The Township of O'Connor celebrated it's

100 Anniversary in 2007

Township of O'Connor - The Past - 1898

The history of our Township did not properly begin until the arrival of a considerable number of settlers, as before that it was simply a No-Man's Land. The area was comprised of a fine stretch of valley land, eight miles by six or approximately thirty thousand acres, well watered by numerous creeks and the Whitefish River. Most settlers came here by the P.D. & Canadian Northern Railway and in 1901 the Ontario Government began building Colonization Roads into the new Township. The task confronting these first pioneers was tremendous, as the Township, at this time, was nearly a solid forest.

On January 9, 1901 a board of trustees was formed and a site was chosen for the first school, which was then built in 1904. The school tax rate for this year was 10 mills for general purposes, and 11 mills for the school building.

The "unorganized" Township decided to become organized, and did so on January 1st, 1907. Opportunities were plentiful in the construction and lumbering businesses. Many of our first settlers in the Township still have families living on the same homestead or elsewhere in the Township.

In 1915, Mr. Lindsay Cardiff was appointed Township clerk and in 1928 he became the Clerk-Treasurer of the Township. He was the clerk and treasurer for 50 years.

Township of O'Connor - The Present

Today the Township has a population of 720 with 287 households. It is mostly a residential area, with the majority of its residents working in the City of Thunder Bay.

There are two businesses operating within our Township - Solid Wood Research and Firesteel Contracting. There are several small businesses operating out of the residents' homes.

In 1974, the Municipal Office was moved to its present location in the old O'Connor school building. The Township employs 4 full time and 3 part time staff. The community is served by a Volunteer Fire Department, a Fire Department Auxiliary, a Community Club and the Women's Institute. Our two churches, the Baptist and the Free Methodist, also serve the community well.

Our residents have always enjoyed the country atmosphere of our Township. Some of our residents are farmers, a number of residents have riding horses, enjoy cross country skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, small game hunting or the peace and quiet of country living.

Township of O'Connor - The Future

The Township of O'Connor's future will continue as it is today, with a certain amount of growth, but not enough to spoil the country atmosphere our residents have come to enjoy and expect. We will welcome small business and other economic development opportunities that present themselves.

Township of O'Connor - Crest