Heritage

Location

The Township of Central Frontenac is located in Eastern Ontario in the heart of the Land O' Lakes Region and Frontenac County. It is the traditional territory of the Algonquin First Nations. Spread across 1025 square kilometers of unspoiled granite terrain, its rolling hills, winding roads, rippling waters and rugged terrain characterize this rural area and foster a traditional Canadian environment and lifestyle. Approximately midway between Toronto and Montreal, north of Kingston and Napanee (map link) with access to major transportation corridors such as Highway 7, Road 38 and the Highway 401 corridor, residents and businesses have access to markets, goods and services in cities such as Toronto, Kingston and Ottawa.

People

The permanent population of 4,555 is scattered throughout small villages and hamlets, along rural roads, and nestled beside shorelines. The population almost doubles in summer when cottagers retreat to the pristine lakes and quiet wooded areas. A large (and growing) percentage of our population is seniors. The township's geographic location and reasonably priced real estate makes the area attractive for those looking for a rural lifestyle with access to urban areas. High-speed internet, which is available throughout the municipality, allows people to work from home or the cottage. Detailed population demographics are available in by contacting the economic development office at the County of Frontenac. Most of our population are descendants of Eastern Europe or the British Isles; however, some of our most beloved and leading citizens are new Canadians with rich cultural history from the broader global community. A number of residents have familial ties to our First Nation peoples.

Education

Sharbot Lake is home to an Ontario Early Years Centre, which offers day care and a number of support programs for children and parents. The municipality also has two public schools and a catholic elementary school. Granite Ridge Education Centre, a state-of-the-art public school offering junior kindergarten to grade 12, opened in Sharbot Lake in 2014. Land O' Lakes Public School in Mountain Grove offers classes from junior kindergarten to grade 8. St James Major, in Sharbot Lake has elementary students. The area also has close ties to St. Lawrence College, Algonquin College and Queens University. The Northern Connections Adult Learning Centre offers support for literacy, computer skills and lifelong learning.

Social

Central Frontenac is busy with events and activities year around. There are a number of social and cultural groups and institutions as well as service clubs, churches, seniors clubs, and sport organizations. The township maintains a variety of public facilities such as parks, libraries, boat launches, beaches and community centres. The area is home to a number of environmental groups and lake associations, which have formed to protect and preserve the natural environment and the quality of our water in the interest of property owners, visitors and future generations. We offer some of the most spectacular stargazing in North America, the neighbouring Municipality of North Frontenac having the designation of an official Dark Skies Preserve. There are several organizations, which are unique to our community, a reflection of our environment, independent and artistic traditions and spirit. We are the home of Villages Beautiful, the Blue Skies Festival, the Friends of Arden, the Central Frontenac Railway Heritage Society, the Parham Fair, the Frontenac Heritage Festival, the North Frontenac Little Theatre. To learn more browse through the North and Central Frontenac Recreation Guide.

Economy

Tourism and recreation are major contributors to our local economy. Activities such as boating, kayaking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hiking, and ATVing are readily available and widely popular. Services industries such as restaurants, resorts, marinas, retailers and skilled trades all benefit from the sporting and outdoor enthusiasts who live in and visit the area. The village of Sharbot Lake has a medical centre, a wellness centre, a pharmacy, a post office, a bank, schools, investment firms, accounting firms, law practices, insurance brokers, and not-for- profit service organizations, which provide a wide range of professional employment. Self-employment in artistic pursuits is very common. There are several artisan studios and events offered throughout the year. Historically agriculture has been challenging in this rocky terrain and climate however there are still a number of family farms here and local products are available weekly at the Sharbot Lake Farmers Market from May to October. Recently we have caught the attention of people who are interested in the production of organic and/or high quality foods. We are proud to be the home of Seed to Sausage, an award winning producer of high quality smoked meats. With access to high-speed internet, increasing awareness about the security and quality of our food, new kinds of employment and the creative economy is growing here in Central Frontenac. For more information about starting or moving a business to Central Frontenac, there are a number of resourceful and friendly people you can speak with.

Links

Frontenac CFDC
Frontenac County Economic Development ,
Email Cathy MacMunn - CAO Central Frontenac Township,
Email Central Frontenac Economic Development Committee