COEL - Final Report Cultural Mapping

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2014

Ryan Shackleton

Summary Report on Background Data Collection

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This report was prepared for the City of Elliot Lakemetad by Know History and Hatfield Consultants. Any

questions about this report should be addressed to:

Ashten Vlahovich

Economic Development Intern

City of Elliot Lake

Tel: 705.848.0229 ext. 222

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Contents Report Outline .............................................................................................................................................. 5

Part 1

Project Description ....................................................................................................................................... 7

About Elliot Lake ........................................................................................................................................... 8

Methodology................................................................................................................................................. 9

Cultural Resource Framework .............................................................................................................. 9

Development of a Database and Data Set .......................................................................................... 10

Background Data Research Methodology .......................................................................................... 11

Data Population .................................................................................................................................. 11

Public Consultation ..................................................................................................................................... 12

Survey Development and Deployment ................................................................................................... 12

Individual Interviews ............................................................................................................................... 12

Group Interviews .................................................................................................................................... 13

Public Presentations ............................................................................................................................... 15

Part 2: Findings

Cultural Cluster Totals ................................................................................................................................. 18

General Observations ............................................................................................................................. 19

Human Heritage .......................................................................................................................................... 20

Map ..................................................................................................................................................... 20

Asset Breakdown ................................................................................................................................ 21

Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 21

Options and Observations .................................................................................................................. 22

Asset Listing ........................................................................................................................................ 23

Industrial Heritage ...................................................................................................................................... 25

Map ..................................................................................................................................................... 25

Asset Breakdown ................................................................................................................................ 26

Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 26

............................................................................................................................................................ 27


Asset Listing ........................................................................................................................................ 28

Arts .............................................................................................................................................................. 30

Map ..................................................................................................................................................... 30

Asset Breakdown ................................................................................................................................ 32

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Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 32


Asset Listing ........................................................................................................................................ 33

Food and Beverage ..................................................................................................................................... 38

Map ..................................................................................................................................................... 38

Asset Breakdown ................................................................................................................................ 39

Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 39


Asset Listing ........................................................................................................................................ 40

Natural History ............................................................................................................................................ 42

Map ..................................................................................................................................................... 42

Asset Breakdown ................................................................................................................................ 43

Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 43


Asset Listing ........................................................................................................................................ 44

Outdoor Recreation .................................................................................................................................... 45

Map ..................................................................................................................................................... 45

Asset Breakdown ................................................................................................................................ 46

Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 46


Asset Listing ........................................................................................................................................ 47

Story Maps .................................................................................................................................................. 49

Appendix 1: Cultural Assets and Data Field definitions .............................................................................. 50

Appendix 2: Survey ..................................................................................................................................... 56

Appendix 3: Sources Consulted .................................................................................................................. 59

Table of Maps

Map 1: Human Heritage City Scale Map ..................................................................................................... 20

Map 2: Industrial Heritage City Scale Map ................................................................................................. 25

Map 3: Arts City Scale Map ......................................................................................................................... 30

Map 4: Food and Beverage City Scale Map ................................................................................................ 38

Map 5: Natural History City Scale Map ....................................................................................................... 42

Map 6: Outdoor Recreation City Scale Map ............................................................................................... 45

Table of Figures

Figure 1: Screenshot of Elliot Lake Cultural Asset Database ...................................................................... 11

Figure 2: Cultural Asset Categories Breakdown .......................................................................................... 18

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Figure 3: Human Heritage Asset Breakdown .............................................................................................. 21

Figure 4: Industrial Heritage Asset Breakdown .......................................................................................... 26

Figure 5: Arts Asset Breakdown .................................................................................................................. 32

Figure 6: Food and Beverage Asset Breakdown ......................................................................................... 39

Figure 7: Natural History Asset Breakdown ................................................................................................ 43

Figure 8: Outdoor recreation Asset Breakdown ......................................................................................... 46

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Report Outline This report is divided into two parts.

Part 1: The first part of the report provides an introduction to the project and an overview of the guiding

methodology, as well as a summary of background research and public meetings that were held.

Part 2: The second part of the report contains a breakdown of the findings. Each cluster is analysed

independently.1 The report was organized this way so that planners, staff, and stakeholders can print or

extract individual sections to work with. Each cluster section includes a definition, a map of the

resources, an overview of the cluster, a section on options and observations, and a listing of the

identified assets.

Ancillary information is included in a number of appendices. This includes a detailed listing of the data

fields used to capture information, sources consulted, and samples of the surveys that were deployed.

This report is only part of the deliverables developed by this project. An inventory of all cultural assets in

the region is being provided in MS Excel and MS Access formats. There are also a series of static maps,

Story Maps (ESRI), and GIS data that have been developed and delivered as part of this project.

1 Clusters are independent groups of cultural assets. In total, the researchers have identified six clusters including

Arts, Food and Beverage, Human Heritage, Industrial Heritage, Natural Heritage and Outdoor Recreation.

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Part 1

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Project Description The Corporation of the City of Elliot Lake, working through the Economic Development Advisory

Committee, engaged Know History and Hatfield Consultants to conduct a mapping project of the arts

and cultural community of the City of Elliot Lake. The goal was to develop an interactive online and print

version of a cultural asset map. Know History was responsible for the data collection while Hatfield

Consultants developed the maps and GIS information.

Cultural mapping is the systematic approach to identifying, recording, and classifying a community’s

cultural resources in order to describe and capture these resources. Information was collected on

various cultural clusters, including: Human Heritage, Industrial Heritage, the Arts, Natural History, and

Outdoor Recreation.

In addition to this report, a series of interactive Story Maps were created, as well as a selection of static

maps that were delivered in PDF format. The City received all GIS data that was created as part of this

project as well as copies of the Elliot Lake Cultural Asset Database (ELCADB).

The project will serve as the groundwork for a new cultural plan that will identify needs and

opportunities for investing in future cultural development. It will also help to support economic

development and tourism.

Image 1: Public Art Walking Tour Story Map. Credit: Know History (2013)

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About Elliot Lake Nestled in Northern Ontario’s Canadian Shield, Elliot Lake is a city with a population of 11,500 people.

Located approximately halfway between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie, Elliot Lake is surrounded by

pristine wilderness. The region was first inhabited by the Algonquin and there is a continued First

Nations presence in the area.

Europeans travelled through the region during the Fur Trade and, when that industry began to lag, the

region’s rich timber stands were harvested. Local lore holds the Elliot Lake was named after a logging

camp cook who drowned in the lake in 1910. Many remnants of Elliot Lake’s logging history can be

found throughout the region to this day.

The City of Elliot Lake was born of uranium. After the discovery of uranium in the area in the 1950s, the

city was established and quickly flourished. The Planning and Development Department of the Ontario

Ministry of Housing was a special agency that was established to plan the development and building of

Elliot Lake. By the end of the decade, almost 25,000 people lived in Elliot Lake and there were nine

mining companies in operation. The United States’ decision that it would no longer buy Uranium from

Canada after 1962 reduced the town’s population to 7,000. The community experienced periods of

growth and decline over the next 30 years until a decision to close the remaining mines in the 1990s

removed the last vestiges of the mining industry, with the exception of ongoing monitoring of the sites.

Throughout its rich mining history, Elliot Lake has been a leader in mining technology, environmental

quality, and site decommissioning. The impacts of mining on the community is still readily apparent.

The majority of the city and its residential housing were constructed by two principal mining companies:

Denison Mines and Rio Algom Mines. A number of buildings were constructed by or for the purpose of

mining, including the White Mountain Building (formerly the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy

Technology Research Laboratory). Elliot Lake’s mining heritage is also honoured through street names

and artistic murals.

The beauty of the region was a driving force behind its reinvention as a tourist destination and

retirement community after the closing of the mines. Elliot Lake features a number of outdoor

recreational activities, including ATV trails, skiing, fishing, snowmobiling, and canoe routes.

Image 2: Fire Tower Lookout and Heritage Centre. Credit: Know History (2013)

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Methodology

Cultural Resource Framework

Two documents form a baseline for the Elliot Lake Cultural Mapping project. The first is entitled Cultural

Resource Mapping: A Guide for Municipalities, (Ontario, 2010). It provides an overview of the process of

setting up a cultural mapping project aimed at municipalities. The guide discusses technical details of

project planning, database development, and consultant retention. It identifies the need for a cultural

resource framework that focuses on tangible assets but also encourages the inclusion of economic

information such as industry specific revenues, employee costs, etc. The second document is Cultural &

Heritage Tourism: A Handbook for Community Champions (2012). While not specific to cultural mapping,

this document provides an overview of how communities can leverage their culture and heritage

resources to support tourism.

Both of these reports offer suggestions for categorizing cultural assets within a cultural resource

framework, which in turn defines what assets will be included in the cultural inventory. As part of the

project kick-off meeting held in Elliot Lake on June 11th, 2013, the Steering Committee provided input on

a potential cultural resource framework organized around the cultural clusters identified in the RFP.

They are:

Human Heritage: Experiences that reveal the legacy of human settlement and development

Industrial Heritage: Experiences that reveal the legacy of human settlement and development

related specifically to agriculture and industry2

The Arts: Experiences of the performing, visual, literary, and media arts

Cuisine: Experience of foods, wines, and beverages

Natural History: Experiences that reveal the relationship between the natural environment and

human settlement and development

In addition to these clusters, a sixth category, Outdoor Recreation, was identified as an important

additional cluster that, while not readily fitting into the others, was a significant contributing factor to

the community’s cultural identity.

Outdoor Recreation can be defined as: Events, festivals and routes that provide an opportunity

to participate in recreational activities.

These cultural asset categories were divided into a number of subgroups and data fields based on the

type of cultural resource. Please refer to

2 Steven Thorne categorizes Agricultural and Industrial Heritage in the same category. Since there is no substantial

agricultural heritage in the region it has not been included in this framework. For more information about Thorne’s tourism clusters see: Bruce Whyte, Terry Hood, and Brian P. White, eds., Cultural and Heritage Tourism: a Handbook for Community Champions (n.p.: Federal Provincial Territorial Ministers of Culture Heritage, 2012).

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Appendix 1: Cultural Assets and Data Field definitions to see a complete list of data fields

and their definitions.

Image 3: Cultural Resource Framework. Credit: Know History (2013)

Development of a Database and Data Set

Know History created a dataset that will accommodate the needs of the Elliot Lake Cultural Mapping

Project. Those needs are:

1) That metadata3 associated with the cultural assets should be complete enough to allow for

analysis but should not be overly complicated as to hinder data maintenance.

2) That the Cultural Asset Database should be transferable into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to

allow for cross platform data entry, and data entry by individuals without experience in MS

Access.4

3) That, in addition to the cultural clusters identified in Steven Thorne’s research, Outdoor

Recreational Activities should also be included as a cultural cluster.

3 Metadata is the information relating to the asset such as the GPS coordinates, street address, telephone number,

website, etc. 4 The entire project was developed in a Microsoft Access database which allowed the research to sort and analyze

the information. The database was delivered to Elliot Lake in a Microsoft Excel as this program is much more common for users.

Cultural Resource

Framework

Arts

Cuisine

Natural History

Outdoor Recreation

Industrial Heritage

Human Heritage

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Appendix 1: Cultural Assets and Data Field definitionscontains the dataset. It

should be noted that this dataset evolved as the project progressed so that assets were

appropriately identified and coded. Know History has also developed an MS Access database to

record information about the cultural assets. This database can easily be exported to an MS Excel

format spreadsheet. Appendix 1 also contains the tombstone data fields in the database.

Figure 1: Screenshot of Elliot Lake Cultural Asset Database

Background Data Research Methodology

Know History adopted a broad approach to background data collection that included a review of both

print and electronic media sources. Print sources such as tourism booklets, articles on the history of the

community, local business publications, the regional phone book, and other sources all contained

information relating to groups, events, and people involved in the Cultural Clusters. Many of these

sources were collected from community tourism operators, material supplied by the City, or contained

in published articles and books. Electronic media provided a wealth of information, including lists and

descriptions of cultural assets. Key websites such as the City of Elliot Lake and ARIEL’s sites were

targeted first. Specialized research was carried out on known registers and lists such as the Ontario

Heritage Properties Database, Canadian Register of Historic Places, Ontario’s Places of Worship

Database, and the Ontario Heritage Bridge List. General key-word searches were conducted on all of the

potential cultural clusters such as “Elliot Lake Art”, “Elliot Lake Museums”, “Elliot Lake Restaurant”, and

“Elliot Lake Festival”.

Several provincial organizations were contacted to gather specialized reports and information. The

Ministry of Culture Services Advisor for the area indicated there were no designated historic sites or

properties on provincial lists (e.g. Ontario Heritage Bridge List). The Archaeological Data Coordinator

from the Ministry of Culture provided information on three know archaeological sites in the region. The

Ontario Heritage Trust indicated that there are no easement properties in Elliot Lake, but there were

nine properties on their Places of Worship list for which they provided information.

For a complete listing of the electronic and print sources consulted, please see Appendix 3: Sources

Consulted.

Data Population

As part of the background data collection process, researchers entered metadata into the Cultural

Assets Database. The database was developed in MS Access but will be delivered to the City as both an

Access database and an MS Excel spreadsheet. Either program can be used for updating the asset list

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and metadata. Researchers generated descriptions and tagged the cultural assets with the categories

outlined in the Cultural Resource Framework.

The listed addresses and P.O. Box numbers for associations, clubs, groups, and restaurants were

inputted using www.geocoder.ca, which supplied the longitude and latitude geographical coordinates.

For certain cases in which associations, clubs, and groups did not have a dedicated office or clubhouse,

meeting locations were used. For assets with no fixed address, a GIS program was used to locate the

asset and the coordinates were entered into the database.

Researchers carefully noted and recorded gaps in metadata and conducted a second internet search to

fill in gaps using standard websites (i.e. Canada Post for Postal Codes and Canada 411 for contact

information).

Recognizing that many gaps still exist in the information metadata, a process of data fill-in was

undertaken. This included contacting groups and organization to verify contact information,

descriptions, and to fill in missing data.

Public Consultation Know History began public consultation in September 2013. The consultation strategy included survey

deployment, individual interviews, group interviews, and public presentations. Each will be dealt with

individually below.

Survey Development and Deployment One of the outreach activities deployed in the course of this project was an electronic and paper-based

survey. The survey aimed to collect information from local residents on individual cultural assets (see

Appendix 2: Survey for copy of the printed survey).

Electronic Surveys were designed in Survey Monkey and links were distributed to an email list-server

containing contact information for groups, individuals, and organizations. Additionally, a Facebook page

was developed to provide background information on the project, links to the survey, and requests for

information. Paper copies of the survey were available at the White Mountain Building and the Visitors

Centre located at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre. There were very few responses received from the

public outreach. Several artists contributed their names to be included in the database but overall the

survey did not generate many additions to the cultural inventory.

Individual Interviews Individual interviews were conducted with residents of Elliot Lake in order to gain specific evidence

concerning assets identified.

Interviewees included:

http://www.geocoder.ca/

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Jocelyn Labreche, Manager Recreation and Culture, City of Elliot Lake. Jocelyn provided a guided

tour to local sites including parks, trails, and other spots of local interest. She also provided

introductions to the team and gathered a range of photographs and other materials.

Darla Henessey, Elliot Lake Nuclear and Mining Museum Coordinator. Darla provided the

research team with access to archival documents held by the Elliot Lake Nuclear and Mining

Museum. She also led a tour of several historic sites in the region and provided the team with a

wealth of background information.

Kate Matuszewski, Coordinator of Arts and Culture, City of Elliot Lake. Kate proved a valuable

resource during the process, by verifying the existence of certain arts and culture related assets.

She expressed interest in the development of more art spaces in the city and of bus tours for

tourists to visit the area. She commented that she hoped the project would generate increased

awareness of the assets at the disposal of the City of Elliot Lake.

Murray Finn, Arts Roundtable in Elliot Lake (ARIEL). Murray is an active member of Elliot Lake’s

artistic community, and provided Know History with a walking tour of the city, identifying public

art located in the community.

Blair Bouillard, an outdoor enthusiast, conducted a mapping exercise with Know History,

identifying canoe routes, sanctuary and conservation areas, and abandoned trap and mine

campsites.

Group Interviews The purpose of group interviews was to review the information collected to date, add new information

to the database, and discuss options for reaching out to other members or groups in the community

that would like to be listed in the Elliot Lake Cultural Asset Database (ELCADB).

In consultation with the Steering Committee, the research team identified four areas to focus group

discussions around. This included Heritage, Trails and Routes, Arts, and Francophone Culture. Individuals

were invited to a meeting by the Steering Committee, and to two public presentations. While an open

invitation to participate in the groups was not extended, people that expressed interest in the project

were invited to attend. Group interviews were intentionally kept small to facilitate lively discussion and

to give each participant an opportunity to contribute. Findings and comments from each of the groups

are dealt with individually below.

Arts

A group meeting was held with various representatives from the Arts community in Elliot Lake.

As with all the group interviews, an abbreviated presentation was delivered to explain cultural mapping.

Attendees provided information on a range of new assets including local musicians, authors, poets and

other artists. They also provided contextual information on some of the organizations in the community.

The Art group raised several important concerns.

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They expressed a concern that the ELCADB would not be maintained. This was important

because, due to people continually moving into and out of the community, the artists’ database

would need to be maintained in order to be relevant and useful.

There is a lack of performing spaces in the community, especially since the mall collapse.

There is a lack of multi-cultural activities in the community. In the past there was a multi-cultural

group that held events, but this no longer exists.

Besides the Christian Bookshop, there is nowhere in the community to purchase books.There

exists a strong possibility for synergies between the arts groups and the rich history of the

community. Heritage may be incorporated into Arts projects (plays, visuals, etc.) Arts groups

could recreate experiences of Miners for Uranium Festival Days.

Previous discussions were revisited about making Elliot Lake the Arts capital of Ontario. This

could be a real possibility with the five disciplines and facilities all together in the Lester B.

Pearson Civic Centre. The Arts Club would like to be part of this promotion in order to draw

more artists and individuals to the community.

Trails and Routes

A group meeting was held with representatives of the Outdoor and Recreation community of Elliot Lake.

Participants identified a number of trails and routes that were no longer maintained. Furthermore,

certain information that Know History used to populate the database was now obsolete, such as trail

name information.

A number of questions were raised by the group, including whether or not the maps created by Know

History would conflict with the new mapping system developed by the City of Elliot Lake, and how the

trail and route information will be presented on the City of Elliot Lake website. They raised a number of

important comments:

The group expressed the desire that the condition of trails and routes be included in the

database (i.e. maintained, not-maintained, impassible, etc.).

While a number of canoe routes and trails have not been maintained, there is a real and

potential use if they were to be.

The group expressed the desire for First Nations groups to be included in the database and

maps, stating that three First Nations sites existed within the community.

Heritage

A group meeting was held with representatives of the heritage community in Elliot Lake. Given the

wealth of information in published form on the region’s mining history, the researchers felt that it would

be important to focus on the pre-mining history of the region. Arrangements were made to speak with

several individuals familiar with the region’s lumber and trapping history (see Error! Reference source

ot found. for a complete listing of meeting attendees).

The meeting resulted in the confirmation and identification of a number of historical sites in Elliot Lake,

including old trap cabins, sites of former saw mills, logging junctures, lodges, sites of cultural significance

to the aboriginal community in the area, and scenic lookouts. Information was provided by attendees on

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the trapping history of the area and key rivers used for fur trade. Furthermore, the Timber Village

Museum in Blind River was identified as the location of a number of artefacts relating to local logging

history. The group had one recommendation:

That a visitor centre at Mississagi Provincial Park be adapted to feature information on the local

logging heritage of Elliot Lake.

Francophone Culture

A meeting was held by the Know History team with members of the Francophone community of Elliot

Lake.

Attendees provided information on a range of assets that specifically related to Francophone heritage

and culture in Elliot Lake, including local artists, celebrations, and clubs. A number of important

comments were made by individuals:

The group expressed concern, and the desire for, the creation of a Francophone subcommittee

under the current Steering Committee for the project.

They stated that no plaque in honour of Francophone Heritage exists in the community of Elliot

Lake, despite there being a significant Francophone presence and history.

The group felt that the Francophone community and heritage of Elliot Lake has been ignored by

the City.

The Francophone community of Elliot Lake desires and hopes for stronger participation and

inclusion in the City’s projects and planning.

Public Presentations Two community presentations were delivered in Elliot Lake on October 9th 2013 at the theater in the

Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre. In total, approximately 40 people attended the presentations.

The presentations were designed to introduce community members to the concept of cultural mapping

and to explain the unique approach that was adopted for Elliot Lake’s project. Attendees were invited to

ask questions and contribute information regarding known assets in the community.

In both consultations, people expressed their support for the project but also suggested that while

similar projects had previously been done they had never seen tangible results. A major concern was

that the information would quickly become irrelevant. A key recommendation of this report will be to

designate the task of data management to an appropriate resource in the community. Without a

commitment to maintaining the database of cultural assets, it will indeed rapidly become outdated.

While people acknowledged the usefulness of cultural mapping, they expressed concerns that many of

the assets (including canoe routes and hiking trails) were not being adequately maintained and that to

include them in a cultural inventory would be misleading and may result in disappointed tourists who

expect maintained trails.

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Part 2: Findings

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Cultural Cluster Totals The research team identified 274 cultural assets in six Cultural Clusters. This does not represent all of

the cultural assets in the community. Despite every effort by the consultants, it will require a sustained

approach to collect a comprehensive listing of all assets. Additionally, the list will fluctuate and need

regular updating.

In some cases an asset could be listed under multiple categories: for example, the Java Jolt Café is listed

under Food and Beverage and Arts since it is both a café and live performance venue.

Through an examination of the individual clusters we will be able to identify specific strengths and gaps,

but the following breakdown of the six regional cultural clusters does provide some initial observations.

Figure 2: Cultural Asset Categories Breakdown

By far the largest number of assets can be found in the Arts cluster, which represented almost half of

the identified cultural assets in the community.5 The overall prevalence of Art assets is an indicator of a

strong Arts community and legacy in Elliot Lake. Note that Arts assets are generally easier to identify

than perhaps Natural History or Outdoor and Recreation opportunities since Arts groups, performers,

and public art are promoted through a variety of advertising.

Both Human Heritage and Outdoor and Recreation assets are well-represented with 55 and 61 assets

respectively. Food and Beverage had 30 assets. Both Natural History and Industrial heritage have the

fewest identified assets in the study. For Natural History, this may be because assets are harder to

5 While this is a significant number, it should be understood that it is purely a quantitative number (i.e. the number

of assets identified) and places no qualitative indicators such as revenue generation, event attendance, or membership numbers.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Human Heritage IndustrialHeritage

Arts Food andBeverage

Natural History Outdoor andRecreation

Cultural Asset Categories

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identify and may require on-going community consultation. Industrial Heritage’s low number of assets is

surprising, however, given the community’s strong industrial past.

General Observations

Online

In terms of online visibility, not all of the cultural resources identified have an online presence.

Approximately 120 assets had an online presence through club websites, Facebook pages, personal

blogs, and others. Several, however, appeared to have lapsed and were no longer updated. Many of the

assets that related to Arts, including musicians, visual artists, and art groups, had information listed on

the ARIEL website.

Location

30 cultural resources were found to have space in or listed their offices as the Lester B. Pearson Civic

Centre. The majority of these appeared under the Arts cultural asset category, with the specific

exceptions including the Elliot Lake Model Railroad Club, Elliot Lake Nuclear and Mining Museum, and

the NAPA Autoparts North Shore Challenge. Additionally, it should be noted that many of the

associations, clubs, and groups listed local churches as their meeting location or addresses.

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Human Heritage Human Heritage is defined as experiences that reveal the tangible and intangible legacy of human

settlement and development. This includes buildings with historic associations, commemorative plaques

and statues, museums, and heritage groups. In total the research team identified 55 Human Heritage

assets.

Map

Map 1: Human Heritage City Scale Map

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Asset Breakdown

Figure 3: Human Heritage Asset Breakdown

Overview

The most numerous subcategory was Historic Associations. The term “History Associations” is taken

from the Ontario Heritage Act and refers to assets associated with a theme, event, belief, person,

activity, organization, or institution that is significant to a community. For this report we have focused

on assets that are represented by built heritage.

Built heritage is an important cultural identifier for communities. In this report, built heritage assets can

be found within three of the above categories, including Architecture, Historic Associations, and Places

of Worship.6 While the researchers identified multiple sites as potential built heritage sites, they also

identified the lack of formal heritage protection for any building or site in Elliot Lake.

Currently:

There are no properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act

There is no municipal heritage register

The Ontario Heritage Trust has no provincial conservation easements

The area has no National Historic Sites

The only historic recognition (not protection) appears to be a plaque commemorating the Elliot Lake

Mining Camp, erected by the Ontario Heritage Trust.

6 The term “Historic Associations” is taken from the Ontario Heritage Act and refers to assets associated with a

theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is significant to a community.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Human Heritage

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According to the study Downtown Core and

Industrial Area Improvements, by Baywater

Mitchell Architects Incorporated and

Commonwealth Historic Resources Management

Ltd (1996), “the City was designed and

constructed in a relatively short time and

therefore, has a base of original architectural

design which is to a degree consistent and

uniquely representative of period of Canadian

History” (p. 6). During the stakeholder interviews

conducted as part of this project, there did not

appear to be any strong community identification of

properties that would meet the criteria for heritage designation with the exception of Dennison House.

This lack of appreciation for the unique architecture and heritage of the community was also recognized

in the Downtown Core study, where the writers state:

“For many, 1950s Modernism may seem too recent to foster collective appreciation and warrant

consolidated expression–less recognition perhaps, than the nostalgia most share for the

Georgian character of Niagara-on-the-Lake. This is Elliot Lake. It should not been denied, it

should be celebrated and promoted.”7

Options and Observations

Interestingly, there is no historical society or heritage society in the community. A historical/heritage

society should be established.

There is also need for a systematic study of potential heritage resources in the city. The most

appropriate way to examine heritage resources is through the creation of a Municipal Heritage

Register.8 Section 27 of the Ontario Heritage Act lays out the policy for keeping a Municipal Heritage

Register. Listing on the Municipal Heritage Register will give properties 60 days protection from

demolition. This allows council, staff, and the public to determine the cultural heritage value of the

property and determine if it’s worthy of further protection through designation under the Ontario

Heritage Act. In order to list a property on the Municipal Heritage Register, the listing must include the

identifying location for the property (e.g. address) and a brief description about the resource’s value to

the community. The information collected as part of the Human Heritage and Industrial Heritage section

of this cultural mapping exercise could easily form the basis for a Municipal Heritage Register in Elliot

Lake. In order to determine appropriate properties each entry would have to be briefly evaluated

against Ontario Regulation 9/06 under the Ontario Heritage Act, which lists the criteria for cultural

heritage value. A public meeting on the contents and impact of the register is also recommended.

Council must then approve the Municipal Heritage Register.

7 Baywater Mitchell Architects Incorporated and Commonwealth Historic Resources Management Ltd 1996, p. 22

8 Further information on Municipal Heritage Registers can be found on the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport’s

website: http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/heritage/heritage_listing.shtml

Image 4: Elliot Lake Post Office. Credit: Know History (2013)

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Creating a Municipal Heritage Register is a good first step to identifying heritage in the city of Elliot Lake

and information gathered through this process can lead to protection through the designation of

individual properties (Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act) or heritage conservation districts (Part V of the

Ontario Heritage Act).

Asset Listing

Official Name Human Heritage

50th Anniversary Interpretive Commemoration Plaques Historic Associations, Statues/Monuments/Plaques

Aboriginal Archaeological Site #1 Aboriginal Heritage

Aboriginal Archaeological Site #2 Aboriginal Heritage

Au Salle de Rendez-Vous Historic Associations

Botanical Garden Botanical/Decorative Gardens

Ceolin Falls Statues/Monuments/Plaques

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Place of Worship

Club des aînés l’Etoile d’or Historic Associations

Commemorative Bench to Phil Scheid Statues/Monuments/Plaques

Denison Mansion/House Architecture, Historic Associations

Depot Lake (Archaeological Site) Archaeological Sites

Dunlop Lake (Archaeological Site) Archaeological Sites

Elliot Lake 1999 Time Capsule Historic Associations

Elliot Lake Fire Department Architecture

Elliot Lake First Baptist Church Place of Worship

Elliot Lake Nuclear and Mining Museum Human Heritage Museums

Elliot Lake Post Office Architecture

Elliot Lake Public Library Libraries

Elliot Lake Secondary School Architecture

Engineering Plaque Statues/Monuments/Plaques

Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church Place of Worship

Fire Tower Lookout and Heritage Centre Historic Associations

First Nations spiritual site Aboriginal Heritage

Former Hudson's Bay Building (ELNOS Telecommunications Centre) Architecture

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Franco-Ontarian Day Heritage Events and Festivals

Friendship Arch Statues/Monuments/Plaques

Gentle Shepherd Congregational Church Place of Worship

Grace Christian Centre Place of Worship

Holy Trinity United Church Place of Worship

Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre Historic Associations

Masonic Hall Architecture, Historic Associations

Newfoundland Walk Architecture

Oaks Centre (Formerly the Oaks Hotel) Historic Associations

Old Trap Cabin on McCarthy Lake Historic Associations

Our Colleagues Conservation Reserve Statues/Monuments/Plaques

Our Lady of Fatima Place of Worship

Paroisse-Ste-Marie Roman Catholic Church Archives, Historic Associations, Place of Worship

Plane Wreckage Archaeological Sites, Historic Associations

Rene Fabris Commemorative Plaque Historic Associations, Statues/Monuments/Plaques

Rooster Rock Pictograph Archaeological Sites

Sarich's Source for Sports Architecture

Serpent River First Nation Aboriginal Heritage

Siedel's Furniture (Formerly known as Kresge's Store) Architecture

St. Joseph's Hospital Architecture, Historic Associations

St. Peter the Apostle Place of Worship

Sylvah Island Aboriginal Heritage

TD Bank Architecture

The City Hall Archives

The Original Dunlop Lake Lodge Historic Associations

Thunder Mountain Aboriginal Heritage

Veterans Memorial Statues/Monuments/Plaques

Veterans Way Historic Associations

Vimy Ridge Memorial Highway Historic Associations

W. H. Collins Centre Architecture, Historic Associations

White Mountain Building (Formerly the CANMET Research Laboratory) Architecture, Historic Associations

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Industrial Heritage Industrial Heritage is defined as experiences that reveal the legacy of human settlement and

development related specifically to agriculture and industry. This includes Industrial Commemoration,

and Industrial Historic Sites. In total there were 27 Industrial Heritage assets identified in the City of

Elliot Lake.

Map

Map 2: Industrial Heritage City Scale Map

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Asset Breakdown

Figure 4: Industrial Heritage Asset Breakdown

Overview

Multiple assets provide evidence of the area’s logging history. These include displays at the local

museum, the Forestry Tower Lookout and Ranger Cabin, and the commemorative plaque to Rene Fabris.

It has also been reported that the Misissagi Provincial Park has a rich collection of artifacts and sites of

importance relating to the forestry industry (a detailed inventory of the park site assets was not

completed as part of this study).9

The mining industry, and specifically uranium mining, is the reason for Elliot Lake’s existence. The mine

sites have been decommissioned and the region’s mining legacy is now directed to the Elliot Lake

Nuclear and Mining Museum and the Mining Monument and Miners' Memorial Park. The only

remaining evidence of the mines appears to be the tailings sites and the treatment plants, as the

removal of industrial infrastructure was carried out as part of the mine decommissioning process.

Additionally some of the local hiking trails, such as the Cobre Lake trail, feature old mining and drilling

sites. While there is very little left of the industrial infrastructure, it should be considered that the

mining sites are still in operation; they are at the end of the mining life-cycle, which includes returning

the land back to its natural state.

9 The City of Elliot Lake will be taking over the operation of the park during the 2014 season. It is recommended

that a detailed inventory of the park’s assets be developed in order to support future interpretive products.

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Industrial Commemoration Industrial Historic Site Industrial Museum Industrial Tour

Industrial Heritage

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Although the community is rich in industrial heritage, there is no cohesive tour package or interpretive

materials that would encourage residents or visitors to explore this legacy. Tours of the mine sites are

currently offered on an appointment only basis. Similarly, the museum’s rich collection should be

reorganized to provide visitors with a cohesive historical experience.


A committee should be appointed to review the Industrial Heritage assets identified in this report in

order to develop an interpretive program that would explain and present the significance of these assets

to the public.

Image 5: Tailings Pond at former Stanleigh Mine Site. There is very little infrastructure left on the mine sites since decommissioning began in the 1990s. Credit: Know History (2013)

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Currently there are no indicators of where uranium was discovered beyond two highway signs. A plaque

should be erected at the site of uranium discovery in the area.

In that the Elliot Lake Nuclear and Mining Museum’s priority is to interpret the area’s mining history,

exhibits relating to Natural History and non-mining related topics should be removed or presented in

another venue.

Given its young age, Elliot Lake is in an opportune position to undertake a substantial documentation of

its past through oral history interviews. A series of interviews should be conducted with long-time

residents and people involved in the mining industry.

Similarly, a cultural resource inventory should be completed to further document sites of importance.10

Asset Listing

Asset Name Asset Subcategory

50th Anniversary Interpretive Commemoration Plaques

Industrial Commemoration

Buckles Mine Site Industrial Historic Site

Chev Wheel Industrial Commemoration

Cobre Lake Trail Industrial Historic Site

Elliot Lake 1999 Time Capsule Industrial Commemoration

Elliot Lake Founding Fathers Mural Industrial Commemoration

Elliot Lake Mining Camp Plaque Industrial Commemoration

Elliot Lake Nuclear and Mining Museum Industrial Museum

Engineering Plaque Industrial Commemoration

Fire Tower Lookout and Heritage Centre Industrial Museum

Flack Lake Forestry Lookout Tower Industrial Historic Site

Lancor Mine Site Industrial Historic Site

Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre Industrial Commemoration

Milliken Mine Site Industrial Historic Site

Mining Monument and Miners' Memorial Park Industrial Commemoration

Nordic Mine Site Industrial Historic Site

Old Trap Cabin on McCarthy Lake Industrial Historic Site

Quirke I Mine Site Industrial Historic Site

Quirke II Mine Site Industrial Historic Site

Rene Fabris Commemorative Plaque Industrial Commemoration, Industrial Historic Site

Rio Algom Atom Industrial Commemoration

Stanleigh Mine Site Industrial Historic Site

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While the collection of some cultural resource information was part of this study, this project was designed as a larger cultural mapping project. A specific cultural resource inventory would involve a different set of methodologies and outcomes.

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Sylvah Island Industrial Historic Site

The Denison Doors Industrial Commemoration

The Original Dunlop Lake Lodge Industrial Historic Site

Tour of Decommissioned Mine Sites Industrial Tour

Uranium Heritage Festival Industrial Commemoration

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Arts Arts assets are defined as experiences of the performing, visual, literary, and media arts. This includes

Public Art, Live Music Venues, and Art Groups. In total there were 115 Arts assets identified.

Map

Map 3: Arts City Scale Map (see legend on next page)

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Asset Breakdown

Figure 5: Arts Asset Breakdown

Overview

The highest number of cultural assets identified was in the Arts cluster. Elliot Lake has a considerable

number of Visual Artists, 32 in total. Public Art is the second most populated data field, with 20

identified. This number will likely increase in the coming years due to initiatives in the community, such

as the Downtown Art Project, to beautify Elliot Lake’s downtown. There are also a considerable number

of Arts and Craft Groups; many belong to the Arts and Cultural Roundtable of Elliot Lake (ARIEL).

Likewise there are a substantial number of musical artists and events in the community, with ten

identified Musicians/Bands and eight Live Music Venues. It should be noted that many more artists,

musicians, and bands exist in the City of Elliot Lake, however these individuals either wished not to be

included in the database or were not identified in this study.

The heart of Elliot Lake’s artistic community is the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre. A newly renovated

facility in the city, it features Public Art, Industrial Commemorations, and photos and memorabilia

related to Lester B. Pearson. The centre is home to the Gallery at the Centre, and features a multi-use

arts room called the General Arts Room which has a small library of books on artistic styles, themes, and

artists. The Centre is also home to three other arts related rooms; the Weaving Room, the Pottery

Room, and the Monte Carlo Room, rented by Elliot Lake Amateur Theatre Ensemble and the Stage Door

Players. The Lester B. Pearson Theatre is used for many artistic and community events. Given its

popularity, some groups find it difficult to get space at the centre for their organization’s events and

practices.

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Consultation revealed a strong desire to link arts with the community heritage. Many individuals pointed

to past events (such as plays) and their success in the community. Considerations should be given to

developing more arts projects that can coincide with the community’s rich heritage.

Several community members expressed concern over the lack of performance venues. While there are

eight live music venues, the three theater venues identified include the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre,

and the Grace Christian Centre. The third theater venue, the W.H. Collins Centre, is currently being used

as supermarket. While the community is waiting on the rebuilding of the mall it may be beneficial to

look at other possible theater and performance venues to encourage a continued active community

participation in performance events. This may include theater in the park and use of school auditoriums.

The consultants did not identify any graphic artists or artists working on web-development or in the

digital arts. This is a growing field and should be considered when developing future job opportunities

and learning programs.

The community has no artistic supply store. Currently community artists are buying their goods through

a co-op program. Given the cost-savings through such programs and online shopping, it is unlikely that

the community’s artists would be able to support a stand-alone supply store. However, a community

group may want to formalize the organization and ordering of supplies for local artists.

There has been a recent movement by community members to develop public art. Public art beautifies a

community and promotes community pride. This should be supported and encouraged wherever

possible. Options to continue on this success would include involving businesses to commission local

artwork, applying to funding organizations for support, and seeking out in kind donations from resident

artists.

There are no promotional materials along Highway 17 or at the Elliot Lake Trailhead Interpretation

Centre at Highway 17 to promote Elliot Lake’s artistic community or events.

There do not appear to be any grass roots music festivals that feature multiple artists. The current

festivals and events seem to feature various “big name acts”, but it does not seem that there are “folk”

“country” or “fiddle” festivals. The City should consider branding a specific type of music that would

attack specific tourism segments.

There does not appear to be any outside links with other arts organizations in the region. The current

Arts on the Trail initiative is a good example of leveraging arts outside of the Elliot Lake Region to

showcase Elliot Lake artists.

It does not appear that there are any live comedy events hosted in Elliot Lake.

Asset Listing


Alec Letarte Musician/Band

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Alexandra Günther, Koonar Studio Visual Artist, Instructor

Algoma Wildflowers Musician/Band

Angel Lariviere Visual Artist

Anne McFarland Visual Artist

Art Among Friends Multi-Disciplinary Art Event

Arts and Cultural Roundtable of Elliot Lake-ARIEL Art Group

Arts and Culture Open House and Trade Show Multi-Disciplinary Art Event

Audrey Austin Author

Barbara Braunholer Visual Artist, Instructor

Beverley Shiels Visual Artist

Cécile Sénéchal Visual Artist

Centennial Arena Live Music Venue

Children's Banners Public Art

Christine Scott Visual Artist

Community Band Musician/Band

Community Craft Fair Multi-Disciplinary Art Event

Creative Connections 3 Multi-Disciplinary Art Event

Dani Lynn Redgrift Visual Artist

Dawn of a New Time by Conrad Bobiwash Public Art

Downtown Lower Shopping Plaza Live Music Venue

Elliot Lake Amateur Theatre Ensemble (ELATE) Performing Artist

Elliot Lake Arts Club Art Group

Elliot Lake Arts on the Trail Visual Art Event

Elliot Lake Entertainment Series Multi-Disciplinary Art Event

Elliot Lake Farmers Market Craft Venue

Elliot Lake Founding Fathers Mural Public Art

Elliot Lake Model Railroad Club Craft Group

Elliot Lake Qualified Music Teachers' Association Instruction

Elliot Lake Quilt Guild Craft Group

Elliot Lake Rainbow Square Dancers Club Performing Artist

Elliot Lake Secondary School Concert Band Musician/Band

Elliot Lake Secondary School Drama Productions Performing Artist

Elliot Lake Woodcarvers Club Craft Group

Finn Originals Art Studio

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Fireside Classic Grill Public Art

Galina Aleshko Visual Artist

Gallery at the Centre Gallery

Gerry Marengere Art Supplier

Gloria Hansen Author, Musician/Band

Grace Christian Centre Live Music Venue, Theater

Gwendlyn Goulet Visual Artist

Ian Janssen Author

Jacqueline (Jacque) Grummett Visual Artist

Java-Jolt Café Literary Event, Live Music Venue, Public

Art

Jeffrey Chi Visual Artist

Jewels of Harmony Musician/Band

John Price Visual Artist, Instructor

Julia Chmilnitsky Visual Artist

Karen Bollert Visual Artist

Karen Singleton Visual Artist

Kate Robbeson Visual Artist

Kathleen Burke Author, Visual Artist, Instructor

Kathleen Parr Visual Artist

Kim Arnold Visual Artist

Kristine Walker Visual Artist

Larks in the Park Performing Art Event

Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre Public Art

Lidia Silverstrova Visual Artist

Linda Duke Author, Visual Artist

Linda Finn Visual Artist, Instructor

Lise Portlelance Visual Artist

Mark Robinson Musician/Band

Men of Song Musician/Band

Mt. Dufour Ski Area Live Music Venue

Mural at George Vanier School Public Art

Murray Finn Performing Artist, Visual Artist

Noah's Ark Bookstore Bookstore

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North Channel Music Store Music Store

North Shore Radio Control Modellers Craft Group

Paul Kazulak Visual Artist

Performing Arts Festival of the North Shore Multi-Disciplinary Art Event

Quilters Plus Craft Group

Rebirth by Steven Hearns Public Art

Regie's On The Hill Public Art

Rio Algom Atom Public Art

Rockhaven's Exceptional Puppeteers Group Art Group

Ruby Watercolours by Rae Visual Artist

Ruth Huebert Visual Artist, Instructor

Sarah Cregan Visual Artist

Sarah Ruest Visual Artist

Sculpture located at Elliot Lake Secondary School Public Art

Sharon Cousineau Visual Artist, Instructor

Sights and Sounds Music Store

Spirit by Francine Noiseau Public Art

Stage Door Players Performing Artist

Studio 28 Art Studio

Studio Dance Arts Instruction

Suite Music Instruction

Summer Fair Arts Group Art Group

Susan Krupp a.k.a. Susan Ruby K Visual Artist

TGIF Café Live Music Venue

The Bluegrass Society Musician/Band

The CIBC Room at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre Art Studio

The City Hall Public Art

The Denison Doors Public Art

The Elliot Lake Writers Art Group, Instruction

The Elliot Lake Writers' Discussion Group Art Group

The Garden of the North by Sharon Cousineau Public Art

The General Arts Room at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre Art Studio, Instruction

The Monte Carlo Room at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre Art Studio

The Pottery Room at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre Art Studio, Instruction

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The Theatre at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre Theater

The Weaving Room at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre Art Studio, Instruction

Ukulele Jam Instruction, Musician/Band

Untitled Piece #1 at the ELNOS Telecommunications Centre Public Art

Untitled Piece #2 at the ELNOS Telecommunications Centre Public Art

Uranium Heritage Festival Performing Art Event

W. H. Collins Centre Live Music Venue, Theater

Westview Park and Trans Canada Trail Pavilion Live Music Venue

What is the North to Me Public Art

Wildlife Sculptures Public Art

Winterfest Multi-Disciplinary Art Event

Woodland Printers and Custom Picture Framing Gallery, Public Art, Art Supplier

Youth Art Programme Instruction

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Food and Beverage Food and Beverage is defined as experiences with food, wines, and beverages. This includes restaurants,

local food producers (i.e. bakeries), and food and drink festivals. In total there were 30 Food and

Beverage Assets identified.

Map

Map 4: Food and Beverage City Scale Map

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Asset Breakdown

Figure 6: Food and Beverage Asset Breakdown

Overview

There are 30 different food and beverage assets located in the region. The majority of these are Fast

Food venues and sit-down restaurants offering a range of cuisine including soups, sandwiches, salads,

entrees and desserts. There were no opportunities for wine tastings and very little opportunity to

sample and experience local cuisine (jams, pies, etc.)


Currently there is no dinner theater offered. Previously dinner theater was offered at a location in the

former mall.

Local restaurants and lodges do an admirable job of showing community history through their wall

displays etc. This should be supported and made accessible through the City of Elliot Lake Archives.

Understandably there is a number of fast food venues in Elliot Lake. These restaurants are likely going to

remain in the community. While these organizations are typically very similar across geographic

locations, the City may wish to consider approaching some of these organizations to include local art

displays in their restaurants, sponsoring events, or contributing to a local community feel.

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Despite the consultants being made aware of a multi-cultural society existing in the past that offered

ethnic food at community events, there is currently little opportunity to obtain ethnic foods in the City

of Elliot Lake.

The consultants were made aware of a local farmer’s market that is currently developing. This

farmers’ market should be supported by the City and would be an excellent venue to feature local

foods, artistic wares and other items. In general, farmers’ markets are growing in popularity and

offer excellent tourism opportunities.

While three local food artisans were identified in the ELCADB, it is likely that a lot of people are

producing their own preserves, hot sauces, etc. The production of these local goods should be

explored and developed. (All food sales should be conducted in accordance with Health Canada and

any other provincial/local guidelines and regulations).

There does not appear to be any food or harvest festivals. Given the low agricultural production of

the region, the City may want to consider other harvest festivals and incorporating them into local

celebrations. For example, fish fry’s, maple syrup or jam production, or blueberry festivals.

Asset Listing

Asset Name Asset Sub-Category

Au Salle de Rendez-Vous Local Food Artisan

Bankside Café Bar and Billiards Bar/Nightclub

Chicken Coope Restaurant

Club des aînés l’Etoile d’or Local Food Artisan

Country Style Bistro Coffee Shop

Dairy Queen Fast Food

Dunlop Lake Lodge Lodging, Restaurant

Elliot Lake Farmers Market Farmers Market, Local Food Artisan

Elliot Lake Meats and Deli Restaurant

Fireside Classic Grill Bar/Nightclub

Gem's Variety and Restaurant Restaurant

Hampton Holiday Inn Lodging

Hollywood Fish and Chips Restaurant

Jane's Tea Garden Coffee Shop

Java-Jolt Café Coffee Shop

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Fast Food

Laurentian Lodge Lodging, Restaurant

Maple Restaurant Restaurant

McDonald's Restaurant Fast Food

Mum's Place Restaurant

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Asset Name Asset Sub-Category

New Orleans Pizza Fast Food

Pam's Bed and Breakfast Lodging

Putter's Restaurant Restaurant

Regie's On The Hill Restaurant

Subway Fast Food

TGIF Café Coffee Shop

The Red Rose B&B Lodging

Tim Hortons Coffee Shop, Fast Food

Topper's Pizza Fast Food

Wilderness Lake Lodge Lodging, Restaurant

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Natural History Natural History is defined as experiences that reveal the relationship between the natural environment

and human settlement and development. This includes Geological Sites of Importance, Sanctuary and

Conservation areas and Nature Groups. In total 25 Natural History Assets were identified.

Map

Map 5: Natural History City Scale Map

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Asset Breakdown

Figure 7: Natural History Asset Breakdown

Overview

Elliot Lake lives up to its moniker as “Jewel of the Wilderness,” boasting a considerable number of

Natural History resources. It is presumed that only a fraction of these assets were identified as part of

this research. The amount of Natural History assets should be significantly more than what is presented

in this report but unfortunately there is very little literature available. For example, while there are five

conservation areas in the region (in addition to a provincial park and bird sanctuary) there is no

information about why these areas have been designated conservation areas. Similarly, Elliot Lake lies at

the heart of many important geological formation but there are no interpretive materials available to

why this region is so significant.


There are no interpretive nature tours offered in the region. Local field naturalist clubs should work with

local tourism officials to develop and promote tours during community festivals and at other times to

encourage residents and tourists to explore the region’s rich natural history.

Little is known or published about the Our Colleagues Conservation Reserve or the Rawhide Lake

Conservation reserve. These are obviously important Natural History areas that could warrant

promotion.

There are several interpretive trails that have fallen into disrepair. The signage is inconsistent and routes

are not clearly marked. Through trail planning much Natural History interpretation could be undertaken.

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The consultants could not find any interpretation of geological formations in the community. If

developed, this can be promoted as an interpretive product. Additionally there is no geology society,

although there seems to be quite a bit of interest in the subject.

The consultants were unable to identify all of the recreational parks that are within the boundaries of

the City of Elliot Lake. These should be added to the inventory by working with City staff.

Asset Listing


Archambeau Lake Forest Conservation Reserve Sanctuary/Conservation Area

Ceolin Falls Scenic Landscape or Vista

Chiblow Anticline Geological Site of Importance

Elliot Lake Horticultural Society Nature Group

Elliot Lake Nuclear and Mining Museum Natural History Museum

Fall Festival Natural History Festival

Fire Tower Lookout and Heritage Centre Scenic Landscape or Vista

Flack Lake Fault Geological Site of Importance

Friends of Algoma East Nature Group

Glenn N. Crombrie Conservation Reserve Sanctuary/Conservation Area

Gowganda Formation Geological Site of Importance

Mississagi Provincial Park Parks

Murray Fault System Geological Site of Importance

Our Colleagues Conservation Reserve Sanctuary/Conservation Area

Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Nature Group

Quirke Lake Syncline Geological Site of Importance

Rawhide Lake Conservation Area Sanctuary/Conservation Area

Sheriff Creek Trails Interpretive Nature Trail

Sheriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary Sanctuary/Conservation Area

South Bay Park Parks

Spine Road Waterfront Parks

Spruce Avenue Waterfront Parks

Thunder Mountain Scenic Landscape or Vista

Walking Trail at Elliot Lake Trailhead Interpretation Centre Interpretive Nature Trail

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Outdoor Recreation Outdoor Recreation is defined as events, festivals, and routes that provide opportunity to participate in

recreation activities. This includes Hiking Trails, ATV Trails, Canoe Routes, and other outdoor

recreational opportunities. In total 60 Outdoor Recreation Assets were identified.

Map

Map 6: Outdoor Recreation City Scale Map

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Asset Breakdown

Figure 8: Outdoor recreation Asset Breakdown

Overview

Elliot Lake offers an enormous number of outdoor recreational activities, including Hiking Trails, Canoe

Routes and other travel routes. There are multiple Outdoor Recreation Clubs, such as the Elliot Lake ATV

Club, and the Algoma Paddlers. Not represented are the many private or individual outdoor

recreational opportunities that could be pursued in the regional parks and waterways including boating,

camping, fishing, etc.

Representatives of select Outdoor Recreation Clubs and participants at the community presentation

repeatedly brought forward the issue that many trails and canoe routes identified in the Elliot Lake

region are no longer maintained and in their opinion impassable. Therefore, the number of Canoe

Routes and Hiking Trails identified is, in a sense, inflated. The representatives present stated that in their

opinion only three canoe routes, and eight hiking trails were passable/maintained.

It should be noted that a significant amount of time went into identifying the GIS coordinates for the

trails. This material was not available to the consultants in any useable format and many of the trails had

to be digitized by Hatfield Consultants. As part of this project we are delivering an accurate GIS dataset.

Any future additions to this dataset should be completed by a trained GIS technician and the City should

retain all rights and ownership over this information.


All and all, Outdoor Recreation activities seem to be thriving, and literature and resources are available

for people within and outside the community to participate in these activities.

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Many of the Hiking Trails identified in the research are in close proximity to the City. It is expected

that a large number of non-official trails exist in other parts of the region that were not mapped.

Given the unknown nature of the Canoe Routes and Hiking Trails, the City should work with local

Outdoor and Recreation groups to identify which assets should be prioritized for maintenance.

Additionally programs should be developed to support Hiking and Canoe routes, as currently it

appears that the Elliot Lake ATV Club and the Elliot Lake Snowbirds Snowmobile Club are primarily

responsible for the maintenance of these trails.

Asset Listing


Algoma Paddlers Outdoor Recreation Club

Aubinadong River (East Branch) Route Canoe Route

Beaver Meadow Trail Hiking Trail

Beaver Mountain Trail Hiking Trail

Biscotasting-Aubrey Falls Route Canoe Route

Boardwalk Run ATV Trail

Boland River Route Canoe Route

Boreal Forest Run ATV Trail

Calidale Riding School Recreation Facility

Camp Thompson Campsite

Centennial Arena Recreation Facility

Cobre Lake Trail Hiking Trail

Deer Trail Route Snowmobile Trail

Deer Trail Touring Route Driving Route

Dunlop Lake-Mace Lake Canoe Route Canoe Route

Elliot Lake ATV Club Outdoor Recreation Club

Elliot Lake- Depot Lake Canoe Route Canoe Route

Elliot Lake Ice Fishing Derby Outdoor Event or Festival

Elliot Lake Motorcycle Rally Vehicle Event

Elliot Lake Rod and Gun Club Outdoor Recreation Club

Elliot Lake Sharp Shooters Outdoor Recreation Club

Elliot Lake Snowbirds Snowmobile Club Outdoor Recreation Club

Fire Tower Lookout/ Lungbuster Trail Hiking Trail

Flack Lake Nature Trail Hiking Trail

Flack Lake-Ten Mile Lake Canoe Route Canoe Route

Frontier Lodge Campsite

Helenbar Trail Hiking Trail

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Horne Lake Loop and Island Boardwalk Trail Hiking Trail

Jackrabbit Trails Cross-Country Ski Trail

Jimchrist Trail Hiking Trail

Little White River Route Canoe Route

May Lake Loop ATV Trail

McKenzie Trail Hiking Trail

Mississagi River Route Canoe Route

Mount Dufour Trail Hiking Trail

Mt. Dufour Ski Area Recreation Facility

NAPA Autoparts North Shore Challenge Vehicle Event

North Shore Cruisers Outdoor Recreation Club

North Shore Loop Snowmobile Trail

Porridge Lake Trail Hiking Trail

Portage Run ATV Trail

Quirke Lake-Whiskey Lake Canoe Route Canoe Route

Red Briffet Memorial Trail Hiking Trail

Ruben Yli-Juuti Centre Recreation Facility

Secret Hydro Loop Snowmobile Trail

Semiwite Creek Trail Hiking Trail

Semiwite Lake Trail Hiking Trail

Semiwite Lake-Helenbar Lake Canoe Route Canoe Route

Sheriff Creek Trails Hiking Trail

South Bay Park Campsite

Spine Road Trails Cross-Country Ski Trail

Stone Ridge Golf Course Recreation Facility

Tamarack Bog Trail Hiking Trail

The Original Dunlop Lake Lodge Campsite

Trans-Canada Trail Hiking Trail

Upland Forest Trail Hiking Trail

Voyageur Trail Association-The Coureurs des Bois Club Outdoor Recreation Club

Westview Nature Trail Hiking Trail

Westview Trailer Park (aka Simpson Trailer Park) Campsite

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Story Maps Story Maps bring together text and media to present interactive maps. A Story Map is an effective way

to showcase information about a specific area or location, and can be used for educational and tourism

purposes. Story Maps are

also a user friendly web

application that can be

inputted into any basic

webpage.

For the Elliot Lake Cultural

Mapping project four Story

Maps were created on

different themes relevant

to the community,

including Industrial

Heritage and

Commemorations, Public

Art, Entertainment

Opportunities, and Dining and Food Opportunities.

Textual and photographic material pertaining to specific assets were collected by the consultants, along

with the geographical coordinates for each asset. This information was reviewed, edited, and inputted

into a customized Story Map template designed by Hatfield Consultants. This template features a large

image of each asset with a detailed caption below, and the geographical location of the asset displayed

on the right. An image strip of each asset acts as a navigation tool on the bottom of the screen, allowing

users to scroll through the different assets. Users can also select an asset by locating it on the map.

Suggested areas for future use of this product for the City of Elliot Lake include a Story Map for events

that involve multiple locations, such as an Arts on the Trail event, and Story Maps for interpretive nature

trails.

COEL’s Story Maps

Industrial Heritage and Commemorations

http://elliotlake.hatfieldgroup.com/industrialcommemorations/

Public Art Walking Tour

http://elliotlake.hatfieldgroup.com/publicart/

Entertainment Opportunities

http://elliotlake.hatfieldgroup.com/musictheater/

Dining and Food Opportunities

http://elliotlake.hatfieldgroup.com/diningfood/

Note: these internet addresses will change when the Story Map is migrated to City of Elliot Lake’s

website infrastructure.

Image 6: Industrial Commemorations Story Map. Credit: Know History (2013)

http://elliotlake.hatfieldgroup.com/industrialcommemorations/

http://elliotlake.hatfieldgroup.com/publicart/

http://elliotlake.hatfieldgroup.com/musictheater/

http://elliotlake.hatfieldgroup.com/diningfood/

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Appendix 1: Cultural Assets and Data Field definitions

Primary Data Fields

Field Description

ID An automated number assigned to each asset.

Official Name The name of the organization, person, event, building and/or place, depending on the type of entry.

Description A brief account of the resource (see creating descriptions for template).

Cultural Asset Category An indication of which Cultural Asset Category this specific asset falls into. Fixed data includes:

Human Heritage

Industrial Heritage

Arts

Food and Beverage

Natural History

Outdoor Recreation

Human Heritage Experiences that reveal the tangible and intangible legacy of human settlement and development. See tables below for lookup values.

Industrial Heritage Experiences that reveal the legacy of human settlement and development specific to agriculture and industry. See tables below for lookup values.

Arts Experiences of the performing, visual, literary, and media arts. See tables below for lookup values.

Food and Beverage Experiences of foods, wines and beverages including their history and production. See tables below for lookup values.

Natural History Experiences that reveal the relationship between the natural environment and human settlement and development. See tables below for lookup values.

Outdoor Recreation Events, festivals and routes that provide an opportunity to participate in recreational activities. See tables below for lookup values.

Notes Notes on the asset including background history, details not found in the description, etc.

Date Established A date that the asset was founded, discovered, or began operations (if applicable.)

Street Address Street Number, Name and/or Direction of the asset.

PO Box PO Box number of the asset (if applicable).

Postal Code Postal Code of the asset.

Website Website associated with the asset.

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Email Email associated with the asset

Contact Person Name The person that is in charge of or who manages the asset.

Contact Person Title The official title of the person responsible for the asset.

Contact Person Contact Information

Contact information including mailing address, phone number, email, fax and any other information for the person responsible for the asset.

Record Creation Date Date that the asset record was entered into the database.

Asset Photo Image of the asset.

Active or Historic Indication as to whether the asset is active or historic.

Data Entry Person Name (or initials) of the person who created the asset record.

Information Credit Information as to where information on the asset was gathered.

Researcher Notes Notes about any information needed for the data entry to be complete.

Data Entry Complete Yes/No.

Follow Up Required Indication as to whether follow-up is required.

Not to be included in static map

Indication as to whether the asset is to be included in any kind of static map.

Follow up Comments Any follow up comments concerning the asset.

Full Size Photo Link to a photo of the asset.

Photo Thumb Link to a photo of the asset.

Latitude The latitude of the asset.

Longitude The longitude of the asset.

Photo Need Indication of whether a photo of the asset is required.

Arts

Art Group A group of artists that practices and creates art together.

ARIEL · Elliot Lake Arts Club

Art Studio A place in which an artist works and creates art.

Finn Originals · Studio 28

Art Supplier An individual or business who supplies or supports artists through services or products.

Gerry Marengere · Woodland Printers and Custom Picture Framing

Author A writer of a book, story, article, or report.

Poet · Fiction Writer · Children’s Writer

Bookstore A place that purchases and sells books.

Noah’s Ark Bookstore

Craft Group A group of craftspeople that practice and create craft art together.

Elliot Lake Quilt Guild · Elliot Lake Woodcarvers Club

Craft Venue A place that displays crafts for viewing and purchasing.

Elliot Lake Farmers Market

Gallery A place that displays art for viewing and purchasing.

Gallery at the Centre

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Human Heritage

Instruction A facility or group that offers instruction.

Music · Art · Dance

Instructor

An individual who offers lessons on a particular subject or skill.

Music · Art · Dance

Literary Event An event or festival held to celebrate and showcase literary art.

Reading · Book Signing · Writer’s Festival · Writer’s Workshop

Live Music Venue A place in which music is performed for a public audience.

Downtown Lower Shopping Plaza · Centennial Arena

Multi-Disciplinary Art Event

An event or festival held to showcase and celebrate art.

Art Among Friends · Elliot Lake Entertainment Series · Creative Connections 3

Music Store A business and store in which musical instruments and accessories are sold.

North Channel Music Store · Sights and Sounds

Musician/Band A person or group that plays musical instruments together, usually for an audience.

The Bluegrass Society · Men of Song

Performing Art Event An event held to showcase performing art, including musical performances.

Larks in the Park

Performing Artist An artist or group who perform art, including dance or dramatic, for an audience.

Elliot Lake Amateur Theatre Ensemble (ELATE) · Stage Door Players

Public Art Art that is temporarily or permanently located in a public space. Also includes venues that showcase public art.

Rio Algom Atom · Elliot Lake Founding Fathers Mural · Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre

Theater A building or location that presents and showcases performing art to the public.

Theatre at Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre

Visual Art Event An event or festival held to celebrate and showcase visual art.

Elliot Lake Arts on the Trail

Visual Artist An artist that creates art that is visual in nature.

Painter · Photographer · Craftsperson ·Weaver

Aboriginal Heritage A group of people or a location that are connected to the legacy of aboriginal settlement and development.

Serpent River First Nation · Sylvah Island

Archaeological sites A place where physical evidence of past human activities are found.

Rooster Rock Pictograph · Depot Lake

Architecture The style of a building or structure W.H. Collins Centre · St. Joseph’s

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Industrial Heritage

that reflects a time, culture, or place. Hospital

Archives Collections of historical documents or records pertaining to a culture, time or place.

Parioisse-Ste-Marie Roman Catholic Church · The City Hall

Botanical/Decorative Gardens

Gardens featuring plants and flowers for public viewing.

White Mountain Botanical Garden

Heritage Events and Festivals

An event or festival held to commemorate a historic moment, era, or culture.

Franco-Ontario Day

Historic Associations A group of people dedicated to preserving, promoting and celebrating history. May also include a location with historic significance.

Rene Fabris Commemorative Plaque · Club des aînés l’Etoile d’or

Human Heritage Museums Sites that portray the tangible and intangible legacy and experiences of human settlement and development.

Elliot Lake Nuclear and Mining Museum

Libraries Places that have extensive collections of books, films, music, and articles for public use.

Elliot Lake Public Library

Place of Worship A place where people gather in religious prayer or worship.

Church · Mosque · Synagogue

Statues/Monuments/ Plaques

Objects that commemorate a person, place, or event.

Engineering Plaque · Veterans Memorial

Streetscapes

Industrial

Commemorations

A celebration or physical commemoration in remembrance of a specific industry or events relating to industrial heritage.

Mining Monument and Miners’ Memorial Park · Uranium Heritage Festival

Industrial Historic Site A place associated with industrial history or where an important industrial event has been commemorated.

Lancor Mine Site · Flack Lake Forestry Lookout Tower

Industrial Museums Places that present and interpret the physical remains of the history of technology and industry.


Industrial Tours A guided or self-guided tour of a place associated with industry.

Tour of Decommissioned Mine Sites

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Natural History

Food and Beverage

Geological Site of

Importance

A site or location that possesses a significant geological formation.

Murray Fault System · Gowganda Formation

Interpretive Nature Trail A self-guided walk designed to showcase specific aspects of a natural environment.

Walking Trail at Elliot Lake Trailhead Interpretation Centre

Natural History Festival A festival held to commemorate a natural environment and its human settlement and development.

Fall Festival

Natural History Museum A place where natural history is preserved and portrayed.


Natural History Tour A guided or self-guided tour of a natural environment that feature human settlement and development.

Nature Group A group of individuals dedicated to the preservation and promotion of nature and the environment.

Elliot Lake Horticultural Society · Friends of Algoma East

Parks A large public area used for recreation.

Mississagi Provincial Park · South Bay Park

Sanctuary/Conservation

Area

A natural environment or area that is protected under law from development.

Sheriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary

Scenic Landscapes or Vista Places that showcases an atheistically pleasing natural environment.

Our Colleagues Conservation Reserve

Bakery A small business that produces and sells baked goods to customers.

Bar / Nightclub A business that traditionally serves alcoholic beverages and some food to customers.

Bankside Café Bar and Billiards

Coffee Shop A small business that serves coffee and light refreshments to customers.

Jane’s Tea Garden

Farmers Market Markets traditionally held outdoors in public spaces where local farmers can sell their produce.

Elliot Lake Farmers Market

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Outdoor Recreation

Fast Food A quick service restaurant with no table service.

McDonald’s · Tim Hortons

Local Food Artisan A small business owner that produces gourmet or specialty foods.

Club des aînés l’Etoile d’or

Lodging Accommodation available for rental, such as a hotel, bed and breakfast, or motel.

Laurentian Lodge · Hampton Holiday Inn

Restaurant A business that operates by serving food to customers. Meals are generally served and eaten on the premise and table service is provided.

Putter’s Restaurant · Regie’s On The Hill

ATV Trail A trail specifically designed for use by ATVs.

Boardwalk Run · May Lake Loop

Campsite A location currently used for camping.

South Bay Park

Canoe Route A water route specifically designed or designated for canoes.

Little White River · McKenzie Trail

Cross-Country Ski Trail A trail specifically designed for use by

cross country skiers.

Deer Trail · Spine Road Trails

Cycling Trail A trail specifically designed for use by cyclists.

Driving Route A route designed or designated for vehicles.

Deer Trail Route

Hiking Trail A trail specifically designated or

designed for hikers.

Horne Lake and Beaver Mountain Trail

Outdoor Recreation Event

or Festival

An event that often centers on an

outdoor recreation group or

recreational activity.

Winterfest · Elliot Lake Ice Fishing Derby

Outdoor Recreation Club Am organization characterised by a

particular interest in a recreational

activity.

Algoma Paddlers · Elliot Lake ATV Club

Recreation Facility A place that is used for recreational

purposes.

Mt. Dufour Ski Area · Stone Ridge Golf Course

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Appendix 2: Survey

Snowmobile Trail A trail specifically designed for use by

snowmobilers.

North Shore Loop

Vehicle Event An event that centers on the

exhibition of vehicles.

NAPA Autoparts North Shore Challenge

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58

59

Appendix 3: Sources Consulted

Online sources consulted included:

Artsonthetrail.com Laurentianlodge.com

Algomaeastmasons.ca Lees-place.foodpages.ca

Algomapaddlers.blogspot.ca Linkedin.com

Arielgroup.ca Lucidia.com

Artsamongfriends.ca Manta.com

Bluegrassmusicjams.com Maps.google.com

Brookmcilroy.com Menupix.org

Campinginontario.ca Mountdufour.com

Campingontario.ca Neworleanspizza.org

Canada-travel.ca Noaa.ca

Canuckdogs.com Northernliteracy.ca

Cbc.ca Northshore-rc.org

Cityofelliotlake.com Oma.on.ca

Cira.ca Ontaricycling.org

Clubrunner.ca Ontario.ca

Commuterlit.com Ontariofamilyfishing.com

Countrystyle.com Ontarioparks.ca

Coureursdeboiselliotlake.blogspot.ca Ontarioplaques.com

Cropacrosscanada.com Ontariotrails.on.ca

Dairyqueen.ca Opencharity.ca

Dunloplakelodge.com Pedalmag.com

Easternstar.on.ca Phfn.wetpaint.com

eEclubhouse.org/sites/elliotlake.ca Profilecanada.ca

Elliotlake.com Quiltguilds.com/ontario.htm

Elliotlakechamber.com Rainbowsquaredancers.com

Elliotlakedragway.ca Redhatsociety.com

Elliotlakelibrary.com

Elliotlakemall.info Salvationarmy.ca

Elliot-lake-meats-deli.foodpages.ca Scouts.ca

Elliotlakeskatingclub.com Serpentrivercampground.com

Elliotlakesnowbirdssnowmobileclub.com Ssvp.on.ca

Elliotlakestandard.ca Studiodancearts.com

Firesideclassic.om Subway.ca

Foodinc.ca Sudburyminingsolutions.com

Forlocations.ca Tgif-cafe.mpresence.net

Galleryatthecentre.com Theartmap.com

Gardenontario.org Timhortons.ca

Gem-variety.foodpages.ca Toppers.ca

Girlguides.ca Tourismelliotlake.com

Golfstoneridge.com Tripadvisor.ca

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Grouptravelplanner.net uwaterloo.ca

Visitamuseum.org

Janesgardenflowersgifts.com Voyageurtrail.ca

Jewelsofharmony.com Weblocal.ca

Kfc.ca Writecreatively.blogspot.ca

Yellowpages.ca Yelp.ca

Print sources consulted included:

The Standard Phone Book

Discover Us! 2012

Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Brochure

Chutes and Mississagi Information Guide 2012

The Sheriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary Brochure

Dining in Elliot Lake Printout

Elliot Lake Ontario Nuclear and Mining Museum Brochure

Dunlop Lake Lodge Brochure

Mississagi Ontario Park Brochure

Elliot Lake ATV Club Inc. Brochure

Laurentian Lodge Brochure

Chutes Ontario Park Brochure

Festival and Events in Ontario Booklet

Discover Elliot Lake Booklet

Greater Sudbury 2013 Official Visitor Guide Booklet

Voyageur Hiking Trail Brochure

Elliot lake Horticultural Society Pamphlet

Elliot Lake Arts Club Brochure

Jewels of Harmony Chorus Brochure

Quilters Plus Brochure

E.L.A.T.E. Amateur Theatre Brochure

Deer Trail Touring Route Brochure

Algoma 2012 Four Season Travel Guide

Boreal Harvest Art and Farm Tours Brochure

Rio Algom Limited and Denison Mines Inc. Community Report March 2012

Stone Ridge Golf Course Brochure

Mt. Dufour Ski Area Brochure

Elliot Lake Community Map Brochure

Elliot Lake Welcome Brochure

Documents

COEL - Final Report Cultural Mapping