Ontario Municipal Records

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Ontario

Municipal Records

Municipal Records

• Finding Municipal Records Research Guide

The Archives of Ontario has a significant collection of local government records, dating from approximately 1821 to 1971. The collection contains records from all regions of the province. However, it is not comprehensive. There are more records from southern municipalities than other areas of the province. The Archives’ collection includes some township and village records at the county level. Municipal records can include minutes and by-laws, assessment and collectors rolls, and general financial and administrative records.

A discussion of ways to use municipal records in family history research is in:

• Walsh, Mark. Municipal Archives and Genealogy, pp. 67-75, in Debra Butler Honor, edhistory itor.  In the Footsteps of the Habitants. Toronto, Ontario: The Ontario Genealogical Society, 1986.Family History Library WorldCat

Confirming the Municipality’s Name

In searching the Archives’ municipal records, keep in mind that:

• A municipality’s name and its administrative levels may have changed. Click here to view a permanent on-line exhibit, The Changing Shape of Ontario: A Guide to Boundaries, Names, and Regional Government.
• Many small Ontario communities were never incorporated as municipalities but included a post office or railway station. These places often are known by locally-recognized names.

Archives of Ontario

Municipal records can be searched at the Archives of Ontario, requested in interlibrary loan for use in your local library, or you can hire a researcher from the provided list of individuals who are certified by the Board for Certification of Genealogists or who are members of the Association of Professional Genealogists.

• Prepare for Your Visit to the Archives of Ontario.
• For information and request forms for interlibrary loans, see What is the Microfilm Interloan Service?
• Genealogical Researchers in Ontario

Writing for Records

Records for the rest of the more than 800 municipalities in the province must be obtained from the municipal offices or regional archives holding them.

Addresses for all incorporated municipalities and some archives and government offices in Ontario are in the appropriate sections of:

Canadian Almanac and Directory. Toronto, Ontario: Canadian Almanac & Directory Publishing Company, annual. (FHL book 971 E4ca; not on microfilm.)

Family History Library