As Canadians continue to adapt to the realities of COVID-19, local governments and community partners across the country are adapting their spaces and services to keep residents safe and healthy, support economic recovery, create jobs, and build vibrant, resilient communities. As restrictions start to loosen and people start to come together again in those public spaces, the Government of Canada is helping communities recognizes special anniversaries so that those communities can recognize its history – both its past and its present.

Today, the Honourable Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, unveiled the details of the Haileybury Heritage Museum plans to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the Great Fire of 1922. $49,100 in funding from the Ministry of Canadian Heritage will support this project.

Rota says, “Supporting this project will help build more inclusive communities. Through these projects we will be bringing people together to share ideas and create something that will have a lasting impact.”

The Haileybury Heritage Museum: Centennial Anniversary of the Great Fire of 1922 will be a project which commemorates the most significant natural disaster in the history of the area when the community of Haileybury was completely destroyed and many surrounding communities saw significant damage and loss of life.

The project is designed to educate residents about the history of the region and how this event changed the community.

Christopher Oslund, the City Manager of Temiskaming Shores says, “The City of Temiskaming Shores is proud to partner with the Haileybury Heritage Museum on this event and remind area residents of this important event in our region’s history. The tragedy, however empowered residents to build the community into the wonderful place it is today”

Rota adds, “Public events, heritage sites and community led initiatives enable a feeling of belonging and of social cohesion. They are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant and connected. As we start to see restrictions loosen around COVID-19 protocols, it is these types of projects that will help our community connect safely and it will benefit the mental and physical well-being of our residents.”

The funding for this project is through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program. This program increases opportunities for local artists, artisans, heritage performers or specialists to be involved in their community through festivals, events and projects. It also allows local groups to commemorate their local history and heritage

Watch the full announcement here: https://youtu.be/wD63P_JiIoE