McKellar has a rich and proud history that dates back to the early 1860s, beginning with settlement in the Broadbent area and later expanding to the site officially established in 1867 as the community now known as McKellar.
In its early years, McKellar was primarily a logging community, with the timber industry playing a major role in shaping the Township’s growth and development. The area’s forests and waterways supported the transportation of logs and helped attract settlers, workers, and families to the region. Over time, the community continued to grow, building the strong rural character, natural beauty, and close-knit spirit that residents and visitors value today.
McKellar’s history is preserved and celebrated by the Township’s dedicated Historical Committee. Through the collection and preservation of artifacts, photographs, records, and local stories, the committee helps ensure that the history and heritage of McKellar continue to be shared with future generations.
Preserving the Past in the Present for the Future
To learn more about the Historical Committee, including their role, ongoing projects, and meeting information, please visit our Committees Page.
Early History of McKellar
The history of McKellar dates back to the early 1860s, when the first settlers began arriving in the area to establish homes, businesses, and industries that would shape the future of the Township. Logging, farming, and trade played major roles in the community’s early development, while the area’s lakes, rivers, and forests provided important transportation routes and natural resources.
Evelyn Watkins Moore Heritage Museum
The Evelyn Watkins Moore Heritage Museum, located within the McKellar Community Centre, celebrates and preserves the rich history and heritage of the McKellar community. The museum features a collection of artifacts, historical displays, archival materials, family histories, photographs, and articles that showcase the people, events, and stories that have shaped McKellar throughout the years.
Visitors are also invited to explore the Evelyn Watkins Moore Heritage Room, which is available by appointment. To arrange a visit, please call 705-389-2842 or email admin@mckellar.ca.
The Heritage Room and Historical Committee are always interested in preserving local history and welcome donations or loans of historical artifacts, documents, and photographs. Original photographs may also be copied and returned to the owner for archival purposes. If you have items that may help preserve and share the history of McKellar for future generations, please contact the McKellar Historical Committee for more information regarding the donation and display process.
McKellar and The Great War
The Great War, or as we now term it, World War I, was a turning point for Canadian nationalism and identity. Soldiers left as colonial troops and returned as Canadians. And while away, those soldiers and their efforts were supported by a dedicated effort on the home front.
The Township of McKellar was not hugely populated at the outbreak of war in 1914, however the people of the area still managed to make substantial contributions in troops, funds, and supplies.