Every small town has a story. We've mapped 984 of them.

1000 People of Small Towns

Every town is proud of its notable citizens. We are proud to share their stories

Walter Gretzky | Wayne’s Father
Walter Gretzky | Wayne’s Father
High school: Paris, Ontario Walter Gretzky is a Canadian who is best known as the father of ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. Born in 1938 in…
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Mickey Ion | Hockey Referee
Mickey Ion | Hockey Referee
From: Paris, Ontario Frederick James “Mickey” Ion was a professional lacrosse player and ice hockey referee.   Born in 1886 in Paris, Ontario Died in 1964 in Seattle,…
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James Cockburn | Father of Confederation
📍 Cobourg, Ontario
James Cockburn | Father of Confederation
From Cobourg, Ontario James Cockburn was serving as Canada’s first Speaker in the House of Commons. He participated in the Founding of Canada Conference in…
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Yann Martel | Life of Pi Author
Yann Martel | Life of Pi Author
Yann Martell – for #1000Towns specially “I only studied in Port Hope for two years at school. And I’ve moved around so much in my…
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Tom Thomson | Artist
Tom Thomson | Artist
From Claremont & Owen Sound, Ontario Thomas John “Tom” Thomson was an influential artist of the early 20th century. Born in 1877 in Claremont, Ontario Grew…
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Bobby Orr | Hockey Defenseman
📍 Parry Sound, Ontario
Bobby Orr | Hockey Defenseman
From Parry Sound, Ontario Robert Gordon “Bobby” Orr is one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Orr used his ice skating speed, scoring,…
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Jody Raffoul | Rock Singer
📍 Leamington, Ontario
Jody Raffoul | Rock Singer
From Leamington, Ontario Jody Raffoul is a rock singer and songwriter. Born in Leamington, Ontario Jody Raffoul is from a small town in Southern Ontario.…
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Hiram Capron | Paris Founder
📍 Paris, Ontario
Hiram Capron | Paris Founder
From Paris, Ontario Hiram Capron was the founder of the town of Paris in Ontario. An immigrant from the United States, he purchased large plots…
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Todd Brooker | Ski Racer
Todd Brooker | Ski Racer
From Paris, Collingwood, & Blue Mountain, Ontario Todd Brooker is an alpine ski racer and a ski TV commentator. Born in 1959 in Paris, Ontario Learned to…
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Alexander Graham Bell | Telephone Inventor
📍 Brantford, Ontario
Alexander Graham Bell | Telephone Inventor
From Brantford & Paris, Ontario, Baddeck, Nova Scotia Alexander Graham Bell was a scientist, inventor, engineer, and innovator who is credited with patenting the first…
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Farley Mowat | Writer, Environmentalist
📍 Port Hope, Ontario
Farley Mowat | Writer, Environmentalist
From: Port Hope, Ontario Farley McGill Mowat is one of Canada’s most widely read authors. His works were translated into 52 languages, and he sold…
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Alan Barillaro | Animator, Oscar Laureate
📍 Chippawa, Ontario
Alan Barillaro | Animator, Oscar Laureate
From Chippawa, Ontario Nicolas Alan Barillaro is an animator, director and writer at Pixar Studio. Best known for his work on the short film Piper…
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Who should be the next notable person of 1000 People of Small Towns? We welcome your suggestions!

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Any changes to the place info will be reviewed by 1000 Towns of Canada.