From Quebec they traveled to Kingston, and then on to York, where Stewart and Reid were each granted 1,200 acres (4.9 km2), provided they settled in a township.

On September 9, 1822, Stewart and Reid traveled to the area with surveyor Richard Birdsall, and each chose land on the Otonabee River.

Thomas and Frances developed their home, "Auburn," on Lot 2, Concession XII, raising a family of 10 children to adulthood and assisting other settlers.

Thomas Stewart became a prominent and influential citizen in the area until his death in 1847 from typhoid fever.

The integrated arts program moved to Stewart in 2012 after the closing of Peterborough Collegiate Vocational School.

Its indoor facilities include: Outdoors, the school boasts: Students come from an equal mix of rural and urban homes.