Commercial History
Commercial Development of the Trent River Valley began with the logging industry. Large stands of red and white pine were cut and shipped to Britain. Wooden dams with log slides and timber sluices were built to encourage lumbering. In 1836, the ground work was laid for a dam at Healey Falls and a lock at Hastings.In 1837, money was set aside to build the section of the canal from the mouth of the Trent to Percy landing. Many years passed before the canal was fully navigable. On July 26, 1918, the first boat from Lake Ontario reached Orillia. The Trent-Severn Waterway took almost ninety years to build at a cost of $24 million. The system contains remarkable feats of engineering such as the height of the Healey Falls lift which required 3 locks together.
The Trent-Severn Waterway was planned as a commercial venture to move wheat from the prairies to Lake Ontario and Montreal but... by the time it was completed, grain was being moved other ways. The Trent Canal never developed into the commercial enterprise envisioned by its founders.
The 240 mile waterway with 42 locks is basically a tourist attraction used by pleasure craft now. 100 years ago, the Trent Severn's fortunes were tied up with that of freight movements and fortunes of Ontario. Grain barges, log booms and steamers were seen on the river. Now a tourism attraction, American and Canadian fishermen make Campbellford a destination yearly, just as they did as kids years ago on family vacations. All it takes is one visit here, and you'll be back.
Commerce in Campbellford has changed drastically over the years. In 1886, the Trent Valley Woolen Mill and The Rathburn Lumber Mill were the largest businesses. Rathburn alone, turned our 100,000 board feet of lumber planks, studs, railway ties, square timbers, shingles and lath each day. The community was becoming well-established with several churches, a stone town hall (now the Heritage Building on Front St.N.), a schoolhouse, blacksmiths, copper shops and grist mills. The river served several important functions such as water for livestock, crops and human consumption as well as a cheap power source and the prime mode of transportation.
Today, Campbellford has a diverse economy with a focus on retail trade and tourism. Fishing, golfing, hiking, boating, bird watching, B&B's, resorts, camping, one-of-a-kind shops, mouthwatering eateries, department stores, artists and artisans galore, Westben Theatre and more... Today's Campbellford is expanding in manufacturing with the World's Finest Chocolate begin produced right here, to name one. A great destination.
Campbellford is the largest commercial area between Belleville and Peterborough. It is uniquely located where the Trans Canada Trail crosses the beautiful Trent River. The historical buildings in the downtown give Campbellford it's `character` and the main bridge spans gracefully over the water to join the west and east sides. Campbellford is accessible by foot, bike, car or boat.
Diversity is the focus of downtown with clothing boutiques, antiques, gift shops, groceries, personal needs, sporting needs, department stores, furniture stores and much more. The quality of life offered by the community will draw you back again and again. Campbellford is a friendly, helpful, caring community and a safe place to shop, visit or live. For more info on the history of the area check out Gleanings or contact our Heritage Society.