South River, Ontario

South River is a village located on Highway 11 near Algonquin Park in the Parry Sound District of Ontario, Canada. It is about a half hour drive south of North Bay or a three hour drive north of Toronto. South River claims to be the second busiest entrance to the Algonquin Park. South River is also the home of Mikisew Provincial Park on nearby Eagle Lake.

The South River railway station is served by the Northlander six days per week.

History

Logging in the area began in the 1860s, but it was not until 1881 when the first settlers, Robert Carter and his wife, arrived following the completion of the Grand Trunk Railroad. Within a few years, they opened a general store and the new community, located on the eponymous South River, had hotels, a bank, a butcher shop, and jeweller. The river itself provided the power for a sawmill and grist mill, while also being used for log driving. In 1907, the village separated from Machar Township and was incorporated, with W.J. Ard as first reeve.^[2]

Demographics

Population trend:^[3]

• Population in 2006: 1069 (2001 to 2006 population change: 2.8 %)
• Population in 2001: 1040
• Population in 1996: 1098
• Population in 1991: 1141

Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 457 (total dwellings: 504)

Mother tongue:^[1]

• English as first language: 95.3 %
• French as first language: 1.4 %
• English and French as first language: 0 %
• Other as first language: 3.3 %

References

External links

• Village of South River
• South River Ontario Almaguin Highlands Regional Portal