Chesley is one more of Bruce County’s charming small riverbank communities.  Chesley, which was originally known as Sconeville, took its name from Solomon Yeomans Chesley, an obscure government official in Ottawa.   Developing around mills built on the North Saugeen River in the 1850s, the community grew rapidly when the Grand Trunk Railway built steel rails through the village in 1881.

Like many other 19th century Bruce County villages, most of Chesley’s homes and stores were made of wood.   A great fire swept through the downtown in 1888, burning many original buildings to the ground.  Replaced by brick and stone, they are a reminder of the architectural heritage of the county where, unlike other parts of Ontario, buff bricks outnumber red ones.  

Once a centre for furniture making, Chesley today is a terrific place to spend some leisure time.  It is home to the Chesley Community Park with its outdoor seasonal swimming and splash pools, a skateboard park, boat launch, picnic pavilion, and plenty of places to use that fishing pole.  Chesley is indeed as its residents know, The Nicest Town Around.  Don’t forget to take a photograph of Big Bruce, the statue of a giant bull standing at the entrance to town.

Top Things to Do in Chesley

This park is one of Chesley's little known about gems.  Lots to do there....wonderful playground for the kids including a splash pad and pool to enjoy during the summer months.  Picnic area and for those that love to fish the river runs right alongside it.  There is also a nice paved boardwalk for easy walking next to the river.  There is a small trailer park (Chesley Trailer Park) at the back end of it.  Baseball diamonds & tennis courts.  Access point for canoes, kayaks and small boats to off load.  Skateboard park facilities as well.  During the winter months there are some GREAT hills for tobogganing.  As you will see there is something for everyone.  Plus the community center and local arena are right there too.

Fun Fact

The Chesley Citizens Band, founded in 1887, was chosen by the 32^nd Bruce Regiment as their regimental band in 1911.  When the First World War broke out, all 22 members of the band enlisted, parading through Bruce County towns playing military music and performing drills in an effort to increase recruitment.  Sent to Europe, the Chesley Citizens Band was disbanded overseas.   

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