Press Release
Why is your community located where it is?
In many instances, you will realize that the natural environment dictated this.
The First Nations chose their locations to be near fresh water, good hunting and fishing, and waterways for trade.
The fur traders subsequently located near the waterways to facilitate trade with the First Nations and to be able to transport these goods more easily.
The first land surveys were undertaken along the waterways, and most desirable land grants were those located adjacent to water.
Minerals, timber stands, good soil, and other natural features all have attracted newcomers to specific areas to the province and led to the development of communities.
The environment is constantly changing; some a slow and subtle while others are dramatic. Some of the changes are caused naturally, others are man-made.
Changes can range from trees being blown down to the planting of a new garden; from a flood to the construction of a new highway.
Roads, bridges, and buildings constantly are superimposed on the natural landscape, obscuring many of its features.
Often the original reason for choosing a town site has been lost as the face of the community has changed.
The size, shape, and function of man-made structures, as well as the spaces between them (streets, alleys), all are living fragments of the past and give a community its distinctive character.
The materials used in the construction of a building indicate the type of resources available at different periods (i.e., fieldstone, brick, and timber). Styles of construction are results of what kind of skilled craftsmen we have access to at the time.
Ontario Heritage Week runs from Monday, Feb. 15 to Sunday, Feb. 21. The theme this year is “Our changing landscape,” which offers an opportunity for communities across the province to reflect on how their built and natural environments have evolved over time.
Communities are constantly changing.
The Pioneer Museum in Emo (which is owned and operated by the Rainy River District Women’s Institutes) has put together a photo exhibit depicting our changing landscapes from across Rainy River District over the years.
Bring the family out on Family Day (Feb. 15) to view the display, as well as the rest of the museum.
To end our Heritage Week celebrations, we will be hosting a lunch that will be held Friday, Feb. 19 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the United Church in Emo.
The cost is $8, and we also will be having our ever-popular home baking for sale.
“Heritage helps build stronger communities and improves our quality of life. Working together, we can ensure the protection of our heritage for present and future generations.”
