Skip to content

Look who won the 2016 Community Development Award!

The annual award recognizes exceptional community development projects that benefit the Sault.
EmatingerClergueHistoricSiteLong
Staff of the Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site will be presented with a bronze plaque at a future City Council meeting. David Helwig/SooToday

The Heritage Discovery Centre at the Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site will be the 2016 recipient of the City of Sault Ste. Marie's Community Development Award.

The $4-million interpretive centre was selected last night from 23 nominees by the city's planning advisory committee.

The interpretive centre includes a gift shop and a 50-seat theatre.

The building's exterior is clearly modern, but complements the Old Stone House with its prominent stonework.

The annual Community Development Award recognizes exceptional community development projects that benefit the community in one or several of the following ways:

  • Enhancing the visual quality of the built environment
  • Pursuing sustainable development and protect the natural environment
  • Promoting equity and accessibility to a variety of people, income groups, and abilities
  • Maximizing employment and earning opportunities
  • Facilitating heritage preservation

The historic site contains two of the oldest stone buildings northwest of Toronto: the Ermatinger Old Stone House and the Clergue Blockhouse.

The Old Stone House portrays the professional and home life of Charles Oakes Ermatinger and other local residents between 1808 and 1870.

The Clergue Blockhouse was the home of pioneer industrialist Francis Hector Clergue from 1894 to 1908. Originally located near the St. Marys Paper buildings, the blockhouse was moved to its current site in 1996.

Staff of the Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site will be presented with a bronze plaque at a future City Council meeting.


What's next?


If you would like to apply to become a Verified reader Verified Commenter, please fill out this form.




David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
Read more