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Ontario Premier John P. Robarts joined on the speakers stand at the West
End Community Park Wednesday, by D. J. Sleeman, Patrick Ried M.P.P., Mayor
Almo Marshall, Dr. E. S. Rogers, curator Ethnology Branch, Royal Ontario
Museum, Mrs. Anna Smith, historian, Historical Branch, Toronto, former M.P.P.
William Noden, Carl F. Schubring and David Hughes Sr.
The occasion was the official unveiling of the Fort Frances Canal Historic
Plaque.
Mr. Sleeman, as chairman, introduced the Honourable John F. Robarts following
the Fort Frances Mayor's welcoming remarks.
The premier commented on the new faces in the provincial parliament and
the need to acquaint many members of the vast Northwestern Ontario region
and its problems. He took the occasion to remark on past achievements and
looked to the people of the region for their present needs.
John M. Ried, the Kenora-Rainy River member of parliament was unable to
attend due to work in Ottawa.
Patrick Reid, provincial member, said the elected representatives were making
this tour as part of their continuing education into the needs and potential
of this district.
W. G. "Bill" Noden, M.P.P. from 1951 to 1967, recalled his boyhood
days of fishing in the river, the fine catches, and the boat Itasca, which
sank every time it turned due to overloading. He looked forward to the day
when the Rainy River waterway and canal could be used for pleasure boating.
For historical background surrounding the plaque Mr. Sleeman introduced
Carl F. Shubring, calling him "the most knowledgeable in local history."
Dr. E. S. Rogers, curator Ethnology Branch, Royal Ontario Museum, represented
the Archaeological and Historic Sites Branch of the Ontario government.
He said placement of such plaques has come about due to the increased interest
shown by local citizens and visitors alike in the history of the area. He
made a brief outline of the work of the government agency. He also thanked
the Chamber of Commerce for their interest, action and organization of the
occasion.
Mrs. Anna Smith, with the department of Public Records and Archives, thanked
the many school children in attendance for their patience in the warm sun.
She then read the inscription on the plaque.
"Fort Frances Canal 1878
Constructed 1875-1878, during Alexander MacKenzie's administration, as part
of a larger project intended to improve communication with the West, the
Fort Frances Canal provided unbroken communication between Rainy Lake and
Lake of the Woods. In conjunction with land and water stretches of the "Dawson
Road" between Lake Shebandowan and Lake of the Woods, it provided a
temporary connection with completed sections of the C.P.R. The importance
of the canal diminishes when the C.P.R. route was altered to follow a more
northerly direction. The nearby waterway facilitated steamship navigation
until 1908, when it was incorporated into the adjacent dam and power development.
Archaeological and Historical Sites Board of Ontario."
David G. Hughes, Sr., was then called upon to properly unveil the plaque
which had been shrouded in a purple velvet hood.
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