The village of Westmeath, located along the Ottawa River in the former Westmeath Township, stands as one of the oldest organized communities in eastern Renfrew County. Founded in the 1840s, the village was a vital agricultural and commercial hub. It supported churches, a school, and numerous small businesses serving the broader rural township.

Its position near ferry crossings and river shipping lanes allowed for economic integration with the Ottawa Valley’s waterborne trade network. The arrival of steamships, followed by road and rail access, ensured Westmeath remained regionally important well into the 20th century. Today, its identity is preserved in civic pride and community events.

For surveyors, Westmeath presents layered complexity: original Crown concessions and lots radiate out from the village, while older urban-style plans introduce narrow, deep parcels with potential overlaps. Riverfront properties involve fluctuating water levels, historic encroachments, and shifting high-water marks. Field surveys often require reconciliation between aging plans, physical evidence, and present-day occupation.