The Township of The Archipelago was created pursuant to The District of Parry Sound Local Government Act as a result of the Province's policy to extend, consolidate and strengthen local governments in the District of Parry Sound. The Municipality emerged from four previously unorganized townships on the east coast of Georgian Bay having a similar recreational land use character. The Township consists of several thousand islands in Georgian Bay and a number of inland, freshwater lakes, all of which are used for recreational purposes either cottages or year-round residences. The lands in The Archipelago may be described as remote and sparsely populated. The essence of the Township is derived from its natural environment.