Brighton, Ontario, is a charming town nestled in Northumberland County, Canada. Located approximately 150 kilometres east of Toronto and 100 km west of Kingston, Brighton is easily accessible via Highway 401 and the former Highway 2. The town is also the western terminus of the Murray Canal, which leads east to the picturesque Bay of Quinte.
Originally, Brighton, Ontario, was primarily an agricultural community, renowned for its apple farming and the production of new apple varieties. However, the town's agricultural landscape has evolved over the years. Many of the original orchards have been replaced with crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans to accommodate the growing population and changing agricultural trends. Despite these changes, Brighton's apple heritage is celebrated annually in late September during Applefest, the town's largest festival.
Formed on January 1, 2001, through the amalgamation of the former Town of Brighton and Brighton Township, the Municipality of Brighton is home to over 12,108 residents. A significant percentage of the population is retired, drawn to the area's quiet, clean, and friendly atmosphere. Like many smaller towns near Lake Ontario, Brighton is a popular retirement destination.
Just south of the town centre, Presqu'ile Provincial Park is one of Brighton's most popular attractions. The park is a haven for bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts. Additionally, the Memory Junction Railway Museum, housed in a former Grand Trunk station, boasts a collection of rail equipment and memorabilia, offering a glimpse into Brighton's past.
The municipality of Brighton, Ontario, encompasses several villages and hamlets. These include Carman, Codrington, Hilton, Spring Valley, Smithfield (partially); Butler Creek, Cankerville, Cedar Creek, Gosport, Orland, Presqui'le Point, and Wade Corners.
Brighton's history dates back to January 1, 1859, when it was incorporated as a village. It later became a town on December 1, 1980. The original Simpson house, located at 61 Simpson Street, is a testament to Brighton's rich history, having been built in 1850.
Interestingly, part of the Municipality of Brighton is situated on an artificial island. This unique geographical feature is a result of the borders chosen when the Township of Brighton was created in 1851 and the excavation of the Murray Canal across the historic Isthmus of Murray. The Murray Canal was officially opened in 1889.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Brighton had a population of 12,108 living in 5,014 of its 5,392 total private dwellings. This represents a 2.2% increase from its 2016 population of 11,844. With a land area of 223.24 km2, Brighton had a population density of 54.2/km2 in 2021.
