Located roughly 30 minutes south of Ottawa and midway between major centres, North Dundas offers a rural-township mix ideal for families, commuters, and businesses alike. The township (population ~11,782 as of 2021) was formed in 1998 through the amalgamation of the former Mountain and Winchester townships with the villages of Chesterville and Winchester.
Who & Where
North Dundas encompasses a patchwork of villages and hamlets — most notably Winchester (the administrative centre) and Chesterville — along with many smaller rural communities.
Residents enjoy a community-oriented lifestyle, with churches, service clubs, local theatre, and social opportunities fostering civic engagement.
What & Work
Agriculture remains at the heart of the local economy: North Dundas is home to one of the largest agri-food clusters east of Toronto.
Major employers include a large dairy-processing facility producing the well-known “Balderson” cheese, along with a variety of grain elevators, farm-equipment dealers, and agri-input suppliers.
Over the past five years, more than CAD 45 million in industrial and commercial investments have generated 100+ new full-time jobs, underscoring growing economic opportunity.
Lifestyle & Community
North Dundas offers a balanced rural lifestyle with access to quality infrastructure and services. Residents enjoy community events — including a summer agricultural fair in Chesterville, “Dairyfest” in Winchester, and other local fairs and festivals.
For those who commute, County Road 31 connects to Ottawa, and Highways 401, 416, and 417 are within easy reach.