History

For over 85 years, Gillons’ Insurance Brokers has been serving Northwestern Ontario.  Founded in 1924, by the late Bert Gillon, Gillons’ has grown to become one of the most progressive, full service, privately owned, independent insurance brokerages in Northwestern Ontario.


Through mergers, acquisitions and unique partnerships, we have grown from a small business based in Fort Frances to a business that today has offices in seven communities and employs over 50 professional, knowledgeable people. All together Gillons’ has over 450 years of experience in the insurance industry.

Gillons’ has offices in Fort Frances, Atikokan, Dryden, Emo, Rainy River, Red Lake, and Sioux Lookout.  The locations of these offices have allowed us to concentrate on the classes of commercial business that we have historically been effective at, such as resorts, forestry and transportation along with a very strong personal lines focus. In recent years Gillons’ has helped develop and provide customized insurance programs for the forestry, trucking, tourism, non-profit, and First Nation sectors as well as with municipal entities.

Over the years Gillons’ has been able to establish strong, solid relationships with the insurance companies we represent, as well as earning underwriting authority with our major markets.  This has allowed our account managers to focus on providing our clients with superior insurance products that are tailored to their needs.  Gillons’ take pride in having over 50 years association with their major insurance companies. 

Donating time can be just as powerful as writing a cheque. Bert Gillon was often referred to as a community promoter and to this day Gillons’ has played an active role in the community.  Gillons’ takes great pride in our support and personal involvement as a community focused business and have been involved with several organizations within the community such as The Salvation Army, The Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving, Hospital Foundations, Girl Guides of Canada, and Relay For Life.  We have also sponsored many local sports teams over the years.

Gillons’ was honoured by the Fort Frances Chamber Of Commerce in 2005 with the Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as a Fire Safety Award from the Fire Marshal’s Public Safety Council.  This award recognized outstanding contributions in fire protection and prevention in Ontario. 

The original vision and values still guide Gillons’ Insurance today.  The company was built on perseverance, dedication and hard, honest work.  For over 85 years, Gillons’ has been passionate about leading positive change. No matter what the coming years hold, Gillons’ Insurance Brokers is committed to providing our customers with a wide array of insurance products and services to help them manage today and prepare for the future.