Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Civic Brief • Canada Notes

Perth, Ontario

Perth is a town in eastern Ontario, Canada, and the seat of Lanark County.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Perth is a town in eastern Ontario and the seat of Lanark County. It was established in 1816 as a military settlement after the War of 1812.

History and founding

Perth was laid out in 1816 as a military settlement intended to help defend the inland water route between the Ottawa River and Lake Ontario. It was incorporated as a town in 1854, and its early growth was shaped by Scottish immigration and the Tay Canal linking it to the Rideau Canal in the 1830s.

Geography and location

The town is located on the Tay River, about 80 km southwest of Ottawa. It covers a land area of 12.21 km² and is part of the Rideau Lakes region in southeastern Ontario.

Demographics and economy

As of the 2021 Census, Perth had a population of 6,469, with a density of 529.8 people per km². Historically a commercial and administrative centre, it also serves as a summer destination for visitors drawn to the surrounding lake country.

In short

  • Founded in 1816 as a military settlement after the War of 1812.
  • Named after Perth, Scotland, reflecting early Scottish settlers.
  • Serves as the seat of Lanark County.
  • Population of 6,469 (2021 Census).
Canadian angle

Perth is a historically significant Ontario town and county seat, and it is relevant to Canadian readers as one of the province's older inland settlements with strong ties to post-War of 1812 development.

Quick questions

Where is Perth, Ontario located?
It is in eastern Ontario, on the Tay River about 80 km southwest of Ottawa.
When was Perth founded?
Perth was laid out in 1816 as a military settlement.
What is Perth's population?
Perth had a population of 6,469 in the 2021 Census.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth,_Ontario
    Supports: Country, province, county, founding date, incorporation, population, land area, and area code.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/perth
    Supports: Founding in 1816, location on the Tay River, Lanark County seat, name origin, and historical canal development.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Perth-Ontario
    Supports: Location, founding, settlement history, and role as a commercial and administrative centre.
  4. Town of Perth — https://www.perth.ca/visit-us/plan-your-trip/about-perth/
    Supports: Municipal address and official town identification.