Friends of the Macdonell-Williamson House Inc. is pleased to announce
that another “Hiking for Health & History”, project is underway.
The non-profit heritage organization is working to bring you another unique bilingual
map of the Lower Ottawa River Region which will display various historic buildings
and highlight activities that citizens can enjoy while discovering “their
own backyard”. This year’s route can be traveled west from Hawkesbury,
through L’Orignal, Alfred, Lefaivre, Plantagenet, Wendover to Rockland on
the South shore, and then crossing on the ferry at Cumberland, and continuing east
from Thurso, through Plaisance, Papineauville, Montebello, Fassett, Pointe-au-Chêne,
Calumet to Grenville on the North Shore.
Friends of the Macdonell-Williamson House Inc. organization has
hired three Marketing Agents through funding provided by the Job Creation Partnership
Program of Employment Ontario. Marlene Bigelow, Louise Sack and Billie-Jo Larocque
are working alongside of Lorelei Crooks St-Pierre and Elizabeth Muir to put together
a new route for your touring pleasure. Their focus will be on the research and development
of promotional materials for tourism, including points of interest such as accommodations,
restaurants, parks etc. as well as documenting and showcasing local historic landmarks
in our region. The map will provide many different options for tourists and residents
to appreciate our local history, while getting outdoors and being active. Anyone
seeking an enjoyable informative day of hiking, biking, boating, walking, skiing
or even driving will now have information at their fingertips.
Promoting awareness of our heritage has been an on-going commitment for Friends of Macdonell-Williamson House Inc. The Ottawa River has a very rich history and significance because of its contribution to the economic development of our region, whether it was through fur trading, logging, lumber, or hydro electricity. Before any roads or railways were built, the Ottawa River was the only source of transportation. It carried vessels of First Nations People, explorers and voyageurs with their fur pelts, and was then later used to transport commodity type merchandise, mail, military supplies and troops, politicians, dignitaries, students or patients.
Our bilingual map will be distributed to the public in July, and will be available as well at businesses and tourism offices along the route. Once completed, the map will also be displayed on our website, under the “Hiking” link at www.mwhouse.ca.
We would like to take this opportunity to invite anyone who has any information
regarding the history of the towns or historic landmarks along our proposed route,
to please drop by and visit us at our newly located office in Hawkesbury at 151
Main Street East, Suite 122, or call 613.632.6662, fax 613.632.6699, 1-866-269-2962
or e-mail us at mwhouse@bellnet.ca .
Be sure to keep an eye out for further information and updates in the near future. We look forward to seeing you “en route”.
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For more Information, please contact:
Elizabeth Muir, CEO, Friends of the Macdonell-Williamson House
613-632-6662
mwhouse@bellnet.ca
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