Listowel, Ontario, is a charming unincorporated community nestled in the Municipality of North Perth. Once incorporated as the Town of Listowel in 1875, it was dissolved in 1998 following an amalgamation with several other communities in the northern section of Perth County. As of the Canada 2021 Census, Listowel boasts a population of 9,539, spread across a land area of 6.73 square kilometres, with 3,910 occupied dwellings.
The economic expansion of Listowel, Ontario, began in 1871 when the Wellington, Grey and Bruce Railway extended its line to the town. A second railway, the Stratford and Huron Railway, joined in 1873, transforming Listowel into a significant shipping point. The arrival of the railways accelerated the town's development, and by 1875, Listowel had a population of 2,054.
In 1877, the first elementary school opened its doors, and by 1897, electricity had arrived in Listowel. The turn of the century saw the opening of the Listowel Furniture Company, and by 1902, the population had grown to 2,661. The town was home to a woolen mill, a planing mill, a flour mill, a brewery, and a dairy products exporting company.
Listowel, Ontario, has seen its share of triumphs and tragedies. On February 28, 1959, the roof of the Listowel Memorial Arena collapsed under heavy snow, killing seven players, a referee, and a recreation director. This tragic event, described by the Waterloo Region Record as "Listowel's darkest day," led to the arena's reconstruction. The arena was eventually closed in 2017 and demolished in 2021, following the construction of the Steve Kerr Memorial Complex.
On March 17, 2011, a fire at the local dollar store resulted in the collapse of its roof, claiming the lives of volunteer firefighters Ray Walter and Ken Rea. The town mourned their loss, closing major streets and posting black ribbons all over town in their honour. Despite the tragedy, Listowel's population grew by 26.7 percent between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, contributing to North Perth's population growth of 18.3 percent.
Listowel, Ontario, is a hub of culture and creativity. The Bookery, now the Salvation Army Thrift Store, is a Celtic-inspired bookstore that stocks about 25,000 books and traditional Celtic, Irish, and Scottish jewellery in silver. The store also provides gallery space for local artists to display their work. Listowel has also nurtured musicians from various genres, such as Thirteen O'Clock, and Brian Vollmer, the lead singer of Helix.
Paddyfest is a significant event in Listowel, Ontario, complete with an Ambassador Competition. Contestants must deliver a speech, answer an impromptu question, and interview with the judges. The contestant with the highest overall score is awarded the position of official spokesperson. Additional awards for Talent, Runner-up, and Congeniality are also given. The Paddyfest Ambassador Competition, initially known as Miss Paddyfest, has since changed its name and official status. The festival includes events such as arm wrestling and a parade.
