Ridgetown welcome sign beside road into town.

Called the “friendliest town in Ontario,” Ridgetown residents 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 residents and members of the town’s Horticultural Society. 

Located in Chatham-Kent’s agricultural heartland, Ridgetown shares a special relationship with the municipality’s farmers and residents enjoy sampling local produce at the Ridgetown Farmers Market. The community is also home to the Ridgetown Campus of the University of Guelph. The school offers a variety of post-secondary diploma and certificate programs in agriculture, horticulture, environmental management and veterinary technology. The school is a leader in applied agriculture and environmental research. It benefits from several partnerships with innovative agricultural technology research groups, including the Centre of Agricultural Renewable Energy (CARES), the Southwestern Ontario Bioproducts Innovation Network, and the Ag Business Centre.

In addition strong ties with the agricultural sector, the town benefits from 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 residents have plenty of opportunities to participate in leisure activities. 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. For outdoor recreation, Ridgetown residents head to Rondeau Provincial Park for bird-watching, hiking and camping. Families with young children enjoy regular visits Greenview Aviaries & Zoo, where they have opportunities to meet a variety of exotic animals.

 To learn more about opportunities to live, work, and play in Ridgetown, visit the links below: