[4] An 1869 gazetteer of Ontario described Canton as a village on Smith's creek,[a] in the township of Hope, County Durham.

Most of the people were farmers, but there was a justice of the peace, a doctor, a Wesleyan minister, a postmaster and general merchant, a lumber dealer, a miller, a dressmaker, two coopers, two carpenters and Thomas Martin, proprietor of the Canton Hotel.

During the American Civil War (1861–65) he served as a volunteer and was awarded a Medal of Honor for bravery in rescuing his wounded captain in the face of enemy fire.

[15] Eugene Forsey, who had been hired to teach the two Massey boys wrote, "The place is beautiful – rolling country, lightly wooded here and there with a stream ending in a mill pond almost below the hill window.

"[14] In 1927 the Massey Foundation and the Canton United Church provided funding to move the Hope Chapel from its original location on the northwest corner of the property to its present site.

The building was placed on cement foundations, was lengthened to include a stage, and had a kitchen and dining room added.

One of the recommendations was to relocate parks, recreation and culture staff from the Canton Municipal Office to the Town Hall.