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Recreation and activity updates. View the activity archives.

14 Jul 2026

Bingo and Roller Skate July 16th

Double the Fun at the Johnson Township Community Centre – July 16! Looking for a fun way to spend your Thursday evening? Join us at the Johnson Township Community Centre on Thursday, July 16, from 6:00–8:00 PM for a night packed with activities for all ages! Head downstairs to the rink floor for our Summer […]

5 May 2026

Banners for Veteran’s Tribute 2026

Join us in honouring Veteran’s past and present as we cover Lake Huron Drive with commemorative banners. We invite you to complete an application for a loved one, family member, or friend and highlight their act of service on a Banner. Applications are open until Friday, July 3rd, 2026 and filled on a first-come-first served […]

20 Apr 2026

9 Apr 2026

Now Hiring: Summer Student Employment 2026

Summer Student Employment 2026 – Johnson Township Johnson Township is accepting applications for youth summer student positions for the upcoming season. All roles are pending funding approval. Eligible applicants must be between 15–30 years of age. Available Position Areas (Pending Funding) Recreation & Administration Recreation and administrative support roles assisting with program planning, event coordination, […]

24 Mar 2026

2026 Desbarats for Sale May 9: Registration Now Open

Join in on the Community Yard Sale, Saturday, May 9th, 8am-1pm. All individuals, families, organizations, farms, and businesses are encouraged to take part. Registration of a sale can be done in person at the Municipal Office or online at: https://johnsontownship.ca/desbarats-for-sale-registration/ There are two ways you can host your own sale: At your house by registering your […]

10 Mar 2026

March 2026, Newsletter

In Issue 141 of the March 2026 Newsletter, check out the CU-JO Memorial Family Hockey Tournament winner and don’t forget to see what Johnson Township Recreation has planned for March. Newsletter Issue 141 March 2026 Want something added for next month? Email recreation@johnsontownship.ca to have your information included.  

Senior of the Year

Every year, Johnson Township, along with the Province of Ontario, honours one outstanding individual aged 65 and over as the Ontario Senior of the Year. This individual has made a significant impact on our community’s social, cultural or civic life, making Johnson Township a better place to live.

The Senior of the Year will be chosen at the April council meeting, and staff will complete the Provincial nomination form by April 30 of each year. The Senior of the Year is then honoured at a luncheon put on by the Dr. Harold S Trefry Memorial Centre during Seniors Month in June, along with leading the Johnson Township Community Days Parade on the 2nd Saturday in July, as the Parade Marshall.

Nominations can be made at any time throughout the year by sending an email to recreation@johnsontownship.ca.

2026 Senior of the Year: Edith Orr

Johnson Township is proud to recognize Edith Orr as our 2026 Senior of the Year, honouring her outstanding dedication, leadership, and years of service to our community.

Edith has devoted countless hours to making Johnson Township and the surrounding Central Algoma area a better place to live. She is the driving force behind many beloved community initiatives, including the Johnson Farmers’ Market, Christmas in July, and Algoma Fibre to Fabric. Through these events, Edith has created opportunities for local vendors, artisans, and residents to connect while celebrating everything our region has to offer.

Her commitment to public service also includes serving as Mayor of Johnson Township, where she worked tirelessly to support residents and strengthen the community. Even after her time in municipal leadership, Edith has continued to volunteer her time and energy to causes that benefit others.

Alongside a business partner, Edith also helped create the Central Algoma Playground Newsletter, providing an important resource that keeps communities informed about local events, activities, and opportunities throughout the region.

Edith’s unwavering commitment to serving others, her passion for community, and her willingness to always lend a helping hand have made a lasting impact on Johnson Township and beyond. She continually puts her community first, inspiring those around her through her generosity, leadership, and dedication.

On behalf of Johnson Township Council, staff, and residents, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Edith Orr on being named the 2026 Johnson Township Senior of the Year. We are incredibly grateful for all that she has done—and continues to do—for our community.

Past Recipients Include:

2025 Frank Hicks
2024 Cheryl Larrett
2023 Zahida Croskery
2022 None
2021 Rick Barber
2020 Ann McHale
2019 Pat McKinnon
2018 Dianne Adamson
2017 Kelly Hopkins
2016 Pat & Lee Taylor
2015 Francis & Harry Brunton
2014 Bud & Betty Mills
2013 Ken Reed
2012 Arlene & Hugh Hunter
2011 Ellwood McKinnon
2010 Earl Orr
2009 Reginald McKinnon
2008 Connie Summers
2007 Robert Gibson
2006 Austin & Fay McClelland
2005 Christina McClelland
2004 Jessie & Web Bell
2003 Eric Hicks
2002 Joyce McKinnon
2001 Nellie Gjos
2000 Irene Gjos
1999 AD & Viola Campbell
1998
1997
1996 Rachel Hunter
Stan & Florence Jones
Stan & Marg Pollard

 

Johnson Newsletter

Download a copy of the monthly Johnson Township Newsletter below. You can subscribe at the bottom of this page.

5 May 2026

May 2026, Newsletter

Check out what May has in store for us, in our monthly newsletter! Newsletter Issue 143 May 2026 Want something added for next month? Email recreation@johnsontownship.ca to have your information included.

8 Apr 2026

April 2026, Newsletter

Take a look at the attached for this month’s Newsletter. Newsletter Issue 142 April 2026 Want something added for next month? Email recreation@johnsontownship.ca to have your information included.

10 Mar 2026

March 2026, Newsletter

In Issue 141 of the March 2026 Newsletter, check out the CU-JO Memorial Family Hockey Tournament winner and don’t forget to see what Johnson Township Recreation has planned for March. Newsletter Issue 141 March 2026 Want something added for next month? Email recreation@johnsontownship.ca to have your information included.  

10 Mar 2026

February 2026, Newsletter

Check out the dates for 2026 Events around the community! Newsletter Issue 140 February 2026 Want something added for next month? Email recreation@johnsontownship.ca to have your information included.

13 Jan 2026

4 Dec 2025

10 Oct 2025

27 Aug 2025

30 Jul 2025

6 Jun 2025

1 May 2025

27 Mar 2025

Contact Us

You can email us anytime at people@johnsontownship.ca or phone us at (705) 782–6601, and use the extensions provided in our message.

Thanks, and we hope to hear from you soon!

 

 

Established in 1889 and home to the hamlet of Desbarats,

Johnson Township is located 60 km east of Sault St. Marie on the historic TransCanada highway.  With access to the beautiful North Channel of Lake Huron, Johnson Township is also home to several freshwater lakes with public beaches and boat ramps; a vibrant agricultural community, including a seasonal Farmer’s Market supported by the local Mennonite community; the wildlife preserves of the Kensington Conservancy; the Central Algoma Secondary School and Johnson Township Community Centre, both regional hubs for many recreational activities. The Community Centre houses a full-sized arena that is open to rentals. Johnson Township provides a year-round range of recreational events and programs.

Johnson Township Community Centre (JTCC)

For booking availability, submit a Rental Request Form: Johnson Township Facility Rental Request 2025-2026

Upstairs Hall: With a capacity for 200 people, chairs, tables, a portable bar and more, this is a great venue for parties, stag & does, family gatherings, and more.

Kitchen: NEWLY RENOVATED and fully stocked for all your needs. Available for rent with the Hall or separately.

Rink Floor: Available seasonally May – September, a full sized 85′ x 180′ rink floor. Great for large vendor events, showcases, or birthday parties. Additional sports equipment can be provided with your booking.

Pavilion: An outdoor covered space with indoor access to washrooms.

Johnson Township Community Centre (JTCC) – Ice Rental

Ice Rentals are available seasonally from October – March. Please complete the Rental Request Form for availability. Johnson Township Facility Rental Request 2025-2026

Interested in renting the ice for practice times? Contact Recreation at 705-782-6601 ex. 205 or recreation@johnsontownship.ca for contract rates when you book 5 or more sessions at once.

Looking for Advertising options at the JTCC? Complete the attachedJohnson Township Community Centre Advertising Plan 2025-2026 request for to start the process.

Gordon Lake Hall

Gordon Lake Hall is a quaint little hall, with a capacity of 50 people, and fully inspected kitchen facilities.

Available to rent for family gatherings, birthday parties, showers, exercise, yoga classes etc.

 Facility Rental Rates

Johnson Township Facility Rental Rates Oct 1 2025 – Sept 30 2026

 

Applications

Downloadable  forms and applications are listed below for a number of services. If you don’t see what you’re looking for here, please contact us.

Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Board information and applications available here: http://www.tarbutt.ca/planning-board.html

For more information on the Ontario Building Code visit http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page8491.aspx

Fire

Fire Permit Application

Planning

Applications for a building permit can be completed and either mailed, emailed to people@johnsontownship.ca or dropped off at the Township Office. Once received they will be processed and prepared for issuance. Please note that until further notice, Provincial regulations do not allow us to issue these permits subject to certain exceptions.

Application for Consent-Severance 

Building Permit Requirements & Application 

Building Permit Energy Efficiency Design Summary 

CIP Plan Application Package

Site Plan- Fillable Application

Application For a Trailer License

Council

By-Law Complaint Procedure

General  Complaint Form

Trailer By-Law Complaint Form

Delegation Request Letter

Facilities

Johnson Township Facility Rental Rates Oct 1 2025 – Sept 30 2026

Johnson Township Facility Rental Request 2025-2026

Get Listed!

The Johnson Township Directory offers local businesses, services, artists, freelancers and others a chance to have a web presence on the township website. If you’re interested in participating, fill out and submit the form. It will appear in the Directory as soon as it is approved.

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Beggs Funeral Home Limited and Driftwood Cremation Centre

We are a family owned and operated full service funeral home and Crematorium serving families across the North Shore since 1965. Dignity, Professionalism and Affordability are what have made us the choice of thousands of families for over fifty years.

Emilya Junor Photography

I have been a family, couple, and self portrait photographer since 2014 and have loved every minute of it! Helping people have photographs they will cherish the rest of their lives for a reasonable price has always been my goal! Please check out my website or Facebook/Instagram page for my work! I look forward to […]

Employment Solutions – Sault College

We offer employment services to both job-seekers and employers. All of our services are free of charge, funded by Employment Ontario. Employment Consultants will aid in your job search by helping design an attractive and effective resume, give leads on job openings, and suggest career paths. For employers looking to hire, there are many services […]

Ije’s Place

IJe’s Place is an African, Caribbean, and Canadian foods business consisting of a bakery, a grocery store, and a restaurant. Our location is under construction and we are currently operating out of the Johnson Township Arena for the restaurant and baked goods shops.

North Channel Current

The North Channel Current is an online newspaper serving the Central Algoma area between Echo Bay and Iron Bridge.

North Channel Minor Hockey Association

North Channel Minor Hockey Association offers local children a place to play hockey. Practices are held in Desbarats and we play our games in the Central Algoma Hockey League in Thessalon, Blind River and Elliot Lake. Email for more information !

Schools

Elementary and secondary schools.

Smoke & Honey Local Products

Small-scale, emergent agriculture is where it is at! Honey, cider, garden greens, wool, lambs, chickens, turkeys, eggs and more.

Top Notch Tree Service

Top Notch Tree Service provides major tree removal and tree care. Commercial and residential work fully insured.

Vulnerable Persons Registry

The Vulnerable Persons Registry (VPR) is a free, voluntary and confidential service aimed at improving the safety of residents living at home who would be at greater risk during emergencies.