The Township of Hilton is one of four municipalities located on St. Joseph Island, situated in the channel connecting Lake Huron and Lake Superior. The Island is approximately an 8 hour drive from Toronto and Ottawa, and can be accessed via the Trans-Canada Highway by taking the toll-free bridge at the intersection of Highway 17 East and Highway 548.
Hilton Township covers an area of approximately 116 square kilometres and occupies the south-eastern section of the Island. The Township is considered a rural community, characterized by single-family homes and small hobby farms. Residents rely on the nearby hamlets of Richards Landing and the Village of Hilton Beach, as well as the City of Sault Ste. Marie (a 45 minute drive), for essential services such as banking, groceries, fuel, and retail shopping.
The Township consists of 795 properties, including 719 residential, 5 farmland, and 8 industrial properties. The remaining properties are largely 100 acre vacant lots used for hunting or managed forest purposes.
Hilton Township has a permanent population of 289, with the following age distribution: 0 – 20 years: 1%; 21 – 50 years: 27%; 51 – 65 years: 26%; 65 years and over: 41%, unknown – 5%. During the summer months, the Township’s population increases by approximately 500 seasonal residents.
Hilton Township continues to grow as a popular location for seasonal and recreational properties. The area offers a scenic and peaceful environment for nearby urban residents, as well as an annual vacation destination for visitors from across Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, St. Joseph Island was inhabited by the Ojibway. Around 1798, the British government negotiated Treaty No. 11 with the Ojibway which resulted in St. Joseph Island becoming British property.
European immigration to the Island occurred in the late 1770’s with the arrival of the fur traders. The Northwest Company established a trading centre on the southern tip of the Island in 1783. By the late 1830’s, permanent settlement had begun with Major William Rains obtaining a charter to colonize the Island with one hundred families.
The first township, St. Joseph, was formed in 1876; Hilton Township was formed in 1883 and Jocelyn Township in 1886. The Village of Hilton Beach, formerly known as Marksville, separated from the Township of Hilton in 1923.
Early industries included the fur trade, fisheries, lumbering and agriculture. Wharf facilities were built to service boats travelling through the North Channel.
Until early in the 20th century, residents relied on small boats to reach the Island. Ferry service was introduced in 1919 and continued till 1972 when a bridge was constructed connecting the Island to the mainland.
2983 Base Line, Hilton Beach, ON P0R 1G0
+1 (705) 246-2472
admin@hiltontownship.ca
Mon/Wed/Fri: 9:30 am To 4:30 pm
705-246-2472
Corporation of the Township of Hilton 2983 Base Line Hilton Beach, Ontario P0R 1G0
