Kincardine, Ontario, is a charming municipality nestled on the shores of Lake Huron in Bruce County. Established in 1999 through the amalgamation of the Town of Kincardine, the Township of Kincardine, and the Township of Bruce, this community has grown to a population of 11,389 as per the Canada 2016 Census.
Beyond the main population centre of Kincardine itself, which boasts a population of 6,725, the municipality is also home to the smaller communities of Armow, Baie du Dore, Bervie, Glammis, Inverhuron, Millarton, North Bruce, Tiverton, and Underwood.
The history of Kincardine, Ontario, is marked by significant changes in its municipal structure. In 1998, the Village of Tiverton lost its separate incorporation and became part of the Township of Bruce. The following year, the Town of Kincardine, the Township of Kincardine, and the Township of Bruce amalgamated to form the Township of Kincardine-Bruce-Tiverton. After the first election of the new municipal council, a plebiscite led to a name change to the Municipality of Kincardine.
Kincardine, Ontario, is rich in history, with numerous sites designated per the Ontario Heritage Act. These include Madison House, a Second Empire house with elements of Italianate style, and the Kincardine Library Building, a Romanesque Revival style structure built in 1908. Other notable sites include 490 Broadway, 1558 Concession 12, and several properties on Durham Market Square and Queen Street.
Kincardine, Ontario, experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm summers.
As per the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Kincardine had a population of 12,268 living in 5,160 of its 6,142 total private dwellings. This represents a 7.7% increase from its 2016 population of 11,389. The majority of residents speak English as their first language, followed by French and other languages.
Kincardine, Ontario, is conveniently located along Highway 21 and at the west end of Highway 9. The town is served by two taxi companies, Kincardine Taxi and Fred's Cabs, and boasts a modern full-featured airport. Additionally, Kincardine has a harbour on Lake Huron for tourists traveling by watercraft.
The economy of Kincardine, Ontario, is largely dominated by the Bruce Nuclear Power Development, operated by Bruce Power. The town also benefits from a thriving tourist industry, centered on its sandy beaches and Scottish cultural tradition.
Kincardine, Ontario, is home to numerous parks and trails, and sports play a significant role in the community. The Davidson Centre serves as the central location for most recreational activities, offering a park, skate park, soccer fields, track, swimming pool, gym, basketball court, and hockey rink.
Kincardine, Ontario, is known for its strong Scottish culture, with the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band Parades taking place every Saturday night during the summer months. The town also hosts the Kincardine Scottish Festival & Highland Games, and is home to Sundown Theatre, Bluewater Summer Playhouse, and The Kincardine Summer Music Festival.
Kincardine, Ontario, offers a variety of attractions, including the Kincardine Lighthouse and museum, Paddy Walker House, and several beautiful beaches. The town also features two piers attached to the marina, with the South Pier used for "cliff-jump" style swimming.
