History / Heritage
Alliston was established in the late 1840's when William Fletcher and his sons built a sawmill and gristmill on the banks of the Boyne River.
A devastating fire in 1891 destroyed many homes and most of the business section of the bustling town. It didn't take the people of Alliston long to rebuild. The new buildings were constructed with more durable building materials and many of them are still part of Alliston's streetscape today.
In 1991, the towns of Alliston, Beeton, Tottenham and the Township of Tecumseth were amalgamated by the provincial government to form the Town of New Tecumseth, yet each community has managed to keep its own distinct identity.
In the heart of a vibrant agricultural area, Alliston is also the home to Honda Canada's manufacturing plant that employs more than 4,500 workers. A beautifully picturesque farm landscape conveniently located near major cities, New Tecumseth offers a wonderful quality of life to its 28,800 residents.
The Town is rich with volunteers and active community groups in a wide variety of areas including sports, arts and culture and charitable endeavours.
Alliston is steeped in heritage. It is the birthplace of Sir Frederick Banting, the Co-founder of insulin. The Banting Homestead still stands today and is undergoing a major reconstruction to create a fitting tribute to Dr. Banting's legacy. The Gibson Cultural Centre provides a hub for arts and culture. Annual New Tecumseth festivals including Alliston's Potato Festival draw visitors from across the country and beyond.
Alliston continues to prosper and grow and is recognized as a great place to live, work and play.
Top left to right: Main Street Alliston, Alliston Post Office, Hipwell's Store.
Bottom left to right: Morrow Hotel, Main Street Alliston WWII, Banting Homestead
