Your President has begun an initiative contacting other neighbouring historical societies with a view to sharing information and offering complimentary memberships. So far we’ve received responses from Bradford, Beaverton, Cannington, and Innisfil. Developing relationships with other groups would be helpful for research, finding guest speakers and
obtaining new ideas for fund raising and other activities.
The Town, in the 2020 Budget, has approved three capital projects for the Pioneer Village; a survey of the drainage problem; new roofs for the Mann and Noble Houses; and a budget increase to $270,000 for the rebuilding of the Cedarbrae Schoolhouse. Let’s hope these projects will actually get under way this year. Tim McClatchie, Manager of Facilities for the Town of Georgina, advised that Shawn Brunne would be arranging an assessment
of all village buildings so that work on each of them can be prioritized to ensure further deterioration does not occur. Dan Butineau advised that work on the schoolhouse will commence this year and is expected to be completed by fall. It will be 90% new construction materials with the rest being reclaimed. Lighting and heating fixture are to be included that are period appropriate and the construction will replicate the original building.
Karen Wolfe, our Past President, has been in touch with Gerry and Shirley Verdoold about their intentions when they donated the caboose. The Verdoolds gave a letter attesting that the caboose was donated to the Georgina Historical Society and not to the Town for their disposition. This will help advance the restoration of the caboose using volunteer labour. We need funds to repair its roof so that the interior can be properly surveyed and restoration may begin.