A useful resource for the Canadian family historian is Our Roots, a website sponsored by the University of Calgary, Laval University and the Government of Canada.
Our Roots is a library, archive, museum and school all in one. The collection features scanned versions of Canadian local histories in French and English. There are also Educational Resources for learning packages for students and teachers.
I recently used the resource to access a local history publication featuring a small town in Saskatchewan, near where my grandparents had farmed. An article written by my grandmother was featured in the publication. She mentioned many family members and neighbours and various activities that occurred over a time period of fifty years. She also mentioned the birthdates of her parents and where they lived. Local histories such as these can greatly aid the genealogist in their research.
Access to Our Roots is free upon registration.