Kensington, a charming town nestled in Prince County, Prince Edward Island, Canada, is a place where history and modernity coexist. Located just 15 km northeast of the city of Summerside, Kensington is experiencing rapid growth, thanks in part to a recently opened business park. As of 2021, the town boasts a population of 1,812.
Kensington's history is as unique as its name. Initially known as Five Lanes End, the area was a convergence point for roads from five different communities. In 1824, it was renamed Barrett's Cross, after an early settler who established an inn in the area.
The town received its current name in 1862, inspired by Kensington Palace in London. This renaming coincided with the curving of the Prince Edward Island Railway's mainline from Charlottetown to Summerside through the community, marking its evolution into a town.
Today, the town's former railyards have been transformed into a tourist venue. The former Kensington Railway Station, designed by architect Charles Benjamin Chappell, was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1976.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Kensington had a population of 1,812 living in 865 of its 897 total private dwellings. This represents a growth of 11.9% from its 2016 population of 1,619. With a land area of 3.17 km2 (1.22 sq mi), Kensington had a population density of 571.6/km2 (1,480.5/sq mi) in 2021.
Kensington is not just a service centre for the surrounding farming, fishing, and tourism areas. It also hosts many notable events throughout the year. These include the Kensington Harvest Festival and the Community Gardens Ambassador Program, among others. These events add to the vibrant community spirit and make Kensington, Prince Edward Island, a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.
