Acton is located in the town of Halton Hills, Ontario and is a part of the Regional Municipality of Halton. The town’s location was selected because of the good source of waterpower from the Black Creek which ran the flour mill which is still in operation today.

Acton is accessible by Go Train to Toronto (approx. 1 hour 15 mins) and is accessible by both Hwy 7 and Halton Regional Road 25. It is located 50 km from Pearson Air Port.

Acton was settled in 1825 by the Rev. Ezra, Rev. Zenas and Rufus Adams. They were Methodist preachers, but retired to farm and rebuilt their strength returning to the circuit I 1830. Rufus’s wife opened the first school in 1826 where the Knox Church now stands.

The Adams brothers dammed up the creet to create the Mill pond , now named “Fairy Lake”,  which powered their saw mill and later the flour mill which still is in operation in the same location today.  Prospect Park is surrounded by the lake has served as the town park and fairgrounds since the village purchased it in 1880. This park continues to be a major attraction for those in town.

Acton adopted the theme of “Leathertown” in recent years as a tribute to the industry that once thrived in Acton. The tanning industry started in 1842 under Abraham Nelles. By 1865, the Beardmore Tanning Company, based out of Hamiilton purchased the business and became a large part of the village.  Acton housed many industries related to leather over the years, the Heller and Dawkins families were instrumental in starting the Olde Hide House, Acton’s tourist attraction in one of Beardmore’s warehouses erected in 1899.  As you drive around Acton you can see the constant reminder of the influence of the Tanning industry as many streets are named after founding families and companies. Also you can join the town in celebrating Leathertown Festival that features a wide variety of vendors, exhibitors, crafters, food, and artists.