The Government of Canada Supports Renovation of an Historic Barn in Georgina, Ontario
The Government of Canada is providing $500,000 to fund a project in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Town of Georgina
Newswire.ca
April 26, 2019
Today, Marco Mendicino, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament (Eglinton–Lawrence), on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, announced that the Government of Canada is providing $500,000 in funding to the Ontario Water Centre (OWC) for the project called "Raising a Barn as a Community Asset for Georgina's 200th Anniversary."
The project involves the renovation of a 112-year-old barn that holds historical significance to the town. The original barn, which was destroyed by a fire in 2016, will be restored using some original materials on the same foundation. It will serve as a community building with a storytelling centre, a performance art space and a place for community art displays. Interpretive panels will be installed in the barnyard, providing information about the local heritage in English, French and Ojibwe languages.
This funding is being provided through the Legacy Fund component of the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program, administered by Canadian Heritage. The Legacy Fund provides funding to local groups for expenses related to capital projects that commemorate significant local anniversaries and engage communities in their heritage.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in commemorative projects that highlight important moments in the history of our communities. Heritage projects play an essential role in preserving our history and our identity. We are delighted to contribute to the commemoration of Georgina's 200th anniversary, and we wish Georgina and its residents the best on this unique occasion."
--The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
"The Town of Georgina has deep agricultural roots that are still strong and vibrant today, and a Barn Raising has always been an important part of rural life. Our government is proud to help create this project that will play a central role at Clearwater Farm. Congratulations to everyone at the Ontario Water Centre, as well as all the volunteers, community members and Chippewa First Nations involved in bringing this project to life."
--Marco Mendicino, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament (Eglinton–Lawrence)
"This legacy project to replace a 112-year-old barn destroyed by fire at ClearWater Farm is steeped in collaboration, from the community's active participation to the involvement of volunteer timber framers from all over North America. The barn and new barnyard are melding the past and the future, science and the arts to become a centre for kids and families that connects the environment with cultural understanding. The Government of Canada's support is tremendously appreciated by everyone who has had a hand in this project that will engage many generations to come."
--Annabel Slaight, Founding Chair, Ontario Water Centre
Quick Facts
- The Ontario Water Centre (OWC) is an independent not-for-profit organization charged by the Town of Georgina with the revitalization and operation of the Clearwater Farm. Its mission is to leverage community networks and relationships to integrate arts and science with fun and learning.
- The project has been developed in cooperation with the local Chippewa First Nations, which are contributing several original works of art to be featured in the barn and surrounding barnyard. They have also contributed ideas about how traditional arts and crafts could shape the building and barnyard site, with a focus on creating intimate natural spaces and using traditional artistic forms to set the stage for storytelling.
