A request by the Township of Lake of Bays Heritage Advisory Committee to designate the Paint Lake Cemetery and School House under the Ontario Heritage Act received a thumbs up from council at its November 14 meeting.
Township of Lake of Bays Deputy Clerk Laura Vaisanen told council the committee expressed interest in designating the property as a heritage site as early as 2015. She said the committee conducted a site visit in 2021 and determined through research and evaluation that the property meets the characteristics of a heritage designation.
Vaisanen also told council that the school house still contains the autographs of the students who attended the last pioneer school house in the Ridout Ward. She also noted that the cemetery was used from the 1800s to the present day and the gravesites found in the cemetery provide an important insight into the lives of the Township of Lake of Bays inhabitants.
Councillor Nancy Tapley told council the project was initiated by the late Ruth Ross. “And she’d be very happy to see it finally come this far.”
Councillor Jackie Godard said a booklet is being created as well as a self-guided walk, similar to what was done in Baysville. Councillor George Anderson said the property is important and some of the alumni from the school are still alive. He questioned whether updating the interior of the building to make it look as it did in the past would be possible with the heritage designation. Councillor Rick Brooks said, based on his previous experience, it would be but noted that a plan is required.
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Yes, I hope they make ths a heritage site…my Granny, Grandad and uncle lay at rest in this cemetery and I enjoy visitng thm ther, its a very peaceful and beautiful little cemetery.