Perth County, Ontario

The settlers were almost equal in number as to their origins: English, Irish, Scottish and German.

Most became farmers, and even today, the county is known for mixed farming, dairying and hog production.

In 1831 William Sergeant was given a lot by the Canada Company on the condition that he open an inn.

In 1832 he erected the first frame building in the region by the Avon River and called it the "Shakespeare Hotel."

Over time, four additional towns were incorporated as urban municipalities: St. Marys, Mitchell, Listowel and Milverton.

[18] Perth County is an agricultural area; farm cash receipts for main commodities totaled $739 million in 2012.

The county is home to 2,252 census farms and 506,291 acres of farmland, employing over 3,000 people (2012) in crop and animal production.

[19] The largest employers in Perth County include Maple Leaf Foods, Listowel Technology Inc., Spinrite Inc., Cooper Standard Automotive, Erie Meat Products Ltd., Parmalat, Armtech-Durisol, Ideal Supply Company Ltd., Taylor Construction and FGC Construction.

[21] The area is serviced by the Stratford Municipal Airport which can handle air traffic ranging from Dash 8s to helicopters.

[2] Perth County has three hospitals, in Stratford, Listowel and St. Marys, with 24-hour emergency services.

[2] Perth County Paramedic Services has seven staffed ambulances; stations are located in Stratford, St. Marys, Listowel, Mitchell and Milverton.

[23] Other areas of the county receive services from the Ontario Provincial Police, Perth County Detachment in Sebringville with satellite offices in Listowel, Mitchell and St. Marys Perth County is served by the Avon Maitland District School Board and the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board.

Historic townships in Perth County
Historic townships in Perth County