Cannington, Ontario is a charming community nestled in Brock Township, within the Durham Region of Canada. This quaint town, situated on the Beaver River, offers a rich history and a variety of amenities for both residents and visitors.
Cannington's history dates back to 1833 when it was part of the original Brock Township. Initially known as McCaskill's Mills, the town was named after a local mill-owning family. In 1849, the settlement was renamed Cannington, honoring the former British foreign secretary and Prime Minister George Canning (1770–1827), when a post office was opened.
In 1878, Cannington separated from Brock Township and was incorporated as a Village. However, the creation of Durham Region in 1974 led to the amalgamation of Cannington with the original Brock Township, Thorah Township, and the Village of Beaverton, forming the newly expanded Township of Brock. The town faced a significant challenge in 1987 when a fire destroyed dozens of homes, but it has since recovered and thrived.
Today, Cannington serves as a service center for the surrounding rural area. It houses the municipal offices of Brock Township and is home to two schools: Brock High School and McCaskill's Mills Public School. The latter, named after the original town name, was opened in 2006 following the amalgamation of H.W. Knight Public School and Cannington Public School.
McCaskill's Mills Public School offers a French Immersion Program, while high school students seeking the same are bused to Port Perry High School. The town's post office on Cameron St. W. provides locals with lock boxes and two rural routes.
Cannington also boasts several restaurants, including Mays Restaurant, Georgios, and The Wing House, offering a variety of dining options for residents and visitors alike.
For those looking to explore beyond Cannington, the GO Bus route 81 connects the community to Whitby GO Station, providing GO train connections to Toronto. The service includes two northbound buses to Beaverton and two southbound buses to Whitby each day.
Cannington, Ontario, with its rich history and modern amenities, offers a unique blend of past and present, making it a must-visit destination in the Durham Region.
