Algonquin Highlands was created in 2001 through the amalgamation of Stanhope Township and the Township of Sherborne, McClintock, Livingstone, Lawrence and Nightingale. The latter (Sherborne et al.) was protected by two separate fire departments in Dorset and Oxtongue Lake. After amalgamation, the three departments were maintained as separate entities until a full-time chief was hired in 2005. Amalgamation proceeded gradually.