Delta Community - Past and Present
Delta is centrally situated as a destination in the heart of the Township of Rideau Lakes, located on traditional Anishinaabe territory. In 1794, Abel Stevens, a United Empire Loyalist from Vermont, was granted land from the British government. He later brought family and friends to settle the area. Originally, Delta was referred to as "Stevenstown", but in 1815 the name was changed to "Stone Mills" after the stone merchant grist mill that still stands and operates today. The name was changed in 1826 to "Beverley" after Chief Justice John Beverley Robinson. In 1856 the village was renamed "Delta" because of its geographical location. Delta prospered as a farming and industrial village, which also supported pioneer trades, general stores, smiths, hotels, churches, carriage works, a distillery, brickyard, foundry, cheese factory, tannery, newspaper and even a hospital.
"Delta is a vibrant community rich with heritage and natural amenities. Delta will leverage its assets to foster a mixed community that supports families, seniors, youth, and visitors through sustaining and developing local services."
Who are we now? Community Assets
Delta has a beautiful, natural rural landscape, which is rich in heritage and located in the centre of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, in between two pristine lakes. Delta Village has many ongoing attractions and organizations like the United & Baptist Churches, Branch 207 of the Royal Canadian Legion, Delta Fire Station, Delta Fair, and many other groups in the community who in many cases, all come together as one, and as such, is our success in the continuance of major events.
The Old Stone Mill National Historic Site (built in 1810) continues to grind and sell locally grown heritage Red Fife wheat, offers interpretation, creates exhibits, and employs local students annually. The Delta Fair (began in 1830) and is an agricultural and social hub and homecoming. The Maple Syrup Festival (began as a centennial project in 1967) celebrates spring and local food. The Delta Harvest Festival celebrates the Harvest in the fall. The month of December brings Celebrating the Season where Delta Village and Lower Beverley Park are beautifully lit bringing in thousands of visitors to our community who take in a meal at the church, take a wagon ride through the park, visit the Old Stone Mill and all that we have to offer.
The Lower Beverley Lake Township Park offers beautiful accommodations, nature trails, a beach, and other facilities and events. We have many public boat launches and local services within the Township of Rideau Lakes such as Country Roads Community Health Centre and local pharmacies. Delta, Ontario is in close proximity to the UNESCO Rideau Canal and a few miles from the major urban centres of Kingston, Brockville, Smiths Falls and Ottawa for hospitals, shopping and entertainment. We have a vast volunteer network, wonderful walking tours of the village, cycling routes through the scenic countryside and quality paddling on both Upper and Lower Beverley Lakes.
LINKS OF INTEREST
Living within Delta and the Township of Rideau Lakes, one of the best places in the entire world, is truly a blessing. We have a lot to offer as we live within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere and boast of fresh air, clean water, and simple country living; ours is a great community where people can live and raise their families.
Old Stone Mill National Historic Site - Delta
Lower Beverley Park Township Park - Delta
Toledo Community
St. Joseph Catholic School - Toledo
Toledo is a village located adjacent to Highway 29, between Smiths Falls and Brockville in the Township of Elizabeth-Kitley. It is approximately a one-hour drive from Kingston and Ottawa. Established in the mid-1800's Toledo was a thriving centre by 1861 with numerous businesses, a hotel, four churches and even had its own village band ! Toledo took its lovely name from an historical city on the Tagus River in Spain. It continues to be nestled in the countryside with nearby Bellamy's Lake, Campground and Ball Field.
Toledo, at present, is an active social community with a Service Centre Liquor and Convenience store and lunch counter, as well as a Post Office,
St. Joseph Catholic School, St. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church and local Royal Canadian Legion Branch 475. The Legion hosts dances, darts, suppers and has an active indoor Horse shoe League.
There are several businesses that operate out of Toledo as well; the Tor Mac Tree Service, Busy Bee Honey Supplies, Kitley Carpentry, Dowcom Sheet
Metal Ltd, and the Seaway Tree Removal. The population of the village is comprised of local farmers, young families, county and municipal workers and retired individuals. It is a residential community that is quiet, with well-kept properties and a community spirit that makes it a desirable place to live.
LINKS OF INTEREST
Pastoral Charge