Meet the Team

At Cookstown Antique Market, our story is shaped by the people who fill our 100-year-old barn with warmth, expertise, and genuine hospitality. The market’s unique atmosphere is built on the dedication of a close-knit team: Bill and Diana Robinson, second-generation family owners, and a community of 35 independent dealers who hand-select every item you see. Each member, from our knowledgeable staff at the front desk to the passionate curators behind every booth, is driven by a shared love of history and a commitment to quality. We believe that antiques are more than objects. They are connections to the past, stories waiting to be shared, and sustainable choices for the future. When you visit our Simcoe County location, you are welcomed by people who care deeply about their craft and about providing a welcoming, pressure-free environment for every visitor. We are not a corporate chain, but a community, united by respect, integrity, and a belief in preserving heritage for generations to come.

The foundation of Cookstown Antique Market is the Robinson family. In 1991, Bill Robinson’s parents opened the doors to our now-iconic antique barn. Their vision was simple: create a destination where people from Barrie, Innisfil, Newmarket, and beyond could find authentic treasures and feel genuinely at home. Since June 1, 2017, Bill and Diana Robinson have carried forward this mission as second-generation owners, infusing the market with their quiet confidence and small-town hospitality. Their leadership is not just about business. It is about stewardship. From raising over $64,850.47 for local charities like Stevenson Memorial Hospital and Sick Kids Hospital, to celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary in 2025, Bill and Diana’s story is inseparable from the market’s. Their approachable, hands-on style sets the tone for our entire team, ensuring that every guest feels welcome, valued, and free to wander at their own pace. This family legacy is what gives Cookstown Antique Market its heart, making it a true community hub for collectors, decorators, and families across Simcoe County.

What makes Cookstown Antique Market stand out from other antique stores in Ontario is the diversity and expertise of our dealer community. Inside our 6,000 square foot, two-storey barn, you will find 35 independent dealers, each with their own specialties, from Canadian pottery and cast iron cookware to Sherman jewellery and vintage typewriters. These dedicated individuals are more than vendors. They are storytellers, historians, and treasure hunters in their own right. Supported by our friendly front desk staff and event coordinators, our team collaborates to create a memorable shopping experience for every visitor. Whether you are searching for a rare Royal Doulton figurine, advice on restoring a Singer sewing machine, or just enjoying a warm winter wander, our team is here to help. The market’s open communication, respect among dealers, and commitment to honesty in every transaction ensure that every item, from Blue Mountain Pottery to locally made honey, is presented with care and authenticity. It is this collective expertise and genuine enthusiasm that have made the market a trusted destination for antique lovers from Barrie, Vaughan, Orillia, and across the GTA.

Update: June 2023 – We are definitely going to miss having Cynthia around here. It’s sad to see her go, however, she was offered an amazing opportunity with Alliston Midwives, as their Office Administrator. We couldn’t be happier for Cynthia! P.S. She is coming back for Victorian Christmas!

Antiques: Grandma had them, mom threw them out, I bought them back!

Cynthia enjoys helping our customers with finding their treasures. She has a love for older items that have been used and cherished, often wondering what stories are behind them.
When not working at the Cookstown Antique Market, Cynthia is a freelance Graphic Designer. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and camping.