[2] Tracing its roots to the forestry and railway industries, Canterbury was once home to over 1,000 residents and served as a service centre for the surrounding area of western York County.

In the winter of 1865, Canterbury was briefly the focus of much military activity when some 9000 British troops passed through the village on their way to "The Canadas" (Ontario and Quebec).

As it was winter, the shipping season in the St. Lawrence River was closed leaving overland travel from British colonies in the Maritimes as the only option.

The large contingent of British troops debarked passenger trains at the station and were then driven by horse-drawn sleigh up the Saint John River and then across to St Lawrence to Levis (opposite Quebec City) where they re-boarded passenger trains operated by the Grand Trunk Railway.

The school has escaped closure several times but had its future sealed in 2002 with an extensive construction overhaul and addition of a new gym.