The City is undertaking a comprehensive inventory of its historic places, buildings, and landscapes. We will be identifying and documenting the many heritage resources in our communities to understand what resources are present, their significance, and how best to preserve them. Our historic places define our communities, tell our stories, and provide opportunities for the future.
This is a multi-year project that will inventory the diverse communities across Kawartha Lakes to help fully understand our heritage resources. The inventory will be undertaken on a community by community basis and there will be lots of opportunities to get involved, have your say, and share the history of your community. Updates will be provided on the status of the project and the communities currently being inventoried on this page and on Jump In as the project progresses.
In spring and summer 2023, we will be completing inventories in Omemee and Fenelon Falls, and continuing work in Bobcaygeon and Bethany that was initiated in 2023. Watch this page and the Heritage Inventory Project's Jump In page for updates on public meetings and opportunities to get involved in the inventory.
Why are we undertaking this project?
Council approved the initiation of a comprehensive heritage inventory in February 2022 in order to address the fact that we do not know the full scope of heritage resources across Kawartha Lakes. The project is guided by the Heritage Inventory Framework which provides the rationale, background, and process for the project. The goal of the project is to identify and evaluate all of the historic resources throughout the many communities that make up Kawartha Lakes.
Along with the survey of heritage places, we will be developing histories, known as historic context statements, of our communities and key themes in the history of Kawartha Lakes. These will be used to help understand our past and to evaluate our heritage resources within their geographic and historic context.
Get Involved
There are lots of opportunities to get involved in the project in your community. We are looking for your input and for volunteers to participate in this initiative.
Jump In |
| We are using Jump In to gather feedback and information on this project. Visit the Heritage Inventory Project's Jump In page to participate in surveys, provide information on historic buildings and places, and find information about the project as it progresses. |
Public Meetings |
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We will be holding public meetings in each community we inventory prior to undertaking the inventory. The public meetings will provide information on the project and be a opportunity to ask questions and to volunteer to help out. Dates, times and locations for public meetings will be posted to this page and to Jump In as they are scheduled.
Several public meetings will be held in spring 2023 to introduce the project in Omemee and Fenelon Falls and provide community specific information. Material from the meetings and a recording of the online public meeting are available on Jump In. |
Volunteering |
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We will be looking for volunteers to help out with the inventory and providing information on various buildings and places in their communities. Volunteers can help by taking pictures of buildings and recording them as part of the in-field survey. Training will be provided for volunteers prior to undertaking any field research. Those interested in volunteering can sign up either on Jump In or by email. |
Ongoing Inventories
Bobcaygeon |
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A field inventory of Bethany was undertaken throughout summer and fall 2022. Photographs of each historic property in the village were taken and inventory forms were filled out for each property. The project team is currently beginning to undertake research on each of the historic properties to find out more information about them. If you are interested in assisting with this work, we will be hosting a public meeting on May 8, 2023 at 7pm at the Boyd Heritage Museum (21 Canal Street East) to discuss next steps and how to get involved. |
Bethany |
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A field inventory of Bethany was undertaken throughout summer and fall 2022. Photographs of each historic property in the village were taken and inventory forms were filled out for each property. The project team is currently working with the Manvers Township Historical Society to undertake research on each property. Please contact us for more information. |
Omemee |
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We will be undertaking an inventory of Omemee beginning in early summer 2023. Each historic property in the village will be inventoried and assessed to determine its heritage value. Our project launch public meeting will be held on May 3, 2023 at 7pm at Coronation Hall (1 King Street West) where we will introduce the project and discuss opportunities to get involved. |
Fenelon Falls |
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We will be undertaking an inventory of Fenelon Falls beginning in early summer 2023. Each historic property in the village will be inventoried and assessed to determine its heritage value. Our project launch public meeting will be held on May 11, 2023 at 7pm at St. James Anglican Church (19 Bond Street East) where we will introduce the project and discuss opportunities to get involved. |
Project FAQs
Why is the City undertaking this project? |
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The City is undertaking this project because we need to understand what historic properties exist in the City, where they are located and why they are important. This data will be used for future decision-making to make sure that important heritage properties are respected, protected and celebrated. We also want to help spread awareness about heritage in the community and understand what information our citizens know about their communities. We want to know what places and spaces are important to you and to learn local stories. |
Will there be restrictions placed on historic properties? |
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No, this project is a data gathering exercise only. The goal of this project is to help the City understand what historic properties exist in the municipality. |
Can I help with the inventory? |
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Yes! There are lots of ways you can get involved in the project and help out. We will be looking for volunteers to help undertake the field inventories and also to provide information on the history of their communities. Stay tuned to this page and to Jump In for more information on opportunities to get involved. |
Can I access the data? |
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Yes, the data from this project will be publicly accessible. As the data for the inventory is collected, an online map will be developed where you will be able to access the data. A link to the map will be posted on this page when it is available and will be updated as more data is collected. |
Project Resources
Historic Context Statements |
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Historic context statements are being prepared for the various geographic locations throughout the City and for key themes which have shaped the history of our communities. These statements are intended to provide additional background information and context to understand and evaluate our historic properties. Context statements will be added as they are developed. |
Volunteer Resources |
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Resource sheets are provided to our volunteers for our community inventories and digital copies are also available below. Get in touch to learn how to volunteer with one of our inventories. |
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