The sport governing body for track and field in Canada, now called Athletics Canada, was established in 1889 and is one of the oldest affiliated bodies with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), fourth only to Great Britain (1880), New Zealand (1887), and the USA (1888). Athletics Ontario (formerly the Ontario Track and Field Association) is a branch of Athletics Canada.

Until 1974, Ontario was split into three governing bodies, Southwestern, Northwestern, and Central. However, there was an interest in establishing a more efficient means of developing the sport while maintaining a system that would still enable regions to have a voice regarding major decisions in the province. As a result, a new provincial association, composed of six newly defined regions was formed in 1974, and in October 1977 the Ontario Track and Field Association became an incorporated body.

Our mission is to play a leadership role in fostering and growing participation, development, equity, and excellence in Athletics in Ontario.