It was originally known as the township of Bathurst Burgess Sherbrooke, but adopted the name of Tay Valley on July 30, 2002.

At the time of European settlement in North America, the area of the township was under the control of the Omàmiwininì, an Algonquin people[2].

A newer mainline was branched off west of Glen Tay southwest towards Belleville which still handles the CP Rail traffic from Smith Falls to Toronto.

However, similar to adjacent townships, there are also numerous seasonal residents, predominantly cottagers from Ottawa or Kingston.

The Rideau Trail passes through the township, including Murphys Point Provincial Park.