[4][5] Its strategic location on the Ottawa River and the construction of the Carillon Canal in 1819 led to the town's real growth.

In 1857 construction began on the Carillon and Grenville Railway, which was completed six years later.

On January 1, 1876, the Village Municipality of Grenville was formed at which time it exceeded one thousand persons.

During this war, attacks along the Saint Lawrence River jeopardized the communication lines between Kingston and Montreal, the two main military positions of Upper and Lower Canada.

In 1819 Captain Henry Vernet of the Royal Engineers arrived from Britain to lead the construction of the project.

[11] Mother tongue (2006):[15] List of former mayors: The Commission scolaire de la Rivière-du-Nord operates French-language public schools.