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Deseronto is a town rebounding to its past 19th-century vibrancy with a 21st-century renaissance. It has a beautiful open waterfront on the Bay of Quinte, green spaces, a quaint downtown featuring businesses that attract a wide market of consumers, unique business opportunities, and new and heritage buildings that are remarkably affordable. These and many other features, make the town a choice destination for residents, visitors and business-whether one seeks the traditional quiet of a small town, or favours a busy calendar of events and activities.
The Town of Deseronto welcomes all inquiries on the community and its amenities. Deseronto is ideally located in the heart of South Eastern Ontario, between Toronto (200km) and Ottawa (250km) and a short drive from Kingston (50km) and Belleville (30km). Deseronto is within close proximity to all major markets and transportation routes and part of several popular tourism regions. A variety of business advantages exist such as location, zero development fees, property affordability, modern business amenities and services, a business mix that attracts a wide market of consumers, and a high quality of life.
See below for a further introduction to Deseronto, and explore the other sections of our website, where you’ll find details about the many other great aspects of our community. For community profile, business and development opportunities, resources & programs for new & existing businesses & entrepreneurs, available commercial/development property, and community development opportunities and programs please visit the Economic Development page of our site.

Downtown
Deseronto’s downtown is the focal point of the community. A wide range of retail and service businesses exist including convenience, niche and destination shopping, personal and business services, and an ample selection of food offerings.

Brief History
The area around Deseronto was first settled around 1784 by United Empire Loyalists who, with the Mohawks, left the United States to remain loyal to the British Crown after the American War of Independence. In the mid-1800s the settlement emerged as an important lumber and wood products centre, followed by many other industrial activities such as ship building, metal works, terra cotta production, fishing, and fruit and vegetable processing. The recreational options of the Bay of Quinte also attracted elite resort facilities. The Loyalist, Mohawk, and industrial heritage has contributed significantly to the town’s history, and continues to define and guide the Town.


Employment
Access to employment and services for people of all age groups is greatly enhanced by Deseronto’s transit system-connecting the community with the regional economic and employment hubs of Belleville, Prince Edward County and Napanee.

Education
Deseronto has excellent educational options. Within walking distance to all residents, the public school offers superior education from grades JK to 8. There is a choice of several secondary schools-in nearby Napanee the high school has several specialised departments that are highly respected (such as its music and GIS/Geographic Information System programmes), while in Belleville there are Catholic and private schools of note, such as Albert College, the Quinte Ballet School, and Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf. Prominent post-secondary institutions are a short commute away: Kingston’s Queen’s University, Royal Military College, and St. Lawrence College; or Belleville’s Loyalist College.

Recreation
Deseronto is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled on the shores of the beautiful Bay of Quinte, the town is home to world class year round fishing and a wide array of water-based activities. The boat launch and Yacht Club connect with a broad network of recreational boating facilities. Across the Bay is Prince Edward County with its renowned Sandbanks Provincial Park, harbours, bird sanctuaries and conservation areas, master artists and craftspeople, and the Taste Trail of wineries, cideries, and restaurants. Around Deseronto are more provincial parks, nature preserves, golf courses, and trail systems, as well as prime hunting regions that are home to a variety of game species. Deseronto offers a B&B, motel, with RV/campgounds and additional accommodations located nearby. Community features appealing to both residents and tourists alike include parks and green space, waterfront parks and amenities, recreation and cultural facilities and programs, community events, and the community centre-home to the Deseronto Storm, Metro Junior ‘A’ Hockey Team-features an indoor ice arena, outdoor tennis courts and a baseball diamond. From children to seniors, fun to formal, or natural or cultural, you can have it nearby.

People
Above all Deseronto is a community-oriented town, with many caring residents volunteering their time to become members of service groups and organizations that work towards making Deseronto a better place for everyone to live, work, and play. You may enjoy being involved with these opportunities too. 