Remote building burned

Upper Canada Village’s new fall event Pumpkinferno continued its winning ways in Ottawa April 24,  when Ottawa Tourism named it New Company of the Year.  

The award category recognizes an event or company two years or less in operation that through its success has stimulated the economy.  

Pumpkinferno which was launched in 2012 has certainly done that.  

In just two years of operation, not only has Pumpkinferno taken the region by storm hosting almost 75,000 people but it has contributed an estimated $8 million in economic impacts to the region’s economy. 

“Over the past three years we have taken a close look at our business operations and have encouraged our staff to be innovative in their approach to developing new visitor experiences.  Pumpkinferno is a great example of that type of thinking. Not only does it showcase amazing artistic and creative talents that go into making this such an amazing event, but our business strategy is really solid and surpassing our projections” commented Darren Dalgleish, General Manager & CEO, St. Lawrence Parks Commission. 

Festival and Events Ontario recognized Pumpkinferno as Ontario’s Best New Event in 2012 and in November 2013 the Tourism Association of Ontario honoured it with the award for Ontario’s Tourism Event of the Year.

“The Pumpkinferno team exceeded expectations to deliver an event that attracted over 35,000 guests in our first year and then topped that number last fall with over 38,000 visits.  We believe we have something special here and it is so gratifying to see this acknowledgement from the tourism community.  It was an honour just to be named a finalist in the Ottawa Tourism awards.  Our hats are off to the other excellent nominees.” said Geoff Waycik, Manager of Upper Canada Village.

Upper Canada Village gets an early start to the 2014 season opening on Wednesday, May 7. 

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The South Dundas-owned Williamsburg forest, commonly referred to as ‘The 400’, has formally been turned over to the South Nation Conservation Authority. 

Council passed a resolution approving the land transfer of the 400 acre parcel at the February 19 meeting.

South Dundas set out a list of conditions for the transfer that SNC willingly met, therefore council had no qualms about approving the agreement.

Under the agreement with South Dundas, SNC will manage current recreational uses, including hunting, and will meet with local residents to determine interest in establishing a local citizen’s committee to help guide the management and use of the forest.

SNC will cover all costs associated with the land transfer and prepare a forest management plan.

If the land ever becomes surplus to SNC’s needs, it will be returned to South Dundas.

South Dundas staff did explore the possibility of the municipality retaining the land and participating in the establishment of  a ‘friends of the 400’ organization. 

Liability was a concern if South Dundas retained the land.

“The township insurance premium will not increase if the land is used. However, under the Joint & Several Liability Law, the township only has to be one per cent negligent to pay 100 per cent of the loss,” said South Dundas clerk Brenda Brunt in a report to council.

Council unanimously agreed that the transferring the land to SNC was the better of the two options.

Although council has approved the transfer, South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds reminded everyone that it will still be some time before the entire process in finalized. “This won’t happen overnight,” he said.

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Time travel is very possible for children aged 8-17.

Every year, children travel from across the region, across the province, across the country, across the continent and even across the globe, to attend one of the most unique summer camp experiences available anywhere. 

Upper Canada Village’s Time Travellers Historical Discovery Camp has been offered since the 1990s. Nine week-long camps take place every summer with room to accommodate 30 campers per week. Time Travellers is for boys and girls ages 9 to 14.

“This camp really appeals to a wider geographic range than just the local region,” says Bruce Henbest, coordinator for interpretation at Upper Canada Village, who recently spoke with The Leader about this popular and long-running youth program offered annually at Upper Canada Village.

The program started in the 1990s, has grown in popularity since its inception and has a high rate of return for those children who attend the camp. The bulk of the campers come from Ontario, and particularly the Ottawa area, but they do draw a significant number from Toronto, Montreal, and have had campers come from the U.S., even Hawaii, and from Europe (France).

“A lot of our campers have come back year after year for five years,” said Henbest. “I think that recurring appeal says a lot about the program.”

“This is such a unique program, that we are fortunate to be able to offer,” he said, explaining that other living history museums in the U.S., no longer offer this type of opportunity.

“Upper Canada Village is such a magical setting, particularly in the evenings,” said Henbest, explaining that the campers have the opportunity to enjoy the village after closing. The setting and the unique 1860s experiences offered along with the camaraderie of a week-long camp make the Time Travellers experience unforgettable and unlike anything else out there.

Throughout the six day, five night camp, children stay in historic buildings that are set up as residences that are not open to the public. The buildings are outfitted with period furnishings, but have modern washroom and shower facilities. During orientation they are fitted with period clothing that they wear throughout the day when they are led through a range of activities in large or small groups that may include helping out in the kitchens of the homes or in the barns. 

The authentic 1860s experiences could have the campers helping prepare a meal, milking a cow, feeding farm animals, or helping out the various tradespeople within the village. They too could participate in leisure activities such as painting or scroll working, which would have been popular 1860s leisure activities. The campers even attend school, 1860s style. “The hands-on opportunities we provide here are pretty unique,” said Henbest. The days are structured, but the evenings are filled with fun and games and campfires. 

There are a few spaces available in the Time Travellers program this month. (Anyone interested should call 1-800-437-2233 or 613-543-4328 as soon as possible for details.)

Time Travellers is one a number of youth programs offered at Upper Canada Village.

This year, for younger children, aged 8-11 is the new “Time Travellers Try-a-camp”. It is a three day version of Time Travellers, running from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. 

Like Time Travellers participants wear authentic costumes and take on the role of a child in the 19th century community.

Young Interpreters, another of the youth programs offered, provides more of a day-camp experience. For those ages 10-15, they come to Upper Canada Village for six days over two consecutive weekends to help portray life in the 1860s. For those 15-17 there is a senior youth interpreter program.

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