Nestled in the heart of Renfrew County, Ontario, Canada, Killaloe is a charming town that offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Located in the township of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards, this Eastern Ontario gem is just 3 km away from the shores of Golden Lake, a popular spot for quality angling and year-round recreation.
Killaloe, pronounced "KILL-a-LOO", owes its name to a community in Ireland, reflecting the Irish heritage of many of its early settlers. These pioneers arrived in Canada in the early 19th century, seeking a better life and establishing the town's early beginnings centered on the lumber trade.
The town's history is deeply intertwined with the mill at Old Killaloe, built in 1849 and rebuilt in 1870 after a devastating fire. This mill harnessed waterpower to grind grain for area residents until 1930 and planed lumber until the 1960s. Originally known as Fort McDonnell, the town became known as Killaloe Station around 1868 when the Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway expanded rapidly through the rugged Madawaska Valley, driven by the demands of the lumber industry.
The construction of the Opeongo Line in 1854 brought more settlers and the logging industry to the area, originally occupied by the Algonquins. The settlers were predominantly French Canadians and Irish Catholic immigrants, but also included Poles, Kashubians, and Germans.
As the railroad construction concluded and the forestry industry declined, many residents turned to farming. However, the rocky land and short growing seasons led to many farm failures and a steady population decline, which has only leveled off in recent decades.
Today, Killaloe still relies on the lumber industry, with both large and small logging operations and sawmills supporting the local economy. The town maintains a flavor of the turn of the century in its commercial buildings, many of which are over 100 years old.
Killaloe was known across Canada for its radio and weather station, which operated from 1938 to 1972 as part of a country-wide chain of sites designed for aircraft communication. In May 2014, the founders of BeaverTails, Grant and Pam Hooker, officially titled Killaloe as the birthplace of the BeaverTails.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Killaloe had a population of 487 living in 246 of its 274 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -18% from its 2016 population of 594. With a land area of 6.69 km2 (2.58 sq mi), Killaloe had a population density of 72.8/km2 (188.5/sq mi) in 2021.
Killaloe, Ontario, is a town rich in history and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful place to unwind, Killaloe offers something for everyone.
