In the late 19th century the island was inhabited the year round by a farming family, and the maple trees were tapped for syrup, which gave Sugar Island its current name. In 1900, the American Canoe Association formed a committee to obtain a permanent site on the St. Lawrence River to hold its annual meet. On July 18, 1901, Sugar Island, then known as St. Lawrence island, was purchased for $1,000 on land set aside for use of the Mississaguas of Alnwick Indians.
In the late 19th century, a farming family lived on the island year-round and tapped maple trees for syrup, which is why it's called Sugar Island. In 1900, the American Canoe Association formed a committee to find a permanent location on the St. Lawrence River for its annual meeting. On July 18, 1901, Sugar Island (formerly known as St. Lawrence island) was purchased for $1,000 from land set aside for the Mississaguas of Alnwick Indians.