MORRISBURG – The Morrisburg Model Village project committee has been busily approaching a number of major sponsors, such as Ontario Power Generation, to contribute to the creation of a miniature HO scale depiction of a section of pre-Seaway Morrisburg.
Now they are getting ready to move on to the next step of the fundraising campaign.
On January 18 the group will launch a formal local business and individual fundraising campaign with a public meeting at the McIntosh Inn in Morrisburg.
“Our objective will be to start the campaign ‘with a bang’ by announcing and recognizing all confirmed donations and major supporters at that point,” said John Gleed, lead organizer. “We will be delighted to include any new donations received before the 18th of January in that announcement.”
“There are numerous local businesses who have already expressed support, and the enthusiasm at the individual level is high,” he said. “Local historians and residents who experienced the Seaway flooding love looking at the plans and sharing their knowledge of the homes and businesses that were in the downtown area.”
A retired high-tech executive has already made an anonymous donation of $10,000 to the project, and OPG has confirmed that it will sponsor the project at the gold level ($10,000) as well. The fundraising goal is $100,000 for the build and another $100,000 for a maintenance and support fund.
The plan is to have an official opening ceremony for the MMV July 1, 2018 for the 60th anniversary of the St. Lawrence Seaway flood day.
The MMV completion ceremony will be planned for June 26, 2019 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the official opening of the Seaway.
“The model village project has the potential to positively affect our community in numerous ways,” said Gleed. “Probably most importantly, it will create a visual link between the present and the past.”
“The notion of a village flooded and then re-created is fascinating to visitors to the area, as well as to youth and local residents who did not have first hand experience of the event.”
Everyone is welcome to attend the January 18 meeting at the McIntosh Inn. It will be a great opportunity for anyone interested in the MMV to learn more about it, ask questions and to participate in the fundraising kickoff.