breakfast, 14318 Creditview Road, and Melville White Church, 15962 Mississauga Road, south of Belfountain

Erin: All Saints Anglican Church, 81 Main Street; Burns Presbyterian Church, 155 Main Street; Charles Street Dam, just west of Main Street; Devonshire Guest House, 3 Union Street; Erin United Church, 115 Main Street; Mundell Mill, 51 Main Street; Porcupine's Quill, 68 Main Street; Village of Erin Main Street; Woolen Mill Conservation Area, Mill Street & Woolen Mill Lane.

Hillsburgh: Century Church Theatre, 3 Hill Street.

Orangeville: Downtown Orangeville, Broadway; Dufferin County Court House & County Offices, 51 Zina Street; Greystones Inn, 63 Broadway; Orangeville Public Library, 2 Mill Street; Orangeville Rail Yard & Train Station, 40 Townline; Town Hall Opera House, 87 Broadway; Westminster United Church, 247 Broadway.

The mandate of Doors Open Ontario is to bring together communities throughout the province and allow them to showcase the heritage of their communities. Each year, from April to October, communities open their doors to some of their most intriguing and charming heritage sites, including commercial buildings, places of worship, gardens, natural heritage and other heritage sites.

Like all Doors Open events across the province, admittance to all sites is free.

Come and experience these hidden heritage treasures first-hand at Doors Open in the Hills of Headwaters on Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.