The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, in Leeds County, was created January 1, 2001 by amalgamating three historic municipalities: Front of Leeds and Lansdowne, Rear of Leeds and Lansdowne and Front of Escott. The new name recognizes and honours the residents’ major enterprises: hospitality and agriculture.

The hospitality industry is built around the Rideau waterway, the lakes and rivers of the Gananoque River watershed, as well as the picturesque Thousand Islands, an international playground for a century. There are approximately 1,865 islands in the Thousand Islands divided between Canada and the United States on the basis of area. Islands range from rocky shoals to several kilometres. A few larger islands are home to year-round residents; most others are occupied seasonally.

The area has been designated as a United Nations biosphere reserve. This singular honour recognizes a truly unique ecosystem and residents’ land stewardship.

The Township straddles the Frontenac Axis, a geological formation linking the Canadian Shield to New York’s Adirondack Mountains. This accounts for unrivaled natural beauty, a focal point for the hospitality industry. Despite rugged geography, beef, dairy, sheep and cash crops thrive.  In fact, enterprising township farmers contribute sales of pedigree livestock, hay, even frozen bovine embryos to foreign markets.  It is proclaimed proudly that in agriculture "Leeds leads."

The population of the township is 9,435 (according to the 2006 census, an increase of 4% from 2001) with 5,306 households.  It encompasses some 1,078,641 hectares, is served by trans-Canadian rail and highway arteries and includes the Thousand Islands International Bridge link to New York State in the United States.  Canada’s capital, Ottawa, is 90 minutes to the north.

The urban centres are the villages of Lansdowne, Seeley’s Bay, Rockport, Ivy Lea and Lyndhurst. Between, all corners of the Township are well served by a network of 300 kilometres of township roads as well as a network of county roads and provincial highways. In 2007, the township’s total assessment was calculated to be $1,310,043,400. The municipality has three waste disposal sites.

The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands is unspoiled. Residents enjoy an excellent quality of life that keeps seasonal residents returning year after year. The Township Council is committed to providing effective services while preserving the culture and environment. Embracing new ways to meet changing needs is balanced against a respect for heritage — progressive yet respectful of the wishes of its residents.