Little remains today of Burns Township as an active administrative unit, but historically it was surveyed in the late 1800s and exists as a geographic township in Renfrew County. The area’s name likely honours a British military or political figure, though documentation is sparse. It was largely unpopulated until late in the colonization process, with much of the land held as Crown reserve or timber licenses.

The terrain is largely rugged and forested, with wetlands interspersed among granite ridges. While some interior lots were patented, many remain under public ownership. No significant villages developed, and no rail lines traversed it, leaving the original lot fabric largely untouched.

From a surveyor’s standpoint, Burns Township presents a rare case where original Crown lot fabric remains almost entirely in place. While physical access can be difficult due to limited road allowances, cadastral reference points are often reliable, and modern surveys can rely heavily on the original field notes and plan metrics.