The town was founded by Charles Shirreff in 1831. There was a waterfall known as Chats Falls on the river here, later replaced by a hydroelectric power station and dam, currently operated by Ontario Power Generation.
Fitzroy Provincial Park
is located nearby.
The town was formerly part of Fitzroy Township. In 1974, the township was amalgamated with Huntley and Torbolton to form West Carleton. In 2001, West Carleton became part of the new city of Ottawa.