Paisley, Ontario is in Bruce County. It was incorporated as a village in 1874. Since 1999 it has been part of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie (2006 pop. 6,747).
In 1852, shortly after the region was opened for settlement, the government reserved land for a town on the Elora and Saugeen Road, at the confluence of the Teeswater and Saugeen Rivers. Already settled on the site were Simon Orchard and Samuel Rowe and later that year John Valentine built a saw-mill. The townplot, named Paisley, was surveyed in 1855 and within two years a community of about 150 had developed. By 1867 additional industries, including a foundry and a woollen mill had been established and the village's handsome buildings reflected its prosperity. The Wellington, Grey and Bruce Railway was completed through the community in 1872.
Paisley is in a major beef-producing area of Ontario and remains an important rural service centre. It is also a centre for campers, anglers, kayakers and canoeists. A large portion of its residents are now employed in outfitting, artistic occupations and retail sales.