CORNWALL, Ontario – A nearby National Historic Site is getting $450,000 to help with upgrades.
Sir John Johnson House National Historic Site, located in Williamstown, is one of the oldest surviving houses in present day Ontario. Parks Canada announced an infrastructure investment that will focus on major structural and exterior repairs of the building to assure structural integrity.
Work will focus on the building’s foundation and exterior wood elements, roof replacement, and the rehabilitation of windows and doors.
“The Sir John Johnson Manor House Committee is historically important to Canada, and of course to this community in particular,” said Brent Lafavem a member of the Sir John Johnson Manor House Committee. “We are very happy to be working with the dedicated and innovative staff of Parks Canada and look forward to having a strong building from which we will be able to provide exciting opportunities for visitors.”
The site is well known within the community as the Williamstown location of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry County library. The library offers a variety of programs and activities for community members of all ages.
During the reconstruction, the library will be relocating to a nearby location, and Parks Canada looks forward to welcoming them back when construction is completed.
Another tenant at this national historic sites is the Sir John Johnson Manor House Committee who have a license of occupation from Parks Canada and present visitor experience opportunities throughout the summer. Parks Canada’s investment in the infrastructure at the site will provide an opportunity for the Manor House Committee to invest in new visitor experience opportunities. Developing new and innovative programs and services allows more Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to experience and learn about our history.
Investments in preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of our national historic sites will protect our heritage and strengthen their appeal as destinations to celebrate our nation’s achievements.
“Through investments like this, Parks Canada is protecting and preserving our treasured places, while supporting local economies, contributing to growth in the tourism sector, and enhancing the charm and attractiveness of Canada’s heritage sites,” said Katherine Patterson, Parks Canada Field Unit Superintendent of Georgian Bay and Ontario East. “Sir John Johnson National Historic Site has a prominent place in the town of Williamstown, and I am pleased that through this investment, the site will remain a focal point in community life, while facilitating efforts by the John Johnson Manor House Committee to create new opportunities for locals and tourists to further enjoy this historic home.”
