Walkerton

Walkerton is located in southern part of Bruce County in the Municipality of Brockton. Walkerton is a quaint town situated on the banks of the Saugeen River. Known to the Ojibway as Hahskosesing meaning “Little Marsh,” Walkerton began in 1850 when Joseph Walker arrived, building a dam across the Saugeen and then erecting a saw and grist mill. Walker, who was also the proprietor of a tavern, not only gave his name to this river town, but also became its first mayor.

In May of 2000 Walkerton suffered a major disaster when the wells that supply water to the town became contaminated with E. coli. Nearly half of the towns population became ill and seven people died as a result. In 2004 the Walkerton Clean Water Centre opened as a research and training facility to ensure clean and safe drinking water for the entire province.