Kearney, Ontario

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Kearney is a hamlet in the Parry Sound District of Ontario, Canada with a population of 800, as well as the name of the larger town which includes the hamlet.

Kearney was born in Perry Township in 1908 of 600 acres (2.4 km²) and continued to grow until December 1, 1979 when legislation was passed to amalgamate the town of Kearney and the geographic townships of Proudfoot, Bethune and portions of Butt and McCraney. Kearney's fame was a great logging town with many sawmills and lumber camps. The logging still remains today.

Among the first settlers and perhaps even before the first railroad, were A. J. O'Neil and his partner William Kearney who opened a store where the roads match going toward the north side of Sand Lake and on towards Beaver Lake. Before the arrival of the railway, trading with the natives took place at the flying post. However boom times commenced when the railroad became operational. A siding was built at the foot of what was known as Loon Lake (now Perry Lake). Logs could be loaded onto the trail after only a few days drive, saving about a months' time in getting to Montreal.

Kearney's history of logging also helped create the great trails for their dog sled races in the winter. Kearney is in line to become "the biggest dog sledding event in Ontario". The 2003 races marked the eighth annual event, which has grown in popularity with both spectators and racers since its inception in 1995. The mushers continue to be ecstatic about the condition and scenic routes of the trails used for four, six, and thirty mile races. In addition to the races, the weekend has a full roster of family events as well as an abundance of fresh snow for cross-country skiing, frozen lakes for ice fishing and year round accommodations.

Kearney is the gateway to Algonquin Park wilderness with three access points - one at Tim Lake, one at Magnetawan Lake and last at Rain Lake. Kearney is well known as a tourist centre. Because of its proximity to Algonquin Park it is great for swimming, water sports, camping and fishing. In the early years, the trail took visitors to Brule Lake or Rain Lake with many side trips available from there. Today the roads run right back into the park with three access points. Lakes such as Clam, Fisher, Beaver and Sand with their many cottages, resorts, and campgrounds are vacation destinations. Bear, moose and deer hunting provides sport for many hunters coming to the area.

The Kearney Community Centre, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2000, houses the municipal offices, library, and seniors room and banquet facilities. The Centre offers indoor activities during the weekdays such as card parties and special interest classes. Kearney also has a number of groups including the Royal Canadian Legion, the Lions Club, and various Church and other groups.

Annual events include the Blackfly Festival, Creative Changes Art Show, Sand Lake Regatta, Kearney Regatta, Kearney Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, Christmas Fun Fair and Craft Sale, the Kearney Dog Sled Races, and Sand Lake Thanksgiving Sunday Turkey Shoot. Visits can be made to the restored pioneer log church at Sand Lake as well as many other points of interest along the way.

The local postal code of Kearney is P0A 1M0. Kearney is located 27 miles north of Huntsville, Ontario..