Pembroke, Ontario

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Pembroke, Ontario: a friendly regional city in eastern Ontario

Pembroke sits where the Muskrat River meets the Ottawa River, in the Ottawa Valley. It’s about 145 kilometres northwest of Ottawa and serves as the county seat for Renfrew County. The city is a regional hub for government, health care, education, and commerce.

population and size
- 2021 population: 14,364
- Area: about 14.3 square kilometres
- Population density: around 1,000 people per square kilometre
- Postal codes: K8A to K8B; area codes: 613 and 343

history at a glance
- Founded in 1828, first settled by Daniel Fraser and others attracted by lumber.
- Became the police Village of Pembroke in 1856, then a town (1877) and later a city (1971).
- Named after George Herbert, the 11th Earl of Pembroke.
- A major downtown fire in 1918 changed the city’s look and development.

government
- Government: mayor–council
- City council and mayor: Ron Gervais (as of the latest terms)
- Represents the city at the provincial and federal levels

economy and location
- Historically built on forestry and farming; timber products remain important.
- Local manufacturing includes furniture and other goods.
- Nearby major employers include CFB Petawawa and Chalk River Laboratories.
- A gateway to Algonquin Park and white-water adventures; sits on the Trans-Canada Highway, helping tourism.

culture, attractions and events
- About 30 historic murals in downtown Pembroke.
- Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre with local history exhibits.
- Pembroke Hydro Museum, telling the story of electricity in the city.
- Festival Hall Centre of the Arts: a community arts venue for plays, concerts, and performances.
- Old Time Fiddling and Step Dancing Festival every Labour Day weekend at Riverside Park.
- Pembroke Lumber Kings junior hockey club; long-standing local hockey culture.
- Community events like the Terry O’Neill Pembroke Regional Silver Stick hockey tournament.
- Pembroke’s public library and a vibrant arts and sports scene.

education and health
- Algonquin College has a campus in downtown Pembroke with programs linked to the local outdoor, forestry, and environmental sectors.
- Eight English-language schools and two French-language schools serve the city.
- Pembroke Regional Hospital provides acute-care services and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa’s medical faculty.
- Local health services include mental health support and community health programs.

media and daily life
- Local radio CHVR-FM; CHRO-TV is licensed to Pembroke but operates from Ottawa.
- The Pembroke Observer is the city’s main local newspaper.

quick take
Pembroke is a compact, welcoming city with a rich lumber-industry history, strong government and health care roles, and a lively culture scene. It serves nearby communities as a practical and friendly regional centre, with easy access to Ottawa, North Bay, and Algonquin Park.