Kinmount, Ontario is a charming village nestled on the banks of the Burnt River. With a population of approximately 500, this quaint community is shared by three municipalities: the City of Kawartha Lakes, Minden Hills, and Trent Lakes. Serving as a shopping and cultural hub, Kinmount's hinterland spans large sections of both Haliburton and Peterborough counties. Before the formation of the City of Kawartha Lakes, Kinmount was the seat of Somerville Township.
Originally known as Burnt River Crossing, Kinmount was renamed in 1859 by Mrs. Malcolm Bell, who named it after Kinmount, Scotland. This name is now used by a nearby village. Kinmount holds a special place in Canadian history as one of the first sites of Icelandic settlement in the country.
Although the Icelandic settlers moved to Manitoba after a year, their story is commemorated by an Ontario Historical Plaque. In September 2000, a memorial was erected in their honor, attracting over 500 people, including the Foreign Minister of Iceland and the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, for its dedication.
Kinmount was connected to Lindsay and Haliburton by the Victoria Railway, which was later absorbed by the Canadian National Railways as the Haliburton subdivision. Passenger service ceased in 1960, and freight service ended in 1978. The line was eventually abandoned in 1981.
In the summer of 2004, Kinmount gained national attention when it became the first Ontario village to actively recruit a family physician to move to the community. This grass-roots campaign included leaflets, posters, and newspaper ads throughout the province.
One of the highlights of the year in Kinmount is the annual Kinmount Fair, held on the Labour Day weekend. This event draws visitors from across the region, adding to the village's vibrant community spirit. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Kinmount, Ontario has something to offer everyone.
