Township of the Archipelago turns 45 with new look

The Township of the Archipelago celebrated its 45th anniversary on Thursday with cake, a new logo, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Pointe Au Baril Community Centre.

The municipality, which uniquely straddles both sides of Parry Sound, honoured its history while looking toward the future.

“It’s been my honour – and I think our staff and council’s honour – to serve this community,” said town reeve Bert Liverance, who reflected on the township’s evolution.

Liverance, whose family has deep ties to the region, recalled the arrival of modern amenities over the decades.

“I remember as a kid when they brought in the hydro lines and the party lines for phone communication,” he said. “Now you have cell phones, internet, washing machines, dryers – all the conveniences of the city. But you have to stop and look outside … you have to pinch yourself.”

“We’re in the middle of the Georgian Bay Biosphere. I get chill bumps just thinking about this. We’re in a wilderness that we have the privilege of being part of,” he added.

Liverance also spoke about the cultural richness of the area.

“There is so much that we learn from all the different people that come into our community and share their knowledge with us,” he said. “It is a gift – my privilege, my gift – to have been here my whole life. This is my spirit home. I grew up in the United States, but I came here because this is where I feel whole.”

The celebration featured displays from the township’s bylaw department, the local museum, and an interactive historical map highlighting Indigenous communities that originally inhabited the land.

Parry Sound–Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith brought greetings from the provincial government, presenting a commemorative scroll to the municipality.

“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication for a municipality to reach this milestone,” Smith read from the scroll. “The Township of the Archipelago has built great communities within their borders and formed lasting partnerships with their neighbours, all while giving respect to the lands and waters of Georgian Bay.”

Smith also participated in a ribbon-cutting for the newly renovated outdoor ice rink in Pointe au Baril, announcing nearly $200,000 in funding for Phase 1 of the project through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.

“I know it’s looking great out there – the work has been done,” Smith said. “Congratulations to everyone in the Archipelago and everyone who has put time and effort into this project.”