On March 7, 1834, a thirty-six square mile area bounded by Joy Road on the North, Van Born Road to the south, Hannan Road to the east and Napier Road to the west became known as Canton. Canton, like Nankin and Peking townships were named after cities in China due in part to the

enhanced trade relations the United States had with China at that time. Additionally, Washington D.C. had decreed that all new townships had to use names not previously used by another post office. Today Canton is the only township of the three that uses its original name. 

    Canton was and continues to be governed by a Board of Trustees. It is made up of seven elected members, of which three are full-time administrators and four are part-time trustees. The full-time elected officials are the Supervisor, Treasurer and Clerk.  In 1874 the first township hall was built on the corner of Canton Center and Cherry Hill Roads. It seated 400 people and was built at a cost of $700!! The township hall now, is located approximately 1/2 mile south on Canton Center Road.

    In 1961 the population of Canton had climbed to 5,300. Due to an increased

need for services, the township proposed to the voters that Canton incorporate into a charter township, leaving all the previous powers Canton enjoyed formerly as well as granting new powers. The Township could establish a police force, make traffic rules and broaden its health ordinances. Canton became one of Michigan's first Charter Townships. Today, according to the 2000 Census, the Township of Canton has a population of 83,269. This is approximately a 22.6% increase from the June 1997 mid-decade census and approximately a 45.9% increase from the April 1990 census.

    Canton is 36 square mile in size, and located in the great State of Michigan, on the far western edge of Wayne County. Canton is approximately 20 miles east of Ann Arbor, 35 miles west of Detroit and 50 miles north of Toledo, Ohio.

    Canton Township has three (3) fire stations. Station 1 is located at 1100 S. Canton Center Road (at the corner of Heritage Drive) (734) 398-5262. Station 2 is located at 41500 Warren (between Haggerty and Lilley Roads) (734) 453-4114. Station 3 is located at 520 N. Denton (just north of Cherry Hill) (734) 394-5330.

    On June 11, 1999, Canton began providing an Advance Life Support (ALS) service to its residents and community. Prior to this service Canton Fire Department only provided a Basic Life Support service. With ALS, Canton Fire Fighter/Paramedics will be able to provide the highest level of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) available, to its community. Additional information on our ALS Program is available on our News/Pictures Page, just click on the above Link.

    In 1987, the fire millage was at an all time high of 3.51 mills. Ten years later (1997) that millage dropped to 3.0915, down 0.42 mills. The fire department is currently (2007) funded by a 2.358 fire protection property tax millage, down 0.73 mills from ten years ago and 1.15 mills from twenty years ago. To see Canton's millage history Click Here. (this link is being repaired)

    Insurance Service Offices (ISO): In August of 1994, the Canton Fire Department's rating improved from a six (6) to a five (5).

Questions about Canton Professional Fire Fighters Union and/or Web Site to Mike Thoms

Canton Professional Fire Fighters Union

Local 2289

1100 S. Canton Center Road * Canton, MI 48188

(734) 398-5262