About Us

In many different ways, Perkins Lumber is the heart of North Gower. The company continues its tradition of assisting the local volunteer fire department (their are often four or five volunteers employed). Many of the staff are involved in the various community groups and activities. The company also assists most of the local organizations through sponsorships or donations. Some of the current sports groups that Perkins actively supports are: Perkins/Harrisons race team, Rideau Snowmobile Club, North Gower mixed slo-pitch league, Osgoode Rideau Minor Hockey, Rideau-Osgoode Minor Softball, Osgoode Rideau Minor Soccer, Osgoode Bedrockers Basketball, Rideau St. Lawrence Kings Hockey, and there are many more.

Perkins in Earlier Days Perkins Lumber is well known throughout the Region for its quality lumber products. It wasn't always as big as it is today. Founder Howard Perkins purchased the property on which he built his first shop in 1935 for $90. It's worth more than that today. The following year, he moved into the house he built next door with his bride Irene. Howard Perkins had left home to attend normal school to study to be a teacher. But he returned home at Christmas to begin his business. He later went on to be one of the organizers of the North Gower Fire Brigade, the Fire Chief for 13 years, Village Trustee, Reeve of North Gower Township, President of the Manotick Kiwanis, Founding Director of the Eastern Ontario Development Association, and President of the Development Committee of the Kemptville Hospital.