Called the "friendliest town in Ontario," Ridgetown is home to 2,797 people. Locals enjoy all that small-town life has to offer, like friendly neighbours and a strong sense of community. The town is known for its charming Victorian architecture and stunning rural landscapes. Its natural beauty is enhanced by the many local gardens maintained by members of the town's Horticultural Society.
Located in Chatham-Kent's agricultural heartland, Ridgetown and the surrounding area is home to large-scale farmers, homesteads, Blacksmith & Tin U-Cut tree farm, and the Ridgetown Farmers' Market. Learn more about the homesteading lifestyle with Snobelen Homestead. The community is also home to the Ridgetown Campus of the University of Guelph which welcomes students from across Canada and abroad every fall. Ridgetown Campus is a leader in applied agriculture and environmental research. The school offers a variety of post-secondary diploma and certificate programs in agriculture, horticulture, environmental management and veterinary technology. It benefits from several partnerships with innovative agricultural technology research groups, including the Centre of Agricultural Renewable Energy (CARES) and the Ag Business Centre.
The town is also home to manufacturing firms such as KSR International and Martinrea Fabco. The turbines of the Talbot Wind Farms and nearby solar farms are also evidence of the region's emerging green energy industry.
Ridgetown locals enjoy a range of cultural and outdoor activities, and easy access to daily amenities. Culture lovers enjoy exhibits and events at the Ridge House Museum, and entertainment events at the Mary Webb Centre in nearby Highgate. The summer festival season includes the Boothill Country Jamboree in Muirkirk and the Festival of Porches and Verandahs, and days spent at the Ridgetown Lawn Bowling club. For year-round outdoor recreation, locals explore the TREES Memorial Trail and CASO Trail, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snow shoeing. Many also head to Rondeau Provincial Park for bird-watching, hiking and camping. In nearby Morpeth, families spend summers at Greenview Aviaries Park & Zoo, where they meet a variety of animals and play in the large park. The Ridgetown Area Adult Activity Centre, offers community members 45 years and older, engaging activities, exercise, fun and friendship.
Families have a choice of public education for primary and secondary school (Naahii Ridge Elementary School and Ridgetown District High School) or the Catholic School board's primary school, St. Michael Catholic School. You will have access to the daily needs with a municipal center, public library, grocery store, restaurants and more.
Choose Ridgetown. Choose Chatham-Kent.
