The Municipality once known as the Township of Magnetawan and now known as the Municipality of Magnetawan consisted of the Township of Chapman, the Township of Croft, the Township of Spence and the Village of Magnetawan all being in the District of Parry Sound and within the Almaguin Highland area of the Near North Tourist Region.

Croft and Spence were unorganized townships, while Chapman and Magnetawan were governed by their own Municipal Councils.

The order creating the new Township of Magnetawan was signed by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on July 4, 1997. A Commission and a Terms of Reference was struck on October 5, 1998 and their final report was delivered on February 23, 1999.