In the late 19th century, the area was surveyed and settled by [[Émigré|emigres]] from [[Scotland]], [[Ireland]] and [[Germany]]. The land was unsuitable for crops, but the heavily forested surroundings were useful for logging. Petawawa was incorporated as a [[township (Canada)|township]] in 1865. The [[Canadian military]] acquired land in the area in 1905, which later became [[Garrison Petawawa|Canadian Forces Base Petawawa]]. During this period it was used as an internment camp for German [[POW]]s during [[World War I]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Internment Camps in Canada during the First and Second World Wars, Library and Archives Canada |url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/the-public/005-1142.27-e.html}}</ref> and [[World War II]]. Later, it became home to the [[Canadian Airborne Regiment]] before it was disbanded in 1995. Today, it is one of Canada's largest ground forces base with members deployed throughout the world on various missions supporting the [[United Nations]] in [[peacekeeping]] or the [[War on Terror]].

 

 

==Geography==

|[[Canada 2021 Census|2021]]|18160

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==Transportation==

[[Ontario Highway 17]], [[Ontario Northland Motor Coach Services|Ontario Northlands]] bus service from Ottawa and the local commercial airport ([[Pembroke Airport]]) located in Petawawa, all provide access to this town.

 

==Notable residents==