Grimsby in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

First Town Meeting

1790

Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 28, 2023

1. First Town Meeting Marker

Inscription. Near this site on April 5. 1790, was held the earliest known session of a municipal government in what is now Ontario. This ‘town meeting' of Township No. 6, later named Grimsby, dealt with such matters as the height of fences and the registration of livestock marks. While magistrates, appointed by the Crown, still exercised the more important functions of municipal administration, this marked a beginning of local self-government by elected representatives of the people.

Erected by Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Government & Politics • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 5, 1790.

Location. 43° 11.592′ N, 79° 34.004′ W. Marker is in Grimsby, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is at the intersection of Main Street West (Road 81) and Murray Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street West. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 125 Main Street West, Grimsby ON L3M 3N7, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe

and in Niagara Canada.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Grimsby Town Bell (a few steps from this marker); April 5th, 1990, 200th Anniversary of the First Municipal Meeting in Upper Canada

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(a few steps from this marker); Nelles Fitch House 1791 (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel Robert Nelles 1761-1842 (within shouting distance of this marker); Watering trough from Grimsby's Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Grimsby Cenotaph (within shouting distance of this marker); Nelles Manor 1798 (within shouting distance of this marker); Gibson House c. 1860 (about 210 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grimsby.

Also see . . . Exploring Niagara - Grimsby Township.

This earliest settlement would become known as The Forty and eventually the name would be changed to Grimsby. Below the escarpment the village of Grimsby would flourish. Farmers would find the soil and climate favourable for the growing of tender fruit.

(Submitted on September 30, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 28, 2023

2. First Town Meeting Marker

The Niagara Townships, including Grimsby (No. 6), 1800 image. Click for full size.

3. The Niagara Townships, including Grimsby (No. 6), 1800

Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 289 times since then and 20 times this year. Last updated on September 8, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 30, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.