Lake Characteristics
William's Lake spans 148 acres and boasts a unique clover shape, with a public beach and convenient boat launch located on its southern shore. Natural springs feed the lake, giving it a distinct aqua hue. It’s a favourite spot for boating and fishing, where anglers can cast for Large and Small Mouth Bass, Perch, Panfish, and occasionally, Brook Trout.
Just 23 kilometers south of Owen Sound, William’s Lake is nestled in the scenic township of Chatsworth in Grey County. As part of the Niagara Escarpment, Chatsworth offers breathtaking natural beauty, featuring rugged rock formations, forested trails, and rolling hillsides. Whether you're exploring on foot or by snowmobile, ATV, or skis, there are endless ways to connect with nature here. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing, and even hunting—all while soaking in the area's serene, unspoiled landscape.
History
Settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, and settlement grew steadily through the mid-to-late 1800s. Settlement began in Chatsworth in 1842 when a man named Coyer opened a tavern. The lake was named after the Williams family, who owned much of the surrounding land. William and Margaret Pearse Williams immigrated to Canada in January 1842. After landing in Quebec, they settled in Holland Township, Grey County in March 1850 and became farmers.
One of their great-granddaughters, Florence Fee, proudly chronicled the family’s legacy in her books, "Pioneers in the Queen's Bush" and "Salt of the Earth". Interest in water sports began growing in 1955 as more youth gathered at the lake. The first regatta took place on June 23, 1956, with proceeds supporting the newly formed Glendale Yacht Club. Funds helped build a beach for swimming, boating, fishing, and water-skiing.
Today, the Glendale Yacht Club sits on private land on the north side of the lake. They moved there in 1984 after leasing property for 30 years. The club features a well-equipped clubhouse, boat docks, a beach, and campsites. The first cottage was built on an island in 1948. Now, approximately 60 homes and cottages line Williams Lake.
In 1973, a large portion of the lake’s southeast shore was preserved as natural land when it was purchased by the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority.
Interesting Facts
Canadian suffragette and activist Nellie McClung was born in the township of Chatsworth. In the early 1900s, workers extracted marl from Williams Lake to produce cement. To support the operation, the company built a large boarding house that housed 20 to 30 laborers. The extraction process lowered the lake’s water level, drying up nearby water sources. As a result, the company drilled several wells on surrounding farms to restore the water supply.