Quarter-Century Anniversary

Celebrating 25 Years of Georgian Bluffs

On January 1, 2001, the Townships of Keppel (including the Village of Shallow Lake), Sarawak, and Derby came together through amalgamation to form the Township of Georgian Bluffs. This year marks the quarter-century milestone anniversary of our Township. We will celebrate and recognize this with a community barbecue, historic photograph collection, and a series of barn quilt installations around our Township. 

Upcoming Events and Initiatives Amalgamation History

History

Keppel Township

The former Township of Keppel was settled around the year 1855, and was named after Admiral Sir Henry Keppel. Keppel developed around farming, small settlements, and various industries related to its unique natural resources. Shallow Lake in particular was established by Canada's first Portland Cement company due to it's marl deposits, and Clavering, by its timber industry. In 1997, the Village of Shallow Lake was amalgamated with Keppel Township as part of Ontario's provincial municipal restructuring initiatives. In 2001, Keppel amalgamated with two other townships to form the Township of Georgian Bluffs. 

Township of Sarawak

Sarawak Township was settled in the 1850's after being sold by auction in 1857 as part of Keppel Township. Historically, Sarawak separated from Keppel in 1868 due to the Township's growing tourism and marine industry. Sarawak Township was home to an important lighthouse at Presqu’ile, which guided sailors on Georgian Bay and marked the changing navigation seasons as the last light to close in fall and the first to reopen in spring. Sarawak Township is also historically located on the traditional lands of the family of the historical indigenous rights advocate Catherine Sutton, known by her Ojibway name as Nahnebahwequay. Sarawak Township amalgamated into Georgian Bluffs in 2001. 

Derby Township

Derby Township's settlement began in the 1840's, earlier than it's amalgamation counterparts Keppel and Sarawak Townships. Derby Township has a long history of pioneer settlement and farm industry. Inglis Falls, Menonite Corner/Squire and Jackson are the most notable hamlets in the former township aside from the more recent auto-industry driven Sunset Strip. Menonite Corner was once a community hub home to a post office and the Salem Women's Institute. Inglis Falls was also a staple for energy using the thundering waterfall for hydro power, and the Sunset Strip was once home to a popular fur industry. Derby joined with Keppel and Sarawak townships in 2001 to form Georgian Bluffs. 

The Township of Georgian Bluffs

On January 1, 2001, the three Townships amalgamated to form Georgian Bluffs. Our Township is best known for scenic landscapes, farmland, forests, and shoreline, longstanding industries, family owned businesses, and close-knit communities. Deeply rooted. Sustainably growing. 

Upcoming Events & Initiatives

25th Anniversary Slideshow Photo Submission

Date: June 6, 2026, 6:00 p.m.

Location: Shallow Lake Arena

What to Expect:

On June 6, 2026, the Township of Georgian Bluffs is hosting a free community barbecue. Starting at 6:00 p.m., at Shallow Lake Arena, join us for a community meal of hotdogs, hamburgers, and salads. Bring a picnic blanket and your lawn chairs too; there will be yard games, unveiling of one of our barn quilts, speeches, and a nostalgic slideshow starting at 7:00 p.m. After we dive into our Township's history and share some words about living in Georgian Bluffs, we will watch a movie that came out the same year as the amalgamation... any guesses which movie it is? 

We are accepting submissions for a historical community slideshow, which will be aired at the 25th Anniversary Community Barbecue on June 6, 2026. If you have some old photos of your softball team, community organization, or really any old photo from living in Georgian Bluffs, submit them to our communications team and come see it blown up on the big screen. 

Photo submissions will be accepted via email to: communications@georgianbluffs.ca

Or, you can submit your photo by clicking here. 

Barn quilts have a longstanding history in rural places, using bright colors and geometric patterns to visually display the values of a place. To symbolize the 25th Anniversary of the amalgamation, we are installing a variety of barn quilts around the Township to symbolize the unity of our communities. The first barn quilt will be unveiled at the 25th Anniversary Barbecue, with the rest to follow over the year. 

If you, or your community organization is interested in painting a barn quilt in your hamlet in Georgian Bluffs, please contact the communications department at communications@georgianbluffs.ca.

Contact Us

Township of Georgian Bluffs
177964 Grey Road 18,
Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N5

Send Email to Georgian Bluffs
Phone: 519-376-2729
Fax: 519-372-1620