Recreation and activity updates. View the activity archives.
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 […]
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 […]
Register early online to get on the water first and reel in the monster everyone’s after!
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, […]
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 […]
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:
| 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Head to the JTCC for Sticks and Pucks Time on Sundays.
Check out the Festival Events Throughout the Area.
Who won the $1,400 grand prize from the 2025 ATV Poker Run?
Details on Back-To-School, Ice Rental Start Date, and Fun September Events
Information for End of Summer Programs and the 2025 ATV Poker Run.
Get Ready for Community Days and the ParticipACTION Community Challenge.
Updates for the High Speed Internet Planning, and More.
Summer Programming is Starting, Read More Today.
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.
[quicksearch]
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.
Brian Cameron Excavating, Desbarats, Ontario.
September 2025 Hours of Operation.
Church services and programs.
Information about services offered by the Dr. Harold S. Trefry Memorial Senior’s Centre to residents of Johnson Township.
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 […]
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 […]
Johnson Township Farmer’s Market Association
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.
Supplying all of your gardening needs.
Michael Peever Auctions
The North Channel Current is an online newspaper serving the Central Algoma area between Echo Bay and Iron Bridge.
North Channel Heating & Air Conditioning
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 !
Making your special event one the remember.
Elementary and secondary schools.
Small-scale, emergent agriculture is where it is at! Honey, cider, garden greens, wool, lambs, chickens, turkeys, eggs and more.
Sutton Group SSM Realty Inc.
Top Notch Tree Service provides major tree removal and tree care. Commercial and residential work fully insured.
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.