| 1713 | Following war between Britain and France, the Treaty of Utrecht gives Britain control of mainland Nova Scotia. The Canso Islands remain under disputed control. French and New England fishermen coexist in the harbour. |
| 1717 | 6 French and 5 New England fishing stations are recorded at Canso. The French stronghold at Louisbourg is established. |
| 1718 | George Vaughan visits Canso and finds "all things peaceable and quiet, the French and English fishing with all friendship and love." Among the summer residents are John Henshaw and Gyles Hall of Massachusetts, and Claude Pettipas and his family from Acadia. In September, Captains Cyprian Southack and Thomas Smart from Massachusetts attack the French stations and drive out the residents who move to Isle Madame in Cape Breton, but continue to fish at Canso. |
| 1720 | A French and Mi'kmaq counter-attack destroys the New England fishing stations. Governor Richard Phillips in Annapolis Royal sends Major Lawrence Armstrong and two companies of Philipps' Regiment of Foot to protect the fishery and build a fort on Grassy Island. The first fort, Fort Philipp, is built on the western spit. Military support enables British and New England merchants to establish permanent quarters and a town begins to grow on Grassy Island. |
| 1721 | Work begins on fort on the height overlooking the spit. A map of 1735 refers to this as Fort William Augustus, but it is generally referred to as just the Fort. By 1727 it is in serious disrepair and seldom used. Edward How is listed among the merchants providing supplies for the construction. |
| 1722 | Mi'maq capture several fishing vessels at Canso. John Elliot, commissioned by Governor Philipps, recaptures the vessels. |
| 1730 | Edward How is appointed Sheriff and one of Canso's Justice of the Peace. |
| 1735 | Local merchants, including Edward How, fund the construction of a blockhouse to help defend the settlement. Rev. James Peden arrives to serve as Deputy Chaplain to the forces. He opens a school for the instruction of 50 children. |
| 1741 | Royal Engineer John Henry Bastide visits Canso to lay plans for refortification. Plans are never implemented but Bastide leaves a detailed plan of the harbour and the community. |
| 1744 | French force from Louisbourg, under Duvivier captures Canso. All buildings and stages are burned. Inhabitants are taken prisoner to Louisbourg and later released to Boston. French continue on to attack Annapolis Royal; Canso is abandoned. |
