Approximately twenty-nine miles east of Sault Ste. Marie exists the Township of Laird. Covering 85.18 square kilometers, this township borders the Township of Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional, the Township of Tarbutt and Tarbutt Additional, the Township of Johnson, and Lake George. Due to its close proximity to the Village of Echo Bay and the City of Sault Ste. Marie, this Township provides its residents and tourists with direct access to all the conveniences of the larger community while at the same time maintaining a relaxing atmosphere. Accessibility to water bodies as well as open fields and wooded areas allow for endless seasonal activities for the young and old alike. Collectively these factors make the Township of Laird an enjoyable place to live.
Aside from its natural beauty, this municipality has the advantage of its location along the Highway 17 corridor. Highway 17 traffic has the potential to create commercial and tourist activity for the area. Highway 17 also provides immediate access to larger centres. It is along this highway where one can see the Township’s commercial growth.
Historically, the community grew due to the logging and agricultural industries. With time, agriculture superseded logging and lumbering to become an important factor in the developing economic base of the township. The importance placed on agriculture still exists in the township since agricultural is a major asset in terms of the economic base and rural character. This may be witnessed when driving through the township one can see many farms and open fields. Furthermore, this township is host to several agricultural events for the Central Algoma region. Nevertheless, this community also is committed to its business and industrial sector. Beginning in the late 1800s, this township fostered a variety of businesses. Now, in the new millenium, one can observe the community’s commitment to broaden its economic base as more residents are participating in the township’s business and industrial sector.
The retail, service, and industrial businesses found within the Township of Laird provide employment to a proportion of the area’s population. Other sources of employment are found within surrounding communities. This area however, has the capability to support further development which in turn would provide area residents with more opportunities to find local employment.
The Township of Laird allows residents to retain “the simple pleasures of yesterday” while at the same time providing them with the opportunities of today.
( Laird Chronicles (Echo Bay: Words Unlimited, 1991), p.10.)