Georgian Bay Township Historical Society

10/21/2026

09/23/2026

Find this great artistic impression of some of Port Severn's history at Bush's Marina by muralist Ruth Hurdle.

09/22/2026

With the yard cleanup and sanding the porch railing completed last week, members of GBTHS were once again busy at the Bressette House, this time to paint the porch railings and staining the wood for the side porch.
Additionally, some new trees have been planted at the side of the property. Some grass seed and a few new bushes will be planted next. A complete property refresh! Looking good!

09/22/2026

🏆 GOLD WINNER! 🏆

We are thrilled to share that Southeast Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (SEGBAY) has been named GOLD – Best Non-Profit / Foundation in the Southern Georgian Bay & Simcoe in the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026! ⭐

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who voted and supported SEGBAY. We’re incredibly grateful to be part of such an amazing community! 💙

08/20/2026

Port Severn was once known as Severn Mills. Lumber mills were key to the growth of the communities around Georgian Bay, including Port Severn.

Severn began as an Ojibwa settlement called "Shrinkage" and later "Gissinausebing," meaning "cold water". It grew into a lumber hub named Severn Mills in 1850 before taking the name Port Severn in 1868. It is famous for Lock 45, the smallest and final gateway linking the Trent-Severn Waterway to Georgian Bay.

Indigenous Roots and Early Settlement1830s: Chief John Aisance and the Chippewa people settled the Severn River region.1850: A sawmill was built, launching the community known as Severn Mills.1868: The growing shipping and lumber settlement was officially renamed Port Severn.1873.

The Georgian Bay Lumber Company opened a massive sawmill, driving rapid local employment and growth.The Trent-Severn Waterway and Lock 45 1914–1915: Construction began on a small link connecting the Severn River to Georgian Bay.World War I: Due to wartime shortages, a smaller "temporary" lock was finished instead of a grand project. Lock 45.

This structure remains the smallest operating lock on the entire Trent-Severn Waterway system.Heritage and PreservationBressette House: Built around 1888, this Victorian Gothic pioneer home stands as a preserved local landmark.Local Archives: Groups like the Georgian Bay Township Historical Society actively maintain regional artifacts, historic buildings, and local lore.

07/17/2026

☀️ Looking to showcase your business while supporting one of the community’s favourite summer events?

Sponsorship opportunities are available for our Christmas in July celebration on July 25 at the Bressette Homestead! With Title, Gold, and Silver sponsorships available, it’s a great way to increase your visibility while helping make this festive event a success.

To learn more or secure your sponsorship, contact the Chamber today:
📧 [email protected]
📞 705.756.4863

06/23/2026