MIDLAND HERITAGE COMMITTEE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 ... Documents/plan... · TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 MIDLAND COUNCIL CHAMBERS - 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. DECLARATIONS OF

MIDLAND HERITAGE COMMITTEE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

MIDLAND COUNCIL CHAMBERS - 7:00 p.m.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

3. REPORTS A) Review of Report of the meeting held on Tuesday, June 16, 2015. 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A Heritage Committee Workplan – Separate meeting date to be scheduled. 5. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION A) William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery **Review of Final Report from ARA (attached) B) Museum Town Plaque for Dollartown C) Heritage Calendars 6. FOR INFORMATION A) June 12, 2015 correspondence from Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and Parks Canada re: Midland Point Front and Rear Range Lighthouses 7. OTHER BUSINESS 8. ADJOURNMENT Next meeting: October 15, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers

THE TOWN OF MIDLAND HERITAGE COMMITTEE

575 Dominion Avenue Midland, ON L4R 1R2

Phone: 705-526-4275 ext 2215 Fax: 705-526-9971

[email protected] www.midland.ca

Report of the Midland Heritage Committee Meeting held Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Midland Council Chambers.

Present: Sue McKenzie, Chair Lorelei Blane-Smith, Member

Mary Templeton, Member Cathy Smith, Member Rene Hackstetter, Member

Alicia Scarth, Member Stephen Whittington, Member

Ute Schmid-Jones, Member

Staff Present: Wes Crown, Director of Planning and Building Services Sherri Edgar, Executive Assistant Leah Quin, Planning Summer Student Regrets: Jack Wilford, Member Deputy Mayor Mike Ross, Member

1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. The Chair read the introductory remarks respecting safety matters and respectful communication policies. The Chair introduced David Blane-Smith from Falkirk, Scotland and welcomed him to the Committee meeting. 2. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST There were none declared. 3. DEPUTATIONS

A) William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery

Present: Kayla Jonas-Galvin and Andrea Carswell Kayla Jonas-Galvin of Archaeological Research Associates Ltd. provided an update to Committee regarding the results of the Open House held earlier that day from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Surveys regarding Conservation, fencing and landscape options were given to those in attendance as well as Committee members. There were 12 attendees and 10 of the 12voted. Andrea Carswell provided a summary of the three Conservation options and asked that Committee voted on the options. A Consensus is required to provide direction to Consultants. Committee discussed the three options. Consensus was option 2 consisting

Midland Heritage Committee Page 2 June 16, 2015

of repairing, mending and infilling which will also include a maintenance program. A Draft report will be forthcoming and Committee will meet to review the Draft Report. The Chair thanked Kayla and Andrea for their presentation B) Guest Speaker: David Blane-Smith (Falkirk Scotland) Present: David Blane Smith from Falkirk Scotland Bill Smith, former Heritage Committee member David Blane-Smith addressed Committee and advised that he has been living in Falkirk, Scotland (population 150,000) since 1988 and researched Robert Dollar for a magazine article. He provided a history of the life of Philanthropist Robert Dollar that included his many travels, shipping businesses and family life. Mr. Dollar passed away in 1932 and his legacy has been well documented in various Countries. David Blane-Smith also advised that he will be speaking with representatives of Falkirk, in order to present the idea of Twinning with the Town of Midland. Bill Smith provided a power point of various pictures of Robert Dollar he has collected including pictures of his home in Bracebridge. The Chair thanked Mr. Blane Smith for providing a very interesting and informative presentation to the Committee.

4. REVIEW OF REPORT OF THE MEETING HELD ON MAY 12, 2015 The Report of Tuesday, May 12, 2015 meeting was reviewed and amended. On a Motion by Member Hackstetter and Seconded by Member Scarth That the Report of Tuesday, May 12, 2015 be approved as amended.

CARRIED. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A) Heritage Committee Workplan

Committee had discussion and concurred that the meeting will be scheduled in the Fall. B) Plaque Presentation – St. Margaret’s Church Plaque has been prepared by Riverside Brass and a plaque presentation will be scheduled. Once a date is chosen, Committee will be advised. The Chair will work with Staff to contact the Church and arrange a date. 6. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION A) Calendar Sub-Committee – verbal update L. Quin noted that the Committee has met and provided an update regarding the Status. The Calendar will be highlighting the murals located in the Town. A power point presentation

Midland Heritage Committee Page 3 June 16, 2015

was provided of a Draft of the Calendar with photos. Sponsorship letters have been sent out and there are 2 confirmed sponsors to-date. Member Hackstetter advised that he had permission from Hudson Leavens to use photos he had taken of the murals and will provide the photos to Staff. Sub-Committee will meet again to review the Draft. 7. HERITAGE INVENTORY AND REGISTRY

A) History of Ownership - 342 King Street and 367 Hugel Avenue

Committee reviewed a copy of the Title Search for each property which shows the chain of ownership. Staff will further investigate the properties and prepare a Report to Committee at a later date.

8. FOR INFORMATION

A) May 27, 2015 correspondence to The Monarchist League of Canada re: September 9, 2015 Celebration of Queen’s Reign – Noted and Filed.

9. OTHER BUSINESS A) Committee summer Schedule

Committee concurred that there will be no regular meetings scheduled for July and August and if a meeting is required to review the ARA draft report regarding the William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery it will be at the Call of the Chair.

B) Member Ute-Schmid Jones advised that she will be submitting her resignation as she

is moving to the Stoney Creek area. The Chair thanked Ms. Schmid-Jones for her time and contribution to the Heritage Committee and wished her all the best in her future endeavours.

10. ADJOURNMENT On a Motion by Member Templeton the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. ____________________________ ____________________________

Sue McKenzie, Chair Sherri Edgar, Recording Secretary

Heritage Restoration and Promotion Plan

William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery

Lot 101, Concession 1

Tiny Township, Old Survey

Now

The Town of Midland

Simcoe County, Ontario

Prepared for

Town of Midland

Planning and Building Services

575 Dominion Avenue

Midland, ON L4R 1R2

By

Archaeological Research Associates Ltd.

154 Otonabee Drive

Kitchener, ON N2C 1L6

Tel: (519) 804-2291 Fax: (519) 286-0493

&

Seferian Design Group

761 Brant Street, Suite 202

Burlington, ON L7R 2H7

Tel: (905) 634-3110

Project# HR-067-2015

02/09/2015

Original Report

Funding Provided By:

Heritage Restoration and Promotion Plan, William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery, Town of Midland _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

September 2015 Archaeological Research Associates Ltd.

HR-067-2015

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 PROJECT CONTEXT 1

1.1 Cemetery Location 1

1.2 Vision 5

1.3 Cultural Heritage Value or Interest 6

1.4 Previous Work 7

1.4.1 Archaeology 7

1.4.2 Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) 7

2.0 METHODS 7

2.1 Key Concepts 7

2.2 Protecting Heritage Resources in Ontario 9

2.3 Conservation Principles 10

2.4 Approach 12

2.4.1 Historical Research 12

2.4.2 Field Survey 12

2.4.3 Consultation 13

2.5 Town of Midland’s Official Plan 13

2.6 Limitations 17

2.7 Conclusion 17

3.0 HISTORICAL CONTEXT 18

3.1 Pioneer Cemetery Development 18

3.2 Penetanguishene Road Connection 19

3.3 William Wilson Biography 23

3.4 William Wilson Land Use 24

3.5 William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery 25

3.6 Recommendations for More Research 28

4.0 CONDITION ASSESSMENT 28

4.1 Environment 28

4.2 Vegetation 29

4.3 pH Levels 30

4.4 Current Conditions: Limestone Gravestone 31

4.5 Current Conditions: Marble Gravestone 32

4.7 Access to the Site 33

4.8 Future Considerations 33

5.0 RESTORATION 34

5.1 Immediate Recommended Stabilization Measures 34

5.1.1 Limestone Gravestone 34



HR-067-2015

ii

5.1.2 Marble Gravestone 34

5.2 Feedback on Long-Term Conservation 35

5.3 Restoration of the Extant Limestone Gravestone and Stone Base 35

5.4 Preservation of the Marble Gravestone Fragments 36

6.0 ARCHAEOLOGY 36

7.0 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT 37

7.1 Opportunities and Constraints 37

7.2 Management Goals and Objectives 38

7.2.1 Understory Cleanup 38

7.2.2 Woodlot Edge Planting 39

7.2.3 Hazard Tree Monitoring and Tree Removals 39

7.2.4 Native Species Introduction 40

8.0 PLANTINGS 40

9.0 FENCING 41

10.0 MAINTENANCE 45

10.1 Limestone Gravestone, Marble Gravestone and Stone Socket Base 45

10.2 Woodlot Monitoring 46

11.0 ADDITIONAL CEMETERY FEATURES 46

11.1 Commemoration 47

11.2 Entrance Signage 47

11.3 Benches 47

12.0 PROMOTION 51

12.1 Analysis of Needs and Opportunities 51

12.2 Interpretive Plaques 52

12.3 Brochure 54

12.4 Website 54

12.5 Event Participation 55

12.6 Lesson Plan 55

13.0 IMPLEMENTATION 55

13.1 Resources for Implementation 55

13.1.1 Volunteer Participation 55

13.1.2 Partnerships 56

13.2 Concept Plan 56

13.3 Implementation Schedule 58

14.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 60

15.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY 61



HR-067-2015

iii

LIST OF IMAGES

Image 1: William Wilson 23

Image 2: Transcription of the Wood Family Headstone 26

Image 3: View of Gravestone at William Wilson Cemetery 27

Image 4: Midland Temperature Averages from 1981–2010 29

Image 5: Midland Precipitation Averages from 1981–2010 29

Image 6: Gravestone Location 30

Image 7: Limestone Gravestone 31

Image 8: Marble Gravestone Fragments 32

Image 9: Stone Base with Socket 33

Image 10: Excerpt from the Town of Midland Official Plan 34

Image 11: An example of a fallen tree 38

Image 12: Sugar Maple tree with damaged branches 40

Image 13: Example of Split Rail Fencing 43

Image 14: Example of Split Rail Fencing 43

Image 15: Example of Wrought Iron Fencing 44

Image 16: Example of Wrought Iron Fencing 44

Image 17: Example of Wrought Iron and Plantings 45

Image 18: Stone Obelisk, Woodlawn Cemetery, City of Guelph 48

Image 19: Commemorative Plaque, Woodlawn Cemetery, City of Guelph 48

Image 20: Sign at Bronte Cemetery, Town of Oakville 49

Image 21: Sign at Old Durham Road Pioneer Cemetery, Grey County 49

Image 22: Stone Bench, Woodlawn Cemetery, City of Guelph 50

Image 23: Wood Bench 50

Image 24: Example Interpretative Plaque at Bronte Pioneer Cemetery, Oakville 54

Image 25: Concept Plan for the William Wilson Cemetery 57

Image 26: Melancthon United, Gravel Road and Presbyterian Mono College Cemetery 79

Image 27: Before and After Restoration 80

Image 28: Gravestone Replica 81



HR-067-2015

iv

LIST OF MAPS

Map 1: The Project Location in the Province of Ontario 2

Map 2: The Project Location in the Town of Midland 3

Map 3: Detailed Location of William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery 4

Map 4: Hogg’s Map of the County of Simcoe (1871), Showing the Study Area 21

Map 5: Detail from H. Belden’s “Simcoe Supplement” from the Illustrated Atlas of the

Dominion of Canada. (1881), Showing the Study Area 22

Map 6: GPR Survey – Depth Slice 37–110 cm 72

Map 7: GPR Survey – Interpretation 72

Map 8: GPR Survey – Interpretation 73

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: pH Readings 30

Table 2: Results of Feedback on Fencing from Public Open House 42

Table 3: Results of Feedback on Fencing from Municipal Heritage Committee 42

Table 4: Feedback Results on Communication Methods for Target Groups 51

Table 5: Interpretive Plaque Concepts 53

Table 6: Implementation Timeline and Resources 58

Table 7: Analysis of Option 1 79



LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A: Designation By-law 65

Appendix B: GPR Results 72

Appendix C: Notice of Public Open House 74

Appendix D: Immediate Preservation Measures 75

Appendix E: Personnel Suitable for Common Repair Work 77

Appendix F: Temporary Burying of Stone Fragments 78

Appendix G: Conservation Options 79

Appendix H: Selecting and Employing a Conservator In Canada 82

Appendix I: CVs of Key Team Members 85



HR-067-2015

v

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS

ARA – Archaeological Research Associates Ltd.

BHR – Built Heritage Resource

CAC – Canadian Association for Conservation

CAPA – Canadian Association of Professional Conservators

CHL – Cultural Heritage Landscape

CHVI – Cultural Heritage Value or Interest

CWS – Canadian Wildlife Service

MBCA – Migratory Birds Convention Act

MBR – Migratory Bird Regulations

MHC – Municipal Heritage Committee

MTCS – Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

OHA – Ontario Heritage Act

OHT – Ontario Heritage Trust

O. Reg. – Ontario Regulation

PPS – Provincial Policy Statement

PERSONNEL

Project Director: P.J. Racher, M.A. (#P007), CAHP

Project Managers: K. Jonas Galvin, B.E.S., CAHP and A. Carswell B.A, D.CCM

Landscape Architect: Brad Smith, OALA, CSLA, ASLA

Conservator: A. Carswell

Photography: A. Carswell and K. Jonas Galvin

Cartographer: K. Brightwell, P.G. (GIS)

Technical Writers: J. McDermid, B.A., C. Gohm, B.A. (#R187)



HR-067-2015

1

1.0 PROJECT CONTEXT

Archaeological Research Associates Ltd. (ARA) and Seferian Design Group (SDG) were

retained by the Town of Midland to carry out a Cemetery Restoration and Promotion Plan for the

William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery. The purpose of the project is to create a high-level, long-term

vision for the cemetery.

The project includes both an investigation into the physical restoration of the site and a

management plan framework for its future maintenance, along with a Promotion Plan to increase

awareness of one of Huronia’s first European cemeteries and its ties to local military history.

Some recommendations can be undertaken with current knowledge and resources, whereas the

implementation of other recommendations will require additional resources.

The project was guided by the Midland Municipal Heritage Committee (MHC) comprised of the

following individuals:

Sue McKenzie – Chair

Jack Wilford

Alicia Scarth

Lorelei Blane-Smith

Rene Hackstetter

Stephen Whittington

Stephen Marks

Cathy Smith

Mary Templeton

Deputy Mayor Mike Ross

The project was also graciously funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, without whose

assistance the story of the William Wilson Cemetery and its true importance to the history of the

area would not have been told.

ARA, SDG and the Midland MHC would also like to provide a special acknowledge of the

efforts and encouragement of Marg Thomson in collecting her history of the Cemetery and

tirelessly promoting the restoration and celebration of this important historic site.

1.1 Cemetery Location

The cemetery’s municipal address is 17007 Highway 12. It was designated by the Town of

Midland 2009 under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act for its cultural heritage value and

interest (By-law 2009-85).

The cemetery is registered, listed as Site #03905 under licence # 4699320 – The Corporation of

the Town of Midland (formerly under Tiny Township). According to the Registrar of the Funeral,

Burial and Cremation Services Act (2002) it is considered an “inactive” site.



HR-067-2015

2

The cemetery is situated on Part of Lot 101, Concession 1, Tiny Township, Old Survey, now in

the Town of Midland (described as Part 2, Reference Plan 51R-20847; PIN 584630026). It is

located west of an unopened section of Penetanguishene Road, north of Highway 12 and east of

County Road 93 (see Map 1–Map 3). The property consists of an approximately one acre parcel,

conveyed to the Town of Midland in 2010 by the Diocese of Toronto, Anglican Church of

Canada.

The cemetery property currently includes a woodlot along its north and east extents, an open

field, 24 possible graves and one extant gravestone. Currently, the only access to the property is

from the former Penetanguishene Road, now used as a snowmobile trail.

Map 1: The Project Location in the Province of Ontario

(NRC 2002)



HR-067-2015

3

Map 2: The Project Location in the Town of Midland

(Produced by ARA under licence using ArcGIS® software by Esri, © Esri 2015)



HR-067-2015

4

Map 3: Detailed Location of William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery

(Provided by Town of Midland 2015)



HR-067-2015

5

1.2 Vision

As a first step in guiding the preparation of this report, a group-distilled vision was created. The

kick-off Meeting was held at Town Hall on May 12, 2015 at 5 pm. The exercises and discussions

were led by Kayla Jonas Galvin. Eleven participants were in attendance representing key

stakeholders, including: members of the Municipal Heritage Committee (MHC), town staff and

invited guests.

The meeting began with a brainstorming session. Next, the participants were asked to list

relevant adjectives for the cemetery as they imagine it in ten years. The following is a list of

adjectives meant to guide and inform the plan:

Accessible/Inviting

Preserved/Protected

Distinct

Peaceful/Serene/Quiet/Tranquil

Reflective

Respectful/Honouring/Appreciated/Cherished

Educational/Stories/Informative (descriptive of history and significance)

Sacred/Hallowed

Link/Connection/Well-known/Recognized/Well-signed

Reclaimed

Natural space

The next topic of discussion was centred on the intended message. The question put forth was

about who the participants thought would be the target audience for a restored William Wilson

Cemetery and what message they wanted the cemetery to convey. The consensus was that the

target audience might comprise all age groups and interests. This includes: residents interested in

heritage, students participating in school field trips, tourists interested in heritage (those touring

old Penetanguishene Road and/or interested in military history), anyone happening across the

site (such as passers-by on the snowmobile/hiking trail), family historians, genealogical

researchers, and film crews/story tellers.

The participants at the kick-off meeting agreed that they want visitors to come away from a visit

to the cemetery feeling connected to the past. The interpretive materials should convey that the

land and settlement of the area has a long, interesting past. Engaging stories of specific pioneers

and their families will help visitors understand that pioneer lives mattered and still matter today.

This connection with local lore and oral history can be carried on through each visitor as they re-

tell the stories of the William Wilson Cemetery pioneers. The cemetery should create awareness

that there is hidden heritage everywhere. The cemetery will keep heritage relevant by

maintaining stories of Midland’s past at the forefront of the community’s consciousness. Linking

the William Wilson Cemetery as an extension of the Discovery Harbour site will help attract

more visitors.

After the above brainstorming activities, the participants were asked to draft a Vision Statement.

The following statement is an inclusive summary of the groups’ ideas:



HR-067-2015

6

The designated William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery is a

respectfully accessible connection to the past within a

tranquil, natural space which honours the pioneers of the

area and their stories; inspiring community members and

visitors alike to share these stories with others.

1.3 Cultural Heritage Value or Interest

The William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery has been recognized as a significant cultural heritage

resource in the Town of Midland. The reasons for designation and heritage attributes can be

found in Appendix A. The heritage attributes are as follows:

To ensure that the cultural heritage value of this property is conserved, certain

heritage attributes that contribute to its value have been identified specifically

and they include:

Design/Physical Value:

Representative example of a “pioneer” cemetery

All tombstones, grave markers and tombstone fragments, graves and

gravesites

Historical/Associative Value:

Spiritual value as the burial site of an indeterminate number of mid-19th

century and early 20th century persons

Associative value reflecting the history of the Penetanguishene Road

Association with the area’s early residents

Contextual Value:

All landscaping elements including elevation, trees and shrubs

Rural character of the site

Archaeological potential including all burials and the site of William

Wilson’s homestead

Landscape reflects the relationship between people and place, forming part of the setting to our

everyday lives. It is a product of the interaction of the natural and cultural components of our

environment, and how they are understood and experienced by people. The William Wilson

Pioneer Cemetery has a strong landscape character. Using the Ministry of Culture’s definitions of

landscapes, it can be considered an evolved landscape and is currently a relic landscape – the

evolutionary process has come to an end (MCL 2006b). The cemetery landscape may become a

continuing landscape (ongoing evolution) with restoration and use by the community.



HR-067-2015

7

1.4 Previous Work

1.4.1 Archaeology

A 36 acre property east of Penetanguishene Road and north of Highway 12 was subject to a

Stage 1 and 2 archaeological assessment by ARA in 1996-1997. The assessment excluded the

William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery, a 1 acre parcel of land in the northeast corner of the subject

property (ARA 1999b:3).

The archaeological assessment was carried out in advance of the development of a golf driving

range, miniature golf course and associated clubhouse. In April 1997, the assessment utilized

both pedestrian and test pit survey methods, as appropriate. The study identified no

archaeological sites. It was recommended the golf course construction may proceed based on the

1996 development plan as no archaeological or heritage resources would be affected. It should be

noted that ARA also recommended that if lands adjacent to the cemetery are to be developed in

the future, that a Stage 3 assessment should be completed (ARA 1999b:4).

1.4.2 Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

In the interest of promoting the mandate of heritage preservation under authority of the Ontario

Heritage Act, Midland MHC retained Global GPR Services to conduct a geophysical survey to

map the spatial positions of possible burial sites on the property. With a Historical and Cultural

Grant through the County of Simcoe, a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey of a 62 x 62 m

area defined by the Town of Midland was conducted at a 1 m interval June 25–26, 2012. Data

could not be collected in areas of heavy undergrowth, precluding an exhaustive study (see

Appendix B). The area was surveyed to a depth of 2.5 m. Numerous high reflectivity anomalies

were defined that could infer the presence of interments, and one long and shallow (0.75 m deep)

corridor of higher reflectivity traversing the southwestern third of the test area, indicating a pipe.

Global GPR Services analysed the findings and concluded there are at least 24 burials. The

burials were between 1.5 m to 2.2 m to the bottom of the burial (GGPR 2012).

2.0 METHODS

2.1 Key Concepts

The following concepts require clear definition in advance of the methodological overview;

proper understanding is fundamental for any discussion pertaining to cultural heritage resources:

Cultural Heritage Value or Interest (CHVI), also referred to as Heritage Value, is

identified if a property meets one of the criteria outlined in O. Reg. 9/06 and 10/06

namely historic or associate value, design or physical value and/or contextual value.

Built Heritage Resource (BHR) can be defined as: “a building, structure, monument,

installation or any manufactured remnant that contributes to a property’s cultural heritage

value or interest as identified by a community, including an Aboriginal community. Built

heritage resources are generally located on property that has been designated under Parts



HR-067-2015

8

IV or V of the Ontario Heritage Act, or included on local, provincial and/or federal

registers” (MMAH 2014:40).

Cultural Heritage Landscape (CHL) is defined in the Provincial Policy Statement

(PPS) as: “a defined geographical area that may have been modified by human activity

and is identified as having cultural heritage value or interest by a community, including

an Aboriginal community. The area may involve features such as structures, spaces,

archaeological sites or natural elements that are valued together for their interrelationship,

meaning or association. Examples may include, but are not limited to, heritage

conservation districts designated under the Ontario Heritage Act; villages, parks,

gardens, battlefields, mainstreets and neighbourhoods, cemeteries, trailways, viewsheds,

natural areas and industrial complexes of heritage significance; and areas recognized by

federal or international designation authorities (e.g., a National Historic Site or District

designation, or a UNESCO World Heritage Site)” (MMAH 2014:40).

Heritage Attributes are defined in the Ontario Heritage Act as: “the principal features or

elements that contribute to a protected heritage property’s cultural heritage value or

interest, and may include the property’s built or manufactured elements, as well as natural

landforms, vegetation, water features, and its visual setting (including significant views

or vistas to or from a protected heritage property means, in relation to real property, and

to the buildings and structures on the real property, the attributes of the property,

buildings and structures that contribute to their cultural heritage value or interest”

(Government of Ontario 2009).

Conservation is “all actions or processes that are aimed at safeguarding the character-

defining elements of an historic place so as to retain its heritage value and extend its

physical life. This may involve Preservation, Rehabilitation, Restoration, or a

combination of these actions or processes” (Parks Canada 2010:16).

Preservation means “the action or process of protecting, maintaining, and/or stabilizing

the existing materials, form, and integrity of an historic place, or of an individual

component, while protecting its heritage value.” (Parks Canada 2010:16).

Rehabilitation is outlined as “the action or process of making possible a continuing or

compatible contemporary use of an historic place, or an individual component, while

protecting its heritage value” (Parks Canada 2010:16).

Restoration “involves accurately revealing, recovering or representing the state of an

historic place or individual component as it appeared at a particular period in its history,

while protecting its heritage value” (Parks Canada 2010:16).

Stabilizing means “stabilizing deteriorated miscellaneous materials by structural

reinforcement and weather protection, or correcting unsafe conditions, as required, until

repair work is undertaken” (Parks Canada 2010:248).



HR-067-2015

9

Preventative Conservation is "All actions taken to mitigate deterioration and damage to

cultural property. This is achieved through the formulation and implementation of

policies and procedures in areas such as lighting, environmental conditions, air quality,

integrated pest management; handling, packing and transport, exhibition, storage,

maintenance, use, security, fire protection, and emergency preparedness and response”

(CAC and CAPC 2009:14).

Risk Levels within the scope of the project, the deterioration forms were classified low

risk, medium risk, and high risk to reflect the likelihood of future deterioration:

o High risk: Probable deterioration in the immediate future (next two years), if

stabilization measures are not followed.

o Moderate Risk: Probable deterioration in the next three to five years, if

stabilization measures are not followed.

o Low Risk: Deterioration is unlikely in the next 5 to 10 years, if stabilization

measures are not followed.

pH is a "Measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution” (Selwyn 2004:203).

2.2 Protecting Heritage Resources in Ontario

BHRs and CHLs are broadly referred to as cultural heritage resources. The types of protection

and recognition applied in Ontario can apply to both BHRs and CHLs.

Protected properties are those protected by Part IV (individual properties) or Part V (Heritage

Conservation District) designation under the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA). Once designated, a

property cannot be altered or demolished without the permission of the local council. A cultural

heritage resource may also be protected through a municipal or Ontario Heritage Trust (OHT)

easement. Many heritage committees and historical societies provide plaques for local places of

interest. Under Section 27 of the OHA, a municipality must also keep a Municipal Heritage

Register. A Register lists designated properties as well as other properties of cultural heritage

value or interest in the municipality. Properties on this list that are not formally designated are

commonly referred to as “listed”. Listed properties are flagged for planning purposes and are

afforded a 60 day delay in demolition if a demolition request is received.

In order to objectively identify cultural heritage resources, O. Reg. 9/06 made under the OHA

sets out three principal criteria with nine sub-criteria for determining CHVI (MCL 2006a:20–27).

The criteria set out in the regulation were developed to identify and evaluate properties for

designation under the OHA. These criteria include: design or physical value, historical or

associative value and contextual value.

Design or Physical Value manifests when a feature:

is a rare, unique, representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or

construction method;

when it displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic value; or

when it displays a high degree of technical or scientific achievement.



HR-067-2015

10

Historical or Associative Value appears when a resource has:

direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution

that is significant to the community;

yields or has the potential to yield information that contributes to the understanding of a

community or culture; or

demonstrates or reflects work or ideas of an architect, builder, artist, designer or theorist

who is significant to the community.

Contextual Value is implied when a feature:

is important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area;

is physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings; or

is a landmark.

If a potential cultural heritage resource (BHR or CHL) is found to meet any one of these criteria,

it can then be considered an identified resource. The William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery has been

recognized as a resource with cultural heritage value or interest through By-law 2009-85.

Each heritage resource must then be examined to determine the list of heritage attributes.

Heritage attributes are the physical elements of a property that must be conserved to maintain the

CHVI. The Restoration and Promotion Plan focuses on the conservation of the identified heritage

attributes of the William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery in its designation By-law.

2.3 Conservation Principles

Before interventions for historic material can be determined, the condition of the material must

be documented in what is known as a Condition Assessment. This documentation process often

begins with a visual assessment. When applied to a cemetery setting, the process includes: 1) a

site survey; 2) recording material type, historical data and photography; 3) performing a

condition survey which includes the recording of deterioration, determining and understanding

failure mechanisms; and 4) establishing site and marker significance (Anson-Cartwright

2003:22).

Following a Condition Assessment, the amount and type of intervention to historic sites and

materials can be determined. The interventions must take into account the best practices of the

conservation community.

Parks Canada’s Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada

lists ten “General Standards for Preservation, Rehabilitation and Restoration”:

1) Conserve the heritage value of an historic place. Do not remove, replace or substantially

alter its intact or repairable character defining elements. Do not move a part of an historic

place if its current location is a character-defining element.

2) Conserve changes to an historic place that, over time, have become character-defining

elements in their own right.



HR-067-2015

11

3) Conserve heritage value by adopting an approach calling for minimal intervention.

4) Recognize each historic place as a physical record of its time, place and use. Do not

create a false sense of historical development by adding elements from other historic

places or other properties, or by combining features of the same property that never

coexisted.

5) Find a use for an historic place that requires minimal or no change to its character-

defining elements.

6) Protect and, if necessary, stabilize an historic place until any subsequent intervention is

undertaken.

7) Protect and preserve archaeological resources in place. Where there is potential for

disturbing archaeological resources, take mitigation measures to limit damage and loss of

information.

8) Evaluate the existing condition of character-defining elements to determine the

appropriate intervention needed. Use the gentlest means possible for any intervention.

Respect heritage value when undertaking an intervention.

9) Maintain character-defining elements on an ongoing basis. Repair character-defining

elements by reinforcing their materials using recognized conservation methods. Replace

in kind any extensively deteriorated or missing parts of character-defining elements,

where there are surviving prototypes.

10) Make any intervention needed to preserve character-defining elements physically and

visually compatible with the historic place and identifiable on close inspection.

Document any intervention for future reference.

Two additional standards are noted for Restoration:

1) Repair rather than replace character-defining elements from the restoration period. Where

character-defining elements are too severely deteriorated to repair and where sufficient

physical evidence exists, replace them with new elements that match the forms, materials

and detailing of sound versions of the same elements.

2) Replace missing features from the restoration period with new features whose forms,

materials and detailing are based on sufficient physical, documentary and/or oral

evidence.

The Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property (CAC) and Canadian

Association of Professional Conservators’ (CAPC) document Code of Ethics and Guidance for

Practice parallels the standards laid out in the Parks Canada Standards and Guidelines. The

Code of Ethics document outlines "the fundamental role of the conservation professional...to

preserve and to restore, as appropriate, cultural property for present and future generations..."

(CAC and CAPC 2009:1).

The Ministry of Culture’s Eight Guiding Principles in the Conservation of Built Heritage

Properties (2007) also echoes these standards. They include: 1) respect for documentary

evidence; 2) respect for original location; 3) respect for historic material; 4) respect for original

fabric; 5) respect for the building’s history; 6) reversibility; 7) legibility; and 8) maintenance.

The goal of this Restoration Plan is to preserve the site's heritage attributes in a manner that is

consistent with the principles outlined in the standards and industry best practices listed above.



HR-067-2015

12

Well-Preserved: The Ontario Heritage Foundation’s Manual of Principles and Practice for

Architectural Conservation by Mark Fram advocates: “conservation work should proceed in a

logical order that deals with serious deterioration, structural weakness, and other high-priority

items before less urgent repairs or finish work” (1998:50). As such, the Restoration Plan outlines

recommended stabilization measures based on standard practice and ethical guidelines and have

been given approximate time-frames for completion.

Fram also notes that the “building and sites should be inspected regularly, at half-yearly and

yearly intervals for some items and features, at longer intervals for others. Such inspections

should be part and parcel of maintenance programs for those places” (1998:68). This report

considers similar actions for on-going maintenance of the cemetery.

2.4 Approach

A combination of background research, consultation with the local community and field survey

is essential to effectively record, assess the condition and present recommendations for the

conservation of properties with CHVI in a meaningful and objective format.

2.4.1 Historical Research

Background information was obtained from historical maps (e.g., illustrated atlases), archival

sources (e.g., historical publications and records), published secondary sources (online and

print), information provided by the Town of Midland, information from Discovery Harbour and

materials gathered by Marg Thomson. In addition, previous research completed by ARA

included a Stage 1 and 2 archaeological assessment, as well as a historical research document

about the cemetery. Conducting additional primary research was beyond the scope of this

project.

2.4.2 Field Survey

A field survey was conducted on May 12, 2015. The survey involved taking photographs of the

site and grave markers, as well as completing a Condition Assessment of the extant grave

marker. The report includes documentation of the materials, dimensions, description and history

of the marker, noted deterioration, environmental surroundings, as well as pH readings. This

preliminary examination follows professional standards and practices that are supported by

Conservation Science: Heritage Materials by E. May and M. Jones and Landscape of Memories:

A Guide for Conserving Historic Cemeteries by T. Anson-Cartwright.

The project’s Landscape Architect conducted a vegetation inventory by visually surveying the

trees and vegetation on site. Leaf samples were collected and cross referenced with plant-based

literature and a certified arborist (full member of the International Society of Arboriculture). The

diameters of mature vegetation were measured using a caliper to obtain their d.b.h. (diameter at

breast height).



HR-067-2015

13

2.4.3 Consultation

The key to determining and preserving community value of cultural heritage resources is

consultation with the local community. At project commencement, ARA consulted with the Town

of Midland to obtain all existing documentation relating to the William Wilson Pioneer

Cemetery.

A meeting was held with the Town of Midland Municipal Heritage Committee on May 12, 2015.

Eleven participants including committee members were present, as well as an invited

stakeholder. At this meeting the group was led through a facilitated exercise to develop their

collective vision for the cemetery as well as provide initial feedback on: the vegetation plan,

fencing, restoration options, and access to the site.

A crucial part of the project is engaging the public as key stakeholders. A Public Open House

was held June 16, 2015 from 3–6 pm at Town Hall. Notice of the event was provided by the

Town to neighbours, placed on the Town’s website and advertised in the local newspaper. A copy

of the notice can be found in Appendix C.

Attendees were invited to provide feedback on three project components: 1) Conservation

Options (vote for one of Options 1–3); 2) Fencing Options (vote for one of Options 1–6); and

Promotion Plan (provide feedback on communication methods). Twelve people attended the

Public Open House and provided feedback through two surveys.

A MHC meeting was held on June 16, 2015 following the Public Open House. The committee

members were asked to complete the same surveys as the public; the results of each round of

input were tallied and presented to the group. A discussion was held on each of components to

finalize the direction provided to the consultant team.

The results of these consultations inform the content of this document.

2.5 Town of Midland’s Official Plan

The Town of Midland’s Official Plan (2014), Section 5.0 provides policies for the protection of

cultural heritage properties and archaeological resources, the role of the MHC and tools for

conservation. Specifically, they outline:

5.1.1 The maintenance of the Municipality’s cultural heritage will contribute

to the Town’s character by balancing the impact of new development and

redevelopment with the integrity of existing heritage resources. It is the

intent of the Plan that the Town’s cultural heritage resources be

conserved and preserved wherever possible and that development should

occur in a manner, which respects the Town’s heritage. The cultural

heritage resources of the Town include: archaeological sites of historic

and prehistoric origins, buildings and structural remains of historical

and architectural value, rural and urban areas that are of historic and

scenic interest, and cultural heritage landscapes. The objectives of this

policy are the following:



HR-067-2015

14

5.1.1.1 To discourage the demolition, destruction or inappropriate alteration or

use of cultural heritage resources;

5.1.1.2 To encourage development, which is adjacent to significant cultural

heritage resources to be of an appropriate scale and character;

5.1.1.3 To consult and seek the advice of the Midland Heritage Committee

(LACAC) when making decisions regarding cultural heritage;

5.1.1.4 To encourage and foster public awareness, participation and involvement

in the preservation, improvement and utilization of cultural heritage

resources;

5.1.1.5 To support the creation of a heritage resource information base, resulting

in comprehensive heritage site inventories and heritage master plans.

The role of the Municipal Heritage Committee is described as follows:

5.2.1 A Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee

(LACAC/Midland Heritage Committee) may be established to advise and

assist Council in matters related to cultural heritage conservation,

including matters related to Parts IV and V of the Ontario Heritage Act

or successor legislation. The Heritage Committee or any other committee

may prepare, publish and monitor an inventory of cultural heritage

resources, undertake public awareness programs, advise and assist

Council to implement the provisions of this section, and participate in

duties specified in Schedule ‘A’ of By-law 89- 42, as amended, or its

successors. In particular the Committee shall:

5.2.1.1 Be prepared to consider and advise on the conservation of cultural

heritage resources throughout the Town;

5.2.1.2 Adhere to the Ontario Heritage Act or any successor legislation as well

as guidelines and procedures which may be established by the Ministry

of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation or other appropriate guidelines;

5.2.1.3 Be prepared to act in a review and advisory capacity during the

development planning process to assist in the accomplishment of the

heritage conservation goals and objectives outlined in this plan;

5.2.1.4 Advise Council on measures to enhance public appreciation of cultural

heritage features including studies, surveys or other methods to

formulate;

5.2.1.5 To implement plans and programs that promote public awareness and

conservation of cultural heritage resources.



HR-067-2015

15

With regard to heritage designation, the Official Plan states:

5.2.2.1 Pursuant to the Ontario Heritage Act, and in consultation with the

Midland Heritage Committee, Council may, by by-law: a) Designate

properties to be of historic and/or architectural value or interest. b)

Define the Town, or any area or areas within the Town as an area to be

examined for designation as a Heritage Conservation District. c)

Designate the Town, or any area or areas within the Town, as a Heritage

Conservation District.

5.2.2.2 The identification of the Town’s cultural heritage resources will comprise

an important component of the preservation process. Council may direct

and cause to be prepared and published, an inventory of identified

significant resources including buildings, structures, monuments or

artifacts of historical and/or prehistoric value or interest and areas of

unique, rare or effective urban composition, streetscape, landscape or

archaeological value or interest. The listed resources will be described,

documented and evaluated according to an established heritage resource

evaluation criterion formulated by the Midland Heritage Committee and

adopted by Council.

5.2.2.3 To assist in the preparation of the inventory and the future identification of

other cultural heritage resources, Council may encourage both the public

and private sectors to undertake analysis and/or surveys to identify sites

of archaeological and historic significance.

With specific reference to archaeological resources:

5.2.2.4 Council recognizes that there may be archaeological remnants of

prehistoric and early historic habitation as well as archaeological

potential areas within the Town. Council may require an archaeological

survey, impact assessment, preservation or rescue excavation of

significant archaeological Town of Midland Official Plan resources and

areas having archaeological potential which might be affected in any

(CM#3) development, in co-operation with the Ministry of Citizenship,

Culture and Recreation or the appropriate government agency;

5.2.2.5 All archaeological impact assessments and impact mitigation reports are

to be undertaken by archaeologists licensed under the Ontario Heritage

Act, in compliance with guidelines set out by the Ministry of Citizenship,

Culture and Recreation or the appropriate government agency having

jurisdiction;

5.2.2.6 Council may adopt by-laws for prohibiting any land use activities on a

site, which is a significant archaeological resource. In addition, there is

the potential for co-operation with the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture



HR-067-2015

16

and Recreation or the appropriate government agency in conserving and

designating resources of archaeological value pursuant to Part VI of the

Ontario Heritage Act or any successor legislation.

Other conservation tools are described as:

5.2.2.7 When heritage properties, features and districts are affected by

development proposals, Council may require a heritage impact

statement;

5.2.2.8 Council may support the preparation of a Heritage Master Plan, which is

undertaken by heritage consultants including individuals licensed under

the Ontario Heritage Act or any successor legislation. The Heritage

Master Plan will identify and map cultural heritage resources including

known provincially registered archaeological sites including Ste. Marie

Among the Hurons, (CM#11) areas having archaeological potential,

designated and listed heritage buildings including the Martyrs’ Shrine

(CM#11), features, landscapes or districts. A Heritage Master Plan will

also outline policies, programs and strategies to conserve significant

cultural heritage resources;

5.2.2.9 Council may employ relevant legislation to encourage the preservation

and enhancement of cultural heritage resources, which may include the

Heritage Act, the Planning Act, the Municipal Act, the Environmental

Assessment Act, and the Aggregate Resources Act;

5.2.2.10 It is the intent of this Plan to encourage the restoration or rehabilitation

of identified heritage resources. Accordingly, Council may use available

Government and non-government funding programs and may pass by-

laws providing for the making of grants or loans where such alteration

will serve to protect or enhance the heritage resource. Financial

assistance may occur through a Heritage Trust Fund and/or public and

private donations;

5.2.2.11 Council may investigate and initiate methods to provide incentives.

Incentives may include increased density provisions, Site Plan Control

provisions and/or relief from parking requirements;

5.2.2.12 In the heritage designation of property under Parts IV and V of the

Ontario Heritage Act, the Midland Heritage Committee and Council will

ensure that landowners are informed about all aspects of heritage

conservation measures, which may affect the subject property or

buildings;

5.2.2.13 To give effect to these policies, Council may institute a procedure for

demolition review and may consider heritage easement agreements;



HR-067-2015

17

5.2.2.14 In regard to major public works and any designated heritage properties

under municipal control, Council will have regard to these heritage

policies

2.6 Limitations

The information and recommendations in this Restoration and Promotion Plan reflect our best

judgement based on observed conditions. We cannot guarantee that all condition problems have

been encountered during preparation of the report, or that unreported conditions will not develop

after the report has been submitted.

Implementation of suggested stabilization, tree and vegetation management, as well as

maintenance measures may require the expertise of additional fields, including arborists,

conservators, monument builders, contractors, and licenced archaeologists etc. to ensure

compliance with the relevant legislations.

2.7 Conclusion

In response to the above-mentioned requirements, this Restoration and Promotion Plan was

designed with nine component parts:

1) Project introduction with the reasons for a Restoration and Promotion Plan;

2) Location plan of the property;

3) Synthesis of previously identified heritage value and heritage attributes;

4) Analysis of the existing environment and heritage resource condition based on an on-

site visual inspection;

5) Description of the recommended alternatives with steps necessary for stabilization

and restoration;

6) Tree management and vegetation plan;

7) Fencing suggestions;

8) Outline of possible avenues through which to communicate the value of the cemetery

to community; and

9) Recommendations for a implementing the restoration and promotion of the cemetery.

This approach is supported by the guidelines and policies provided by the following:

Ontario Regulation 9/06 made under the Ontario Heritage Act;

Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada, 2nd Edition

(Parks Canada 2010);

Former Ministry of Culture’s Eight Guiding Principles in the Conservation of Built

Heritage Properties (2007);

Well-Preserved: The Ontario Heritage Foundation’s Manual of Principles and Practice

for Architectural Conservation (Fram 1998);

Landscape of Memories: A Guide for Conserving Historic Cemeteries (Cartwright 2003);

Conservation Science: Heritage Materials (May and Jones 2006)

Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, S.O. 2002, c. 33



HR-067-2015

18

Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists (MTC 2011)

The project was overseen by P.J. Racher, M.A., CAHP, #P007, Project Director and managed by

K. Jonas Galvin, B.E.S, CAHP, Heritage Operations Manager. The Condition Assessment and

stabilization measures were drafted by A. Carswell, B.A Hons, D.CCM, Conservator. Landscape

considerations were drafted by Brad Smith, OALA, CSLA, ASLA. Curriculum Vitae of these

key personnel can be found in Appendix I.

All notes, photographs and records pertaining to this report are currently housed in ARA’s head

office located at 154 Otonabee Drive, Kitchener.

3.0 HISTORICAL CONTEXT

3.1 Pioneer Cemetery Development

The importance of care and conservation of pioneer cemeteries is paramount to maintaining a

link with Ontario’s past. A link through which we may glean information about individuals,

families and communities. Such quiet and reflective cultural heritage landscapes, along with the

monuments and vegetation they harbour, hold stories about life in the past. Each pioneer

cemetery is unique and will tell different tales of past lifeways. Monument inscriptions, forms

and decoration can teach us about local history, medical history, cultural affiliations, religious

affiliations, local traditional stories, genealogy. The placement of the cemetery can tell us about

where there was a need, or where it was convenient for pioneers to lay their loved ones to rest.

“Ontario cemeteries are a tangible link to ordinary individuals as

well as famous people in our past. Many are an irreplaceable part

of the province's cultural heritage. Their cultural heritage

landscape, monuments and vegetation are part of our built

environment, with their own unique history, development, and

growth. Older cemeteries are a tangible link to ordinary

individuals as well as famous people in our past. The inscriptions

on their monuments instruct us about local, medical, and material

history, cultural geography, historical archaeology, folklore,

genealogy, and much more.” (MTCS 2015)

Most pioneer cemeteries in Ontario share some characteristics. Pioneers tended toward

naturalistic settings meant to attract and comfort the bereft as preferred space for their dead.

Cemeteries often started as family burial plots on private land, mostly as a matter of convenience

and a means by which the living may be close to the loved ones they have lost. Private pioneer

burial grounds were sometimes donated or deeded to churches or communities to be used as

community cemeteries. William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery is one such cemetery that started as a

family burying ground, and was deeded to the Anglican Church. A similar cemetery development



HR-067-2015

19

was practiced in Innisfil where an acre of land was donated by John Pratt to the Church of

England where a church was erected and associated cemetery established in 1851 (Hunter n.d.).

Pioneer cemeteries are typically not designed landscapes, meaning assigned burial plots did not

exist. This haphazard method of burial resulted in a distinct distribution of graves. Instead of the

typical rows of burials found in planned cemeteries, pioneer cemeteries exhibit clustered burials.

From the GPR report, it can be noted that the burials shafts at William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery

are not found in straight rows, but rather in clusters. These might represent family clusters.

Most pioneer cemeteries did not include formal landscaping such as curated vegetation or

designed paths. However, some pioneer-era cemeteries had fencing or a natural wooded

area/agricultural land separation to mark the division between the sacred and profane. A 1930

article in the Evening Telegram intimated that the William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery was

bounded by trilliums, a wild-growing flower indigenous to Ontario that grows in forested areas

and blooms in the spring. The trillium was named the official provincial flower of Ontario in

1937. It is thought a trillium motif is present in the upper corners of the one extant grave marker

at William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery.

The William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery displays many characteristics typical of Pioneer

Cemeteries throughout Ontario. As such, it should be classified as a typical representative

example of an Ontario pioneer cemetery.

3.2 Penetanguishene Road Connection

York (now Toronto) and Penetanguishene were seen as important, strategically located frontiers

positioned on two key waterways: Lake Ontario to the south and Penetanguishene Bay in

Lake Huron to the north. As the founder of York as the capital of Upper Canada in 1792-1793,

Governor John Graves Simcoe recognized the potential for settlement that would connect the

two harbours as ideal places from which to defend Upper Canada (ARA 1999a:4).

In September 1793, Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe made the trek northward to

Lake Huron via Lake Simcoe. He wanted to experience the trek and determine the proximity of

the newly founded capital to Georgian Bay. Impressed by the naturally deep and protected

harbours afforded by the Matchedash and Penetanguishene Bays, Simcoe initiated the

Penetanguishene Purchase (Treaty#5, Upper Canada. In Indian Treaties and Surrenders 1680-

1890. Volume 1, pp. 15-17, Ottawa 1891), which was completed in 1798.

After Penetanguishene was chosen as the location for a British Naval Dockyard, Lieutenant

General Drummond, Commander in Chief of the British forces defending Upper Canada, gave

orders on November 22, 1813 to Commissary General George Crookshank to commence

opening a military road from Kempenfelt on Lake Simcoe to Penetanguishene Bay on

Lake Huron. The 1812 George Wilmot survey was used by the Corp of Canadian Fencibles,

under the direction of Major Cockburn, who were employed as axemen to open the road. The

road was initially opened to facilitate the movement of ship-building supplies to the dockyard

during the War of 1812 (ARA 1999a:5).



HR-067-2015

20

At the same time the Penetanguishene Road was being opened by the Corp of Canadian

Fencibles in the winter of 1813/14, a group of Naval artificers, shipwrights and other support

personnel were dispatched from Kingston bound for Penetanguishene. Their orders were to build

a 44 gun frigate. Around one year later in December 1814, the shipwrights had built docks and

had laid the keel for the new vessel. One of the key shipwrights on the project was

William Wilson, who had arrived that spring in May 1814 (ARA 1999a:5).

The military initially shouldered the responsibility of clearing the road and developing the land

along it. An Order of Council shifted this onus to retired naval and military personal and settlers

who were encouraged to take up lands along the Penetanguishene Road, settle and at their own

expense improve the link between York and Penetanguishene, ultimately relieving the Province

and Britain of the fiscal responsibility of developing Simcoe County (ARA 1999a:6).

William Wilson followed the directive and purchased land on the Penetanguishene Road where

he settled on Lot 101, Concession 1, Tiny Township. Historic atlas maps (see Map 4–Map 5)

show the relationship between Lot 101, Concession 1, Penetanguishene Road and the location of

the pioneer cemetery.



HR-067-2015

21

Map 4: Hogg’s Map of the County of Simcoe (1871), Showing the Study Area

(Hogg 1871)



HR-067-2015

22

Map 5: Detail from H. Belden’s “Simcoe Supplement” from the Illustrated Atlas of the

Dominion of Canada. (1881), Showing the Study Area (McGill University 2001)



HR-067-2015

23

3.3 William Wilson Biography

William Wilson was born in Whitby, Yorkshire England in 1787. He travelled to India by sea

with his older brother who was a captain on a British Naval vessel. His brother died in India of

Yellow Fever (SCPHS 1908:23).

William Wilson was captured by French privateers while attempting to travel back to England.

He was imprisoned for four years in a forced labour camp as part of a chain gang. He was

shackled to Russian prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars. During this time of incarceration, he

developed a distinct dislike for the French, a common sentiment among the British of his day

(ARA 1999a:6).

After his release and return home, William Wilson joined the 100th Foot, a Dublin Regiment, and

was posted to Canada. The 100th Foot had a well accomplished military career in Canada, having

been involved in battles at Sacketts Harbour, Plattsburg, Chippewa, Black-Rock and Fort

Niagara during the War of 1812. By 1813, the regiment, including William Wilson, were

stationed at the Kingston Dockyard. From there, after an arduous journey from Kingston,

Wilson’s party arrived in Penetanguishene spring 1814. Work began on the 44-gun frigate

immediately upon their arrival. By 1817, William Wilson was permanently installed as the first

shipwright of the garrison (SCPHS 1908:23).

Image 1: William Wilson

(Unknown, Provided by the Town of Midland)



HR-067-2015

24

Wilson was involved with much of the initial construction of the naval buildings in and around

the harbour including: the imposing red Naval Storehouse (rebuilt as the King’s Wharf Theatre),

a cedar stockade around the Storehouse, supervision of the installation of a series of docks that

extended into the water for a depth of 30 feet (ARA 1999a:7), and a powder magazine on Beaver

Island–known as Magazine Island today (HHP 2015). He was also responsible for the extensive

repairs and maintenance of the Naval Dockyard at Penetanguishene.

William Wilson left enlisted service at an unknown point in his career, yet remained employed

by the Navy as a civilian until he retired from the Dockyard in 1833. The following year he

received his annual pension from the Admiralty Office in the amount of £20 (ARA 1999a:7).

William Wilson married Henrietta Jeffs on August 13, 1827. Emulating the example set by

Henrietta’s brother two years prior, the couple chose to undertake the journey on foot to York in

order to be married by an Anglican minister, Bishop Strachan, the only minister in the Home

District permitted by law to perform marriage ceremonies. Most engaged couples in the area just

went to the Justice of the Peace in the area to get married (ARA 1999a:7). This journey

underlined the ferocity with which the Wilson and Jeffs families believed in the Church of

England. As a devout Anglican, William became the first sexton of St. James on-the-Lines and

the surrounding graveyard (HHP 2015). He also deeded an acre of his land to the Church of

England (now the William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery).

3.4 William Wilson Land Use

In 1828, one year after William and Henrietta were married, the couple purchased 200 acres on

Lot 101, Concession 1, Tiny Township on the west side of the Penetanguishene Road. The land

was purchased from Henrietta’s brother Edward for £75. There is no definite date for the

construction of the William Wilson Homestead. The couple had two daughters, Ann Elizabeth

Wilson born January 25, 1829 and Hannah Wilson born November 9, 1831. There are no birth

records for the children, which may have helped with determining a date of construction for the

house (ARA 1999a:8). The first home was an adobe house built of mud, straw and sticks. These

types of homes were erected quickly and at little expense.

An interview with a Wilson descendant, Mr. Waverly Smith, is recorded in an article in the

Evening Telegram from 1930. Here, Waverly Smith recounts his memories of his grandfather

William Wilson. The William Wilson 19th century log house homestead located on

Penetanguishene Road was said to have been covered in clapboard from Williams’ own sawpit

and painted bright white. The saw pit was said to have been filled with field stones when it was

abandoned.

“On one side of this road – still in use in sections in others

grass grown and even fenced over is a trillium bordered acre

of oak and maples, under the shade of which are the graves of

some thirty of Waverly Smith’s folk, going back to the zinc

covered tomb of his great-parents. On the other side of the

road a little farther along is a fine mellow old log house with a

wide front door and four lower windows facing the southern



HR-067-2015

25

sun. The pine logs, forty feet long, squared with axe and adze

and dovetailed at the corners are as sound as the day they

were placed at the ‘raising bee’.

This house was built about a century ago by William Wilson,

master carpenter and grandfather of Waverly Smith from his

mother’s side. Master carpenter indeed was William Wilson for

before he hewed his farm out of the Georgian Bay wilderness

and built the old homestead which still stands…”

(Found – Man Who Set Eyes on Figurehead of the “Nancy”, The Evening

Telegram, Toronto, June 12th 1930).

As a man of the church, William Wilson wanted to have a church built on his property. He

deeded an acre of his land to the Anglican Church Society of the Diocese of Toronto, the deed

reads (HHP 2015):

“Upon trust the Diocese is to hold the same forever hereafter

for the use of a church of the United Church of England and

Ireland to be erected upon the said parcel or tract of

land…and for a burial ground in connection with the said

church and for no other use or purpose whatsoever”.

3.5 William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery

The cemetery is the final resting place of Henrietta (Hannah) Wilson, who died February 1, 1855.

William Wilson buried his wife in a corner of the property next to what was supposed to be the

site of the church. Settlers who died while making the arduous journey along the

Penetanguishene Road, as well as Wilson family members are buried here including William

Wilson himself. Local oral tradition conveys that William was buried in a lead-lined coffin

beneath a grove of four oak trees. Another account, a Telegram article of 1930 suggested it was a

“zinc-covered tomb” (Newberry, Light and Hillier 1989).

A church was never built on the Wilson land, eventually the land became overgrown and

seemingly forgotten. The homestead and cemetery were extant until 1930s when the underbrush

overtook the built landscape (HHP 2015).

The Anglican Church made restoration plans for the William Wilson Cemetery in the 1980s

(Newberry et. al. 1989). By 2009 it was clear the church would not be able to follow through

with the plans so the Anglican Church acquiesced ownership of the Wilson property to the Town

of Midland (HHP 2015). Today, the cemetery is located near the intersection of Highways 12 and

93.

William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery is a representative example of a “pioneer cemetery” (Town of

Midland 2009). One broken grave marker remains, along with a hand-cut stone socket base and

marble gravestone fragments, all currently laid out on the ground surrounded by a lumber barrier

within. The extant gravestone belongs to Esther Wood, wife of Richard, and their two children,



HR-067-2015

26

Emery E. and Charles A (see Image 2-Image 3). The family is said to have died of mushroom

poisoning after having prepared a meal using mushrooms from the roadside. According to the

designation, the stone was crafted by H.C. Summers of Newmarket in 1866 (Town of Midland

2009:2).

The engraving is transcribed in Image 2 as was presented in the designation by-law. There is an

engraved epitaph at the bottom of the gravestone that is difficult to read:

"...IGHT SPIRITS FROM THIS WORLD...;...BODIES...WITH THE DEAD;...AND...PARENT

DEAR; TWO BABE'S LIE BURIED HERE; H.G.SUMMERS NEWMARKET"

Image 2: Transcription of the Wood Family Headstone

(The Corporation of the Town of Midland 2009:5)



HR-067-2015

27

Image 3: View of Gravestone at William Wilson Cemetery

(Provided by the Town of Midland)

As is the case with many cemetery investigations, church and historical records are incomplete

or lost, making it difficult to determine the number of souls interred. Archival records indicate

approximately 24 individual burials:

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jeffs Sr. – parents of William’s wife, Henrietta Wilson

Robert and Phoebe (Edmonds) Jeffs Jr. and their daughter – brother and sister-in-law to

Henrietta Wilson

Lucinda Jeffs

Henrietta (Jeffs) Wilson

William Wilson

Hannah (Wilson) Ross – wife of Henry McLean Ross

Esther Wood – wife of Richard J. – and their two children Emery E. and Charles A.

Sergeant Thomas Crawford

Possible burials include:

Richard Wood – husband of Emma or Esther Wood

Mary Smith – wife of John

William Smith

Marmaduke and Margaret (Bowden) Stamp

Thomas and Elizabeth Hartley

William Cowan



HR-067-2015

28

It is believed the initial burial was Henrietta Wilson, William Wilson’s wife who died February 1,

1855. After this initial interment, other members of the Jeffs family were laid to rest in the same

soil. After nine years of using a portion of his land as a family cemetery, William Wilson donated

the land to the Anglican Church in 1864. Shortly after the land donation, William Wilson himself

died in 1870 and was buried alongside his wife. An Anglican Church, the Church of the Good

Shepherd, was built in nearby Wyebridge, precluding the need for a church on Wilson land,

leading the cemetery to fall out of use (Town of Midland 2009).

3.6 Recommendations for More Research

Primary research was outside the scope of this project, however several gaps were identified that

could be explored, namely who is buried in the cemetery, and their stories. The Reverend David

C. Adams, a previous pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Wyebridge (the church built

in lieu of one planned for Wilson land) in a letter dated 1987 to Stella M. Gianetto (associated

with the Simcoe County Branch of the Genealogical Society), expressed interest on behalf of

himself and his previous congregation to find and rehabilitate the “Wilson Cemetery”. It seems

Gianetto reached out to Adams for information about the William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery.

Adams was recalling information relayed to him from various parishioners (when he was rector

at the Wyebridge church) about what they remembered of the Wilsons and the cemetery,

specifically: the Lumbis family, the Burt Reynolds family, the Eakley families and perhaps the

Leonard family. Adams indicated many of his informants had since passed away or were in care

facilities at the time. Based on Adam’s research, it was suggested that some burial records for the

William Wilson Cemetery may be held in the name of St. John’s Church Tay which was located

in the Victoria Harbour Area (it was said there was a connection between the two congregations

in the early days). Another possible lead for burial records would be to look into whether the

property was operated as a “union” cemetery with some sort of ties to the Presbyterian Church

which appeared to be active in the area. Furthermore, additional research on some of the

individuals could be conducted, and shared with visitors.

4.0 CONDITION ASSESSMENT

4.1 Environment

The climate has an impact on the type and extent of deterioration making it a key consideration

in restoration recommendations. Midland, Ontario is located in a humid continental climate with

four separate seasons, where harsh weather is not uncommon. Temperatures historically (1981–2010) have averaged as low as -8.5 ˚C and as high as 20.8 ˚C. Precipitation historically (1981–2010) have averaged as low as 65.1 mm and as high as 109.8 mm (Environment Canada 2015).



HR-067-2015

29

Image 4: Midland Temperature Averages from 1981–2010

(Adapted from Environment Canada 2015)

Image 5: Midland Precipitation Averages from 1981–2010

(Adapted from Environment Canada 2015)

4.2 Vegetation

The current vegetation is typical of an agricultural lot, the edges are marked with treelines, and

the centre contains field, the vegetation in the treeline is typical woodlot, allowed to grow

naturally.

The site is dominated by mature oak (Quercus spp.) and mature sugar maple (Acer saccharum).

These trees add to the beauty of the landscape and contribute significantly to the cultural heritage

value. There is an understory of intermediate oak, ash (Fraxinus spp.) and several maple and ash



HR-067-2015

30

saplings scattered throughout. Groundcover plantings consist primarily of trillium (Trillium

spp.). The open field landscape is primarily comprised of meadow grasses with one Norway

Spruce (Picea abies) tree.

4.3 pH Levels

The limestone gravestone, marble gravestone fragments, and stone socket base are located

outdoors, on a slope, in a wooded area with poor drainage. The limestone gravestone is

surrounded by a 5.5" deep dimensional lumber barrier. The ground is heavily covered with

vegetation and leaf degradation. Soil samples collected from the soil surrounding the gravestone,

as well as soil located around and in the socket base, were mildly acidic.

Image 6: Gravestone Location

(Photo Taken on May 12, 2015; Facing Northwest)

Table 1: pH Readings

pH Location

5 Surface of Limestone Gravestone

6 Soil Sample Surrounding Limestone

Gravestone

5 Soil Sample Surrounding Socket Base

5 Soil Sample from Interior of Socket Base



HR-067-2015

31

4.4 Current Conditions: Limestone Gravestone

The limestone gravestone is in fair condition (see Image 7). Due to atmospheric pollution,

including, but not limited to, acid rain, dirt, and dust, the surface of the stone exhibits heavy

soiling and mild algae growth. Algae is often in a benign state and poses a low risk to the

integrity of the stone. Conversely, algal communities can often merge with heterotrophic

bacteria, which during times of considerable volume changes through the wetting and drying of

the stone; this can affect the loosening of the stone, promoting decay (May and Jones 2006). As a

result of acid precipitation, coupled with lying flat in an area of poor drainage, the stone is fairly

eroded in multiple areas.

Consistent moisture, location and position, as well as freeze-thaw conditions from seasonal

weather, weakened the stone causing three large complete fractures. These conditions likely

resulted in the loss of the upper and lower left portion of the stone. Gravestone damage may have

also been instigated by vandals or due to accidental fracturing during previous relocation.

Due to environmental and positional factors, it can be reasonably assumed that the back portion

of the gravestone is in a constant state of dampness and heavily soiled, causing the stone to be in

a weakened and possibly eroded state. Only about 30% of the engraving is visible as result of

soiling, algae growth, broken fragments, and erosion. Various woody plants surround the

gravestone and are growing between the broken fragments. These plants pose a risk to the

structural integrity of the stone.

Image 7: Limestone Gravestone




HR-067-2015

32

4.5 Current Conditions: Marble Gravestone

The marble fragments are believed to be from a second gravestone (see Image 8). They are in

poor condition. Both fragments show algae growth and exhibit "sugar decay". Also known as

sugaring, “sugar decay” is a result of acid precipitation that attacks the calcite crystals within the

marble. The portions of the stones that currently sit upright within the soil are heavily soiled.

One fragment has stress cracks running throughout its proper back.

Image 8: Marble Gravestone Fragments (Photo Taken on May 12, 2015; Facing Northwest)

4.6 Current Conditions: Stone Socket Base

The hand cut stone socket base is in fair condition (see Image 9). It is heavily soiled, has moss

and algae growth, but overall appears to be in structurally excellent condition. Algae and moss

pose a low risk to the stone base. The base is also located on a poorly drained slope and is at risk

for freeze-thaw deterioration, acid precipitation, and water erosion.



HR-067-2015

33

Image 9: Stone Base with Socket


4.7 Access to the Site

Currently there is no direct access to the site. It can be reached on foot or by small off-road

vehicle along the unopened Penetanguishene Road which meets Highway 12. There is no

parking available. Residential development is planned for the property to the east of the

cemetery. As part of the draft plan for the Hanson subdivision on this residential property, is a

future potential road connection to the commercial lands along the site’s southern boundary. This

new road may be used to access to the William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery.

4.8 Future Considerations

The Town of Midland Official Plan shows long term planned land uses around the cemetery (in

red). The Employment Area lands (purple) are zoned HC which would permit big box retail

uses. The Residential District (yellow) is principally the Hanson subdivision (see Image 10).



HR-067-2015

34

Image 10: Excerpt from the Town of Midland Official Plan

(Provided by the Town of Midland)

5.0 RESTORATION

5.1 Immediate Recommended Stabilization Measures

5.1.1 Limestone Gravestone

It is highly recommended that immediate stabilization measures take place in order to reduce

deterioration and aid in the preservation of the existing gravestone. A temporary resetting and

placement of the snapped marker is recommended. This requires planned and careful execution

of setting the broken portions of the marker upright, adjacent to one another in the ground (see

Appendix D). It is suggested that these measures be performed by skilled personnel within the

first two years. With the inclusion of a conservator, the work should take one to two full work

days for proper planning, supply collection, and training of required support staff, plus an

additional one to two days of execution. This time line assumes that no unforeseen or unplanned

circumstances occur (i.e., the gravestone marker may be more degraded than could be

determined by the initial condition assessment). Without a conservator, planning and training

would require more time and careful consideration of the risks involved and processes that need

to be performed. A list of suitable personnel for repair work appears in Appendix E. Once

immediate stabilization measures have been performed, it is recommended that further

restoration work be completed within the first five years.

5.1.2 Marble Gravestone

It is recommended that the marble gravestone fragments be temporarily removed and safely

stored until work on the cemetery is complete. This action aims to protect the fragments from

being removed, damaged, or displaced during completion of cemetery work. A local museum can



HR-067-2015

35

be entrusted with the fragments as a temporary loan. It is recommended that the fragments be

surface cleaned by trained personnel (such as a conservator) to hinder any potential mould

growth while in storage and to properly address the sugar decay. Ideally, the stone should be

packaged and stored according to ethical standards in an HVAC controlled environment, if

resources are available. Under the direction of a conservator, immediate stabilization measures

for the marble gravestone fragments should take one full work day. It is recommended that this

work be performed within the first two years. Removal of the marble fragments should be

conducted only when the ground is not frozen, partially frozen, or waterlogged. A last resort

option would be to temporarily bury the marble stone fragments on-site until work is completed.

For instructions on how to bury the fragments, see Appendix F.

5.2 Feedback on Long-Term Conservation

As outlined in Section 2.4.3, the public and MHC were given three conservation options:

Option 1: Restoration of Existing Monument

Option 2: Full Restoration of Existing Monument

Option 3: Replicate Existing Monument

The pros and cons were provided for each option as outlined in Appendix G. Option 2 received

the most positive feedback. There was a strong belief that the original gravestone should be

preserved and remain on site. Aesthetic value of infilling missing portions of the gravestone was

also given priority.

Option 2: Full Restoration of Existing Monument, involves erecting the gravestone with

supports, mending the three large broken fragments, infilling of any missing fragments, resetting

the gravestone into the existing socket base and cleaning the surface the stone, socketed base and

marker. This option can be modified; in lieu of mending the three large broken fragments, the

gravestone fragments would be set upright with the support of a frame. Option 2 is the most

aesthetically pleasing.

Long term security and preservation concerns were raised leading to the discussion of Option 3:

Replicate Existing Monument as a temporary option if future construction plans for adjacent

properties pose a risk to the stone.

5.3 Restoration of the Extant Limestone Gravestone and Stone Base

A conservation specialist or company that specializes in monument or sculpture should be

contacted to bid on the stone restoration. The company should have experience and expertise

with similar project(s), and work in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Canadian

Association of Professional Conservators (CAPC) and possibly the American Institute for

Conservation's (AIC) Guidelines for Practice and Code of Ethics. For further guidance on how

best to select and employ a conservator in Canada, see Appendix H. Restoration of the stone

should also follow the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places,

specifically the standards for Restoration.



HR-067-2015

36

Work may include temporarily removing the gravestone from its location in order to perform

conservation work. Once work is completed, the company should provide ongoing maintenance

recommendations for the restored stone.

Based on quotes obtained from three private conservation firms that specialize in stone sculpture

and monument repair, it is reasonable to expect that Option 2 may cost approximately $10,000.

Should the cost of work for Option 2: Full Restoration of Existing Monument exceed the

allocated amount by the Town, Option 1: Restoration of Existing Monument is the next best

option. Furthermore, it is recommended that should adjacent construction cause mid- to high-risk

to the grave marker, Option 3: Replicate Existing Monument should be considered as an interim

practice until construction is complete.

5.4 Preservation of the Marble Gravestone Fragments

In accordance with previously outlined conservation principles, it is recommended that the

gravestone marble fragments be preserved and not restored; carrying out any form of restoration

work on fragments with little visible data would require excessive intervention and a wide range

of subjective interpretation. Preservation would entail a simple surface clean and should be

performed by trained personnel or a professional conservator. Once the cemetery is complete, it

is recommended that the marble fragments be gently placed upright on a custom-made stone

base. This base should account for the environment to ensure long term preservation; a base with

custom slots made for the fragments or with the use of frames. It is recommended that a

conservator or trained monument maker be contacted to perform the work.

6.0 ARCHAEOLOGY

A Stage 1 and 2 archaeological assessment was previously conducted on lands adjacent to the

William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery (see Section 1.1.1). The archaeological report recommended

that if lands adjacent to the cemetery are to be developed in the future, a Stage 3 assessment

should be completed (ARA 1999b:4). This will be necessary if parcels to the south and west of

the cemetery are developed, if there are any planned changes to the Penetanguishene Road

allowance or should the residential rural property to the north be developed.

A Stage 3 site-specific assessment (cemetery investigation) would be conducted to determine the

extent of the cemetery, particularly whether the William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery extends

beyond the land owned by the Town of Midland (the assumed cemetery limits). The Ministry of

Tourism, Culture and Sport considers a cemetery as a cultural feature. Where a cemetery is

adjacent to the project limits, mechanical topsoil removal is required to extend a minimum of

10 m beyond the cultural feature (MTC 2011:85).

During a Stage 3 cemetery investigation, under the supervision of a licensed archaeologist,

topsoil must be mechanically excavated down to subsoil and examined for the presence of

subsurface cultural features such as grave shafts. The objective is to confirm that there are no

burials located outside of the land owned by the Town. Mechanical soil removal is carried out

stratigraphically and monitored by a licensed archaeologist, so if there are extant burials outside



HR-067-2015

37

of the assumed cemetery limits, they can be identified by locating the grave shafts. However,

there is always the risk of encountering shallow graves.

Given that the investigation will be focused on determining whether there are any cultural

features (i.e., grave shafts) or human remains located outside of the Town-owned area, the field

methods should be developed in accordance with the requirements set out in Section 3.2

(Archaeological Site Assessment) and Section 4.2.3 (Excavation by Mechanical Topsoil

Removal) of the Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists (MTC 2011:47–53,

78–79).

Regarding work being completed within the assumed core of the cemetery, the regulations

outlined in the Funeral, Burial and Cremations Services Act (Government of Ontario 2012) state

that any proposed building or major construction must be at least 4.57 metres or 15 feet away

from any in-ground grave (O. Reg. 30/11, s. 155). An in-ground grave can only be determined by

a Stage 3 cemetery investigation (as described above). Any potential grave location identified by

a GPR survey is considered a “suspected grave”.

As part of this project, the Registrar of Cemeteries was asked “At what point do we need to

recommend a cemetery investigation, when thinking of the maintenance measures?” (i.e., fence

installation or tree removal). His response was: “If the Town decided to install a fence or remove

trees, they would need to have an archaeologist monitor the excavations etc.” (D’Mello –

Per.comm.). Accordingly, any work to be completed within the cemetery will require monitoring

by a licenced archaeologist.

7.0 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

The William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery landscape is a cultural hardwood plantation and meadow

that is dominated by Sugar Maple. Despite the lack of species diversity within the wooded area,

the intent is to maintain and preserve the integrity of the historical and aesthetic value that this

woodlot and meadow provides on the site.

7.1 Opportunities and Constraints

Opportunities:

Overall, trees are healthy within the stand;

Opportunity to preserve mature oak trees planted in a square, which are believed to mark

William Wilson’s grave site;

Promote Heritage species and cultural associations that are typical of this site; and

Limited tree-related hazards were observed.

Constraints:

Limited species diversity within the wooded area. The dominant species is Sugar Maple

(Acer saccharum);

Limited understory species diversity was observed;



HR-067-2015

38

The wooded area has not been managed for several years; and

The dense canopy cover limits available light for future understory growth.

7.2 Management Goals and Objectives

To maintain the wooded area, the management objectives should include understory cleanup,

hazard tree abatement and reduction in exposure to risk, endangered species protection,

introduction of native species, invasive species management, and short-term and long-term

monitoring. The meadow is predominantly perennial grasses and could be maintained by

mowing the open area once or twice per annum.

The following implementation recommendations relate to maintaining and enhancing the

landscape on the property:

7.2.1 Understory Cleanup

Several trees have fallen within the understory of the wooded area (see Image 11). Several trees

have elevated trunks and canopies that are not in contact with the woodland floor. Elevated

trunks slow decay and also create an unappealing visual aesthetic. It is recommended that fallen

trees and future felled trees within the wooded area be cut into 300 mm to 450 mm lengths and

then scattered throughout the wooded area to help accelerate decay and to provide increased

surface area and ecological diversity for wildlife habitat. Remnant branches should be chipped

for mulch and scattered throughout the woodlot.

Image 11: An example of a fallen tree

(Photo Taken on May 12, 2015; Facing East)



HR-067-2015

39

7.2.2 Woodlot Edge Planting

No tree species are planned for removal within the woodlot to accommodate construction or

disturbance of any kind and therefore no compensation planting has been proposed. Although no

compensation planting has been identified, there has been some enhancement plantings

proposed. When new plantings are introduced the use of plants that reflect the species, habit,

form, and scale of historic vegetation should be encouraged (refer to Section 9.0).

All plantings should be mulched to reduce moisture loss and competition for nutrients and

moisture from competing invasive weeds (until trees become established). Plantings should be

mulched with 100 mm shredded cedar mulch to reduce newly exposed soils exposure to the sun

which can raise soil temperatures and reduce moisture. A monitoring program by the Town’s

forestry consultant and/or landscape architect shall include inspection of the success and

establishment of the proposed plantings. Plants shall be inspected for vigour, disease, and health

throughout the monitoring period.

7.2.3 Hazard Tree Monitoring and Tree Removals

Trees that are either dead, hazardous or could potentially fail due to health or structural defect

within the wooded area should be considered for removal as part of an overall woodlot

management strategy. Their removal allows more light and available nutrients/moisture for the

remaining trees. Tree removal also can be used as a tool to accelerate understory regeneration by

allowing light to penetrate to the woodlot floor and understory. All tree removals should be

performed by an ISA Certified Arborist and in accordance with good arboricultural practices and

current ISA standards.

Tree removal shall occur in accordance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA) and

the Migratory Bird Regulations (MBR), federal legislative requirements that are binding on

members of the public and all levels of government. The legislation protects certain avian

species, controls the harvest of others, and prohibits commercial sale of all species. Per the

MBCA, a tree shall not be removed within the bird nesting windows from May 1 to August 8

inclusive. Within the window, no vegetation clearing / tree removal is to occur. If tree removal is

necessary within the window, the proponent should correspond with Canadian Wildlife Service

(CWS) for a site-specific assessment.

Hazard trees are considered trees that pose increased risk to people or property due to their health

or structure. Hazard mitigation can include pruning damaged or defective branches, removing

dead wood or the removal of the tree completely. No immediate concerns were noted along the

edges. There is one Sugar Maple located in close proximity to the woodlot edge that has several

damaged branches (see Image 12). It should be noted that trees are living entities and their

health/condition can change at any time. Routine monitoring should be undertaken to review the

site for potential hazard concerns.

Hazard trees should be assessed by an ISA Certified Arborist prior to work being undertaken

within the tree. Evaluation of Hazard Tree in Urban Areas, Second Edition should be the

minimum standard used to determine the hazard potential of a tree. It is recommended that the

trunks of trees over 30cm in caliper should be cut at approximately 2.4-3.0 metres (8’-10’) above



HR-067-2015

40

the ground so that the remaining stump can provide wildlife habitat (snags) and the felled tree

should be left within the woodlot, to minimize disturbance and promote retention of leaf litter.

This does not apply to any tree in which the decline has been caused by disease/pathogen which

will remain in the host. These trees/shrubs should be removed and disposed of off the site at an

approved location.

7.2.4 Native Species Introduction

Any new planting within the woodlot shall be native to the Town of Midland. No regional rare or

invasive species should be permitted.

Image 12: Sugar Maple tree with damaged branches

(Photo Taken on May 12, 2015; Facing Southwest)

8.0 PLANTINGS

It is recommend that all mature trees and open meadow be preserved onsite as they contribute

significantly to the landscape character and cultural heritage value of the site. It is recommended

that site be enhanced by rejuvenating the understory plantings. Introducing a woodland species



HR-067-2015

41

planting plan will help to enhance the urban forest and forest cover across the site. Woodland

plantings also create habitat for birds, pollinating insects such as butterflies, and other wildlife.

Suggested Plant List:

Lilac species

Woodland wildflowers, such as trillium

Species will be selected based on site conditions (i.e., Ontario Plant Hardiness Zone 5a),

low maintenance, moisture content in soils (drought resistance), seasonal interest, and

resistance to pests/disease

Where feasible, the open meadow areas should be preserved and maintained. The meadow is

predominantly perennial grasses and could be maintained by mowing the open area once or twice

per annum. Ornamental plantings could also be included to enhance the open field area. If the

meadow areas will be used for future stockpiling (materials, construction equipment) they should

be restored using an approved native seed mixture.

9.0 FENCING

As part of the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s agreement with the Town, the installation of a fence

around the cemetery is required. In addition, during a meeting with the MHC, the need for a

fence was noted as being helpful for preventing off-road vehicle traffic, which may be causing

damage to the natural and cultural aspects of the cemetery.

In Ontario during the 19th century, iron, lead, zinc, copper, and bronze were added to the

repertoire of materials used to fabricate complete monuments, statues, and railings within

pioneer cemeteries. The most common metal for fence fabrication in Ontario cemeteries was

iron, either wrought or cast. Iron was frequently used for fences around graves, memorials and

around the cemeteries themselves. Simple details were usually fabricated in wrought iron, but by

the second half of the 19th century, complex balusters, piers, urns, planters, and even memorial

statues were often made of cast iron. As the cemetery is found in a rural setting a cedar rail fence

would also suit the site’s character. Further, the Town of Midland has a designated stone wall.

Based on these factors six fencing types were presented to the public and MHC:

Wrought Iron

Split Rail

Stone Wall

Split Rail & Plantings

Wrought Iron & Plantings

Dry Stack Stone & Plantings

All 12 Public Open House attendees provided feedback on the fencing options (see Table 2).

Attendee votes were split between split-rail and wrought iron and plantings. Concern was

expressed over the effect of the fencing option on the local wildlife. All wrought iron and split



HR-067-2015

42

rail cedar fencing will be between 4-6’ high, well below the average jump height (8-12’) for deer.

Concern was also expressed about the placement of the gate or entrance. Seven MHC members

provided feedback, and wrought iron with plantings was preferred (see Table 3).

Table 2: Results of Feedback on Fencing from Public Open House

Fencing Option Number of Votes

Wrought Iron 0

Split Rail 4

Stone Wall 1

Split Rail & Plantings 1

Wrought Iron & Plantings 4

Dry Stack Stone & Plantings 2

Table 3: Results of Feedback on Fencing from Municipal Heritage Committee

Fencing Option Number of Votes

Wrought Iron 1

Split Rail 0

Stone Wall 1

Split Rail & Plantings 1

Wrought Iron & Plantings 4

Dry Stack Stone & Plantings 0

Based on feedback during the consultation, the preferred options for the fencing are split rail

(see Image 13–Image 14) or wrought iron and plantings (see Image 15–Image 17).



HR-067-2015

43

Image 13: Example of Split Rail Fencing

(ARA 2015)

Image 14: Example of Split Rail Fencing

(Seferian Design Group 2010)



HR-067-2015

44

Image 15: Example of Wrought Iron Fencing (Bronte Pioneer Cemetery, Milton; www.historicplaces.ca)

Image 16: Example of Wrought Iron Fencing (St. Mary Pioneer Cemetery, Oakville; www.flickr.com)

http://www.flickr.com/



HR-067-2015

45

Image 17: Example of Wrought Iron and Plantings

(www.flickr.com)

It is suggested that since the only current public access to the site is via the unopened portion of

Penetanguishene Road, that the gate be oriented toward this access point. If access changes in the

future the split rail cedar could be removed to create a new access point. The split rail cedar

fence may also be more economical. The wrought iron and plantings may take more effort to

move the access point. In addition, wrought iron costs at about $100/linear foot, while split rail

cedar is about $60/linear foot. That is fencing only- no plantings.

Another recommendation could be to fence the existing grave site with 6’ wrought iron fencing

and the remaining property boundary could be fenced using split rail cedar. Based on budgets,

the Town could also only fence areas within the woodlots as required.

10.0 MAINTENANCE

10.1 Limestone Gravestone, Marble Gravestone and Stone Socket Base

It is recommended that a regular maintenance and monitoring program be created. This program

should reflect established priorities for preserving the limestone gravestone, marble gravestone

and stone socket base. It is recommended that the chief priorities reflect concerns surrounding

thieves, vandals, and the stability of all gravestone elements. Best accepted programs include

regularly scheduled visits by designated town employees to inspect for damage or theft. This

may include participation by community members visiting the site to report any observed theft or

change to the gravestone. The maintenance and monitoring program may come in the form of a

checklist or log and includes taking photos and keeping record of the gravestone's condition. The

http://www.flickr.com/



HR-067-2015

46

chosen inspector should be briefed on the condition of the gravestone stated in this report. It is

recommended that the inspections are visual only. Items of note may include, but are not limited

to:

The stability of the stone (i.e. cracks, flaking, delamination, spalling etc...)

State of erosion (change in visibility of engravings)

Level of soiling

Biological growth

Considerations should also be made to implement temporary and long term deterrents at the site

to impede vandals and thieves. This could include: personnel monitoring protocols, lighting at

night, or fencing.

10.2 Woodlot Monitoring

Removing or radically changing mature vegetation that is important in defining the overall

character of the cemetery should be avoided. Mature trees should be retained and managed

through adequate, professional arboricultural care to extend their lives as long as possible. Where

removal of mature trees and other vegetation is deemed necessary due to disease, damage or

health and safety (hazards), replacement planting should be undertaken to ensure the protection

of significant areas of vegetation. The edges of the woodlot should be reviewed annually to

ensure that hazard trees are noted and mitigated promptly. In this review, invasive species should

be flagged for removal. Biannual reviews of trees should occur within the woodlot to ensure that

their health is maintained and that there are no infestations, diseases, or other concerns with the

health of the trees. The ultimate goal is to maintain this wooded area as a healthy and safe part of

the site.

The Town’s forestry consultant shall inspect and monitor the following:

Overall health and vigour of the woodlot area;

Understory clean-up;

Success in the establishment of native plant materials;

Stabilization of soils and establishment of seeded (restored) areas;

Effectiveness of non-native and invasive species control measures; and

Hazard Tree Assessment and monitoring.

Trees should be inspected for structural defects, symptoms of decline such as crown/stem

dieback, stem/butt rot, and secondary infections such as fungal, bacterial, viral disease and

animal damage. It is recommended that dead or dying trees over 30 cm be considered a hazard

and overhead limbs 10 cm and over be removed. Depending on circumstance (i.e. species,

size/age, etc.) the dimensions should be reduced or increased as the above are general guidelines.

Trees showing symptoms of decline should be flagged and recorded for continuous monitoring.

11.0 ADDITIONAL CEMETERY FEATURES



HR-067-2015

47

During the course of the project, several additional cemetery features were mentioned by Staff,

MHC and the public. These included a form of commemoration for the other pioneers buried in

this cemetery an entrance sign, and benches.

11.1 Commemoration

In addition to the burials associated with the one extant grave marker (representing three

individuals) and the one gravestone represented by marble fragments (may represent one

individual), it is believed there may be up to 23 additional burials within the cemetery. The

creation and placement of a commemorative plaque or marker within the cemetery site will assist

in honouring these individuals. We recommend the use of a simple marker, excluding gravestone

recreations. This will allow for the respectful marking of burials. This method will help mollify

the uncertainty over the identity of the interred, burial locations and original gravestone types.

This option may also include the creation of a commemorative sign or monument listing the

names of those believed to be buried at William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery (see Image 18–Image

19).

11.2 Entrance Signage

Keeping with the natural setting of the cemetery, any entrance sign should incorporate natural

materials (i.e. wood/timber, stone), and complement the existing landscape character. Two

examples that incorporate wood and stone can be seen in Image 20–Image 21.

11.3 Benches

During consultation, the MHC discussed adding benches for visitor use. Keeping with the natural

setting of the cemetery, any benches should incorporate natural materials (i.e. wood/timber,

stone), and complement the existing landscape character. Image 22 illustrates a stone bench that

is both functional and commemorative. Image 23 illustrates a bench made of logs from a fallen

tree.



HR-067-2015

48

Image 18: Stone Obelisk, Woodlawn Cemetery, City of Guelph

(ARA 2015)

Image 19: Commemorative Plaque, Woodlawn Cemetery, City of Guelph

(ARA 2015)



HR-067-2015

49

Image 20: Sign at Bronte Cemetery, Town of Oakville

(ARA 2015)

Image 21: Sign at Old Durham Road Pioneer Cemetery, Grey County

(ARA 2015)



HR-067-2015

50

Image 22: Stone Bench, Woodlawn Cemetery, City of Guelph

(ARA 2015)

Image 23: Wood Bench

(www.naturesinstruments.com)



HR-067-2015

51

12.0 PROMOTION

The goal of the promotion portion of this plan is to identify the potential communication

methods to convey the history and significance of the William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery.

The promotion of the site is limited by restricted access to the site, which is only navigable by

foot or off road vehicle via Penetanguishene Road, and by lack of parking. The ability to

promote the cemetery may be expanded following development of the adjacent commercial

and/or residential properties.

12.1 Analysis of Needs and Opportunities

During the kick-off meeting, several stakeholder groups were identified as targets for the

Promotion Plan. Participants at the Public Open House and MHC were asked to indicate the best

method for targeting each group, the results of which are summarized in Table 4.

Table 4: Feedback Results on Communication Methods for Target Groups

Local Residents Visitors Teachers/Students

Interpretive Plaques 12 10 6

Brochure 6 10 1

Website 9 11 9

Online Video 3 3 2

Guided Tour 1 1 3

Audio File 1 2 2

Event Participation

(i.e. Doors Open)

11 9 1

Lesson Plan 0 0 11

For targeting local residents, interpretive plaques, a website and event participation were

identified by both groups as the preferred methods. For engaging visitors, interpretive plaques, a

brochure and website were noted as being the most valuable, and for assisting teacher/students

with learning about the cemetery, plaques, a website and lesson plans were the most requested

methods.

In addition to ranking typical communication methods, participants were also asked to

brainstorm additional methods. Responses to “What other ways can the Town of Midland

communicate the history and importance of the William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery?” are as

follows:

Museum

Heritage committee event

Cooperation with Huronia Historical Parks/ Discovery Harbour (4 votes), refer to AV

show (1 vote)



HR-067-2015

52

Roadside signage

Context with early settlement of area, pensioned workers from naval establishment in

mid-1800s; Drummond Island relocation, etc.

Entrance field stone with engraving: Wilson Cemetery

Research on the people thought to be buried and Mr. Wilson himself

Research the interred pioneers’ place of residence in relation to the cemetery

Include cemetery information in properties of historical significance i.e., heritage site

Engage the community!

Have brochures at the museum and Town Hall

Use QR codes so the public can read information on their phones, both public and visitors

Add “William Wilson” to the registry of names for streets/commemorative parks

Penetanguishene Road signage committee

Social media

Community pages could share many stories and different interpretations

All churches should be contacted and a tour (interdenominational, of course) should be

arranged

Wilson’s connection to cemetery establishment should be mentioned in all promotional

material

Ensure youth are fully consulted and participate fully through education

12.2 Interpretive Plaques

The goal of these interpretive plaques is to celebrate the history of the William Wilson Pioneer

Cemetery. They should be developed to tell the story of William Wilson, the area’s military

history and Midland’s pioneers.

Typical steps for completing interpretive plaques are as follows:

1) Conceptualize the overall exhibit

2) Brainstorm stories, photos and direction of each plaque

3) Additional research to produce the narratives and find potential historic photos or

graphics

4) Produce a draft of the text

5) Gather feedback on the text

6) Design the layout of plaque

7) Seek feedback on layout

8) Produce the plaque

9) Install the plaque

Based on the research summarized in Section 3.0, initial concepts for the plaques are as follows:



HR-067-2015

53

Table 5: Interpretive Plaque Concepts

Theme Concept

Pioneer Cemetery Brief history of the cemetery

Reference to the cemetery’s designation

and ongoing restoration/maintenance

William Wilson William Wilson’s career details

Picture of William Wilson

War of 1812 William Wilson’s ties to the military

history, specifically the War to 1812

Penetanguishene Road How pioneers used the road to settle the

area

What the trip would have been like for

travellers

Travellers that are buried

Early Pioneers List of pioneers buried at the cemetery

Stories of some of the pioneers

The plaques can be completed one-at-a-time if the budget is restrictive, however this may create

a fractured storyline. These plaques could also be designed to complement the signage being

developed by the Historic Penetanguishene Road Working Committee, County of Simcoe. Due

to the natural setting of the cemetery it is recommended that consideration be given to their

location on the landscape so that there is minimal visual disturbance.

Text and graphics can be completed by the Town or a heritage consulting firm can be engaged.

In ARA’s experience, a basic plaque (4 ft by 3 ft exterior plaque with a metal base) will be

approximately $2,500.00. Coating, size differences, different type of base can be adjusted to

meet the needs of the Town. For an example of an interpretive plaque see Image 24.



HR-067-2015

54

Image 24: Example Interpretative Plaque at Bronte Pioneer Cemetery, Oakville

(ARA 2015)

12.3 Brochure

A brochure should, at minimum, include a brief history, photographs and information on how to

access the site, who to contact if they have information about burials, and how to volunteer.

Locations for potential distribution of the brochure include:

Town Hall

County of Simcoe

Huronia Historical Parks, particularly Discovery Harbor, as they current have a display

about William Wilson

Libraries

Hotels

Other tourism and/or information centres

12.4 Website

Since the Town owns the property, information about the cemetery should be placed on their

website. The website should, at minimum, include a brief history, photographs, and information

on how to access the site and who to contact if they have information about burials, or how to

volunteer. Additions over time could include videos about the restoration, the results of any

cemetery investigation, or in-depth profiles of those buried in the cemetery.



HR-067-2015

55

Most of this information is accessible in this report and could be easily incorporated into the

Town’s website.

12.5 Event Participation

There are several opportunities for inviting people to the cemetery, notably – Doors Open

Huronia. Jane’s Walk (www.janeswalk.ca), which takes place across Canada in early May, is

another opportunity. Activities for visitors could include a talk about the area’s pioneers or a

vegetation identification game. These types of events may also present opportunities for

fundraising.

12.6 Lesson Plan

A lesson plan for schools should be developed that outlines:

History of the cemetery

How it connects to the Ontario Curriculum

Activities to fulfil the curriculum requirements

How to arrange a visit or tour

Once the lesson plan is finished it should be placed on the website, and the local school boards

should be made aware of where and how to access the information.

13.0 IMPLEMENTATION

13.1 Resources for Implementation

The development and pursuit of a wide variety of resources for implementing this Restoration

and Promotion Plan is necessary to ensure its success. The recommendations provided below are

suggested to increase the resources both human and monetary that can be directed to the Plan to

improve the implementation process.

13.1.1 Volunteer Participation

Presently, the amount of volunteer activity associated with the William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery

is relatively small due to the fact that no volunteer activities have been identified. Volunteers

should be provided with a job description, training and should be recognized annually for their

work. Potential opportunities for engaging volunteers include:

The Municipal Heritage Committee, who has an expressed interest in the site, should

oversee the implementation of this Restoration and Promotion Plan.

The neighbours and family members of those buried in the cemetery attended the Public

Open House and were very interested in the site, they could be engaged in casual as well

as annual maintenance and monitoring of the site.

http://www.janeswalk.ca/



HR-067-2015

56

High public concern for the state of the natural environment means there is a “captive

market” for enlisting volunteers to participate in some vegetation management activities.

The range of activities and required personnel skills is such that a volunteer initiative

would likely attract a large number of candidates (i.e. for physical work such as manual

invasive species removal, or for site monitoring to reduce illegal dumping of refuse, etc.).

Interested volunteers should also be enlisted to assist with special events (i.e. Doors

Open).

13.1.2 Partnerships

There are a variety of agencies and non-government organizations involved in stewardship of

cultural resource and the environment, the Town would benefit from the development of strong

relationships with these essential groups.

Explore potential partnerships. This could include other Town departments such as the

Culture Midland, senior levels of government including regional representatives, and the

various provincial ministries involved in the stewardship of the natural environment and

cultural heritage landscapes.

Engage with the Huron Historical Parks, the creators of the Discovery Harbor exhibit for

display in 2015 about William Wilson and may be a key promotional partner.

Contact the Historic Penetanguishene Road Working Committee at the County of Simcoe

Develop relationships with local community organizations and non-governmental

organizations such as the Evergreen Foundation. These groups and others like them are

committed to cultural heritage stewardship.

Apply to the many private and public agencies, trusts and stewardship groups for grant

funding to support preservation initiatives.

Corporate sponsorships or donations in kind should be pursed.

13.2 Concept Plan

A concept plan produced by Seferian Design Group shows what the William Wilson Pioneer

Cemetery could look like after the restoration recommendations are implemented and the

elements of the promotion plan are undertaken (see Image 25).

Heritage Restoration and Promotion Plan, William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery, Town of Midland ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


HR-067-2015

57

Image 25: Concept Plan for the William Wilson Cemetery

(Seferian Design Group 2015)



HR-067-2015

58

13.3 Implementation Schedule

The recommendations from throughout the report have been incorporated into Table 6 alongside

timeframes and resources required.

Table 6: Implementation Timeline and Resources

Action Timeframe Resources Required (Staff

Time, Volunteer Time,

Budget)

Establish a page on the Town’s

website for the William

Wilson Pioneer Cemetery

Immediately Planning Staff, MHC

Ensure Stage 3 archaeological

assessment is required for the

adjacent properties

Immediately Planning Staff

Stabilization measures for the

stones Immediately

Specialized conservation firm,

approved budget

Develop a maintenance plan

for the cemetery’s stones and

vegetation

Immediately and Ongoing Planning Staff, MHC, Parks

Division, volunteers

Engage volunteers Immediately and Ongoing Planning Staff, MHC

Establish partnerships Immediately and Ongoing Planning Staff, MHC

Understory cleanup of downed

trees and remnant branches.

The larger pieces of wood

should be divided into smaller

sections and randomly

dispersed throughout the

woodlot.

Ongoing Parks Division, volunteers

Volunteer Recognition Annually Planning Staff

MHC should review this plan

annually to ensure

implementation

Annually MHC

Removal of garbage and

debris from the wooded area Annually Parks Division, volunteers

Review of invasive species in

the woodlot

Annually Parks Division, volunteers

Hazard tree review and

mitigation

Annually Parks Division

Participate in events (i.e.,

Doors Open, Jane’s Walk) Annually

Planning Staff, MHC,

volunteers

Develop a brochure and

distribute it to key locations 1 to 2 years

Planning Staff, MHC



HR-067-2015

59

Action Timeframe Resources Required (Staff

Time, Volunteer Time,

Budget)

Install fencing 1 to 2 years

Monitoring by a licenced

archaeologist, approved

budget

Ornamental plantings in open

field area as per plan 1 to 2 years Parks Division

Branches should be chipped to

clean-up the site 1 to 2 years Parks Division, volunteers

Implement the restoration and

preservation measures for the

stones

1 to 5 years

Planning Staff, specialized

conservation firm, approved

budget

Draft, approve and install

interpretative signage 1 to 5 years

Planning Staff, Volunteers,

consulting firm, plaque

manufactures, installation

monitored by a licenced

archaeologist, approved

budget

Removal of dead trees from

the wooded area

1 to 5 years Parks Division, volunteers

Consider additional cemetery

features (i.e.,

Commemoration/entrance

signage, benches)

1 to 5 years MHC, approved budget

Develop a lesson plan 1 to 5 years Staff, MHC, volunteers or

approved budget

Opening the canopy in the

wooded area to allow light to

penetrate to the wooded area

floor

Long term Parks Division

Understory planting to provide

a broad diversity of native

species in the wooded area

Long term Parks Division, volunteers

Replacement planting of trees

within the wooded area

(should be native species only)

Long term Parks Division, volunteers,

approved budget

Stage 3 archaeological

assessment

When/if development happens

adjacent to the cemetery Licenced Archaeologist



HR-067-2015

60

14.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery is a key cultural heritage resource in the Town of

Midland. This Restoration and Promotion Plan creates a high-level, long-term vision for the

cemetery. It includes physical restoration of the site and a management plan framework for

future maintenance of the site. The Promotion Plan outlines tools to increase awareness of one of

Huronia’s first European cemeteries and its ties to the area’s military history.

The next steps for conserving the William Wilson Pioneer Cemetery are as follows:

MHC should review this plan annually to ensure its implementation

Town should proceed with immediate stabilization measures of the limestone and marble

gravestones

Any development or public works completed adjacent to the parcel owned by the Town

of Midland should be subject to a Stage 3 Cemetery Investigation

Any work completed within the cemetery (i.e. tree removal or fence construction) will

require monitoring by a licenced archaeologist

Work with city departments to cost the implementation plan and find resources to execute

the Restoration and Promotion Plan



HR-067-2015

61

15.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Adams, Rev. D.C.

1987 Personal Letter to Mrs. Stella M. Gianetto of the Simcoe County Branch of the

Genealogical Society. Dated September 18, 1987. The Anglican Church of St. Timothy

Anson-Cartwright, T.

1963 Landscape of Memories: A Guide for Conserving Historic Cemeteries. Accessed

online at: http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/cemeteries/Landscape%20of%20Memories.pdf

Archaeological Research Associates Ltd. (ARA)

1999a A Report on The William Wilson Cemetery, located on the Eastern Half of Lot 101,

Concession 1, Tiny Township, Old Survey Now the Town of Midland, Northeast

Corner of Highways 12 and 93. Prepared by Jamie Hunter. Archaeological Research

Associates Ltd.

1999b Stage 1 and 2 Archaeological Assessment of The Eastern Half of Lot 101, Concession

1, Tiny Townhsip, Old Survey Now the Town of Midland, Northeast Corner of

Highways 12 and 93, Simcoe County. Licence 97-037. Archaeological Research

Associates Ltd.

Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property and Canadian Association of

Professional Conservators (CAC and CAPC)

2009 Code of Ethics and Guidance for Practice. CAC and CAPC, Ottawa.

Environment Canada

2015 Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010 Station Data. Accessed online at:

http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1981_2010_e.html?stnID=4474&la

ng=e&StationName=Midland&SearchType=Contains&stnNameSubmit=g

o&dCode=5&dispBack=1.

Fram, M.

1998 Well-Preserved: The Ontario Heritage Foundation’s Manual of Principles and

Practice for Architectural Conservation. Accessed online at:

http://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/Resources-and-Learning/Free-publications/Well-

Preserved.aspx.

Global GPR Services

2012 Subsurface Investigation, William Wilson Cemetery, Midland, Ontario. Global GPR

Services (GGPR).

Government of Ontario

2006 Ontario Regulation 9/06 made under the Ontario Heritage Act. Accessed online at:

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/source/regs/english/2006/elaws_src_regs_

r06009_e.htm.

2009 Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.18. Accessed online at: http://www.e-

laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90o18_e.htm.

http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/cemeteries/Landscape%20of%20Memories.pdf

http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1981_2010_e.html?stnID=4474&lang=e&StationName=Midland&SearchType=Contains&stnNameSubmit=go&dCode=5&dispBack=1



http://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/Resources-and-Learning/Free-publications/Well-Preserved.aspx

http://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/Resources-and-Learning/Free-publications/Well-Preserved.aspx

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/source/regs/english/2006/elaws_src_regs_%20r06009_e.htm

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/source/regs/english/2006/elaws_src_regs_%20r06009_e.htm

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90o18_e.htm

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90o18_e.htm



HR-067-2015

62

2012 Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 33. Last Amendment

December 31, 2012. Accessed online at: http://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/02f33.

Hoadley, R. Bruce

2000 Understanding Wood: A Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology. The Taunton Press,

Connecticut.

Hogg, John

1871 Hogg’s Map of the County of Simcoe.

Hunter, Andrew F.

n.d. The History of Simcoe County. Accessed at

http://www.waynecook.com/hunter2.shtml#chapt.24.

Huronia Historical Parks (HHP)

2015 Discovery Harbour Panel, transcription of a panel used in a Discovery Harbour exhibit.

King, G.G., Kosky, S., Glynn, K., and Saborio, G.

2004 Michigan Historic Cemetery Preservation Manual. Charter Township of Canton, U.S.

Matheny, N.P. and Clark, J. R.

1993 Evaluation of Hazard Tree in Urban Areas, Second Edition. Intl Society of

Arboriculture, Illinois.

May, E. and M. Jones

2006 Conservation Science: Heritage Materials. RSC Publishing, United Kingdom.

McGill University

2001 The Canadian County Atlas Digital Project. Accessed online at:

http://digital.library.mcgill.ca/countyatlas/default.htm.

Ministry of Culture (MCL)

2006a Heritage Property Evaluation: A Guide to Listing, Researching and Evaluating

Cultural Heritage Property in Ontario Communities. Ontario Heritage Tool Kit

Series. Toronto: Ministry of Culture.

2006b Infosheet #2: Culutral Heritage Landscapes. Accessed online at:

http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/publications/Heritage_Tool_Kit_Heritage_PPS_infoSheet.p

df.

2007 InfoSheet: Eight Guiding Principles in the Conservation of Built Heritage

Properties. Accessed online at:

http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/publications/InfoSheet_8%20Guiding_Principles.pdf.

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH)

2014 Provincial Policy Statement, 2014. Toronto: Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

http://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/02f33

http://www.waynecook.com/hunter2.shtml#chapt.24

http://digital.library.mcgill.ca/countyatlas/default.htm

http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/publications/Heritage_Tool_Kit_Heritage_PPS_infoSheet.pdf

http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/publications/Heritage_Tool_Kit_Heritage_PPS_infoSheet.pdf

http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/publications/InfoSheet_8%20Guiding_Principles.pdf



HR-067-2015

63

Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MTC)

2011 Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists. Toronto: Ministry of

Tourism and Culture.

Natural Resources Canada (NRC)

2002 Ontario Relief. Atlas of Canada, 6th Edition. Accessed online at:

http://geogratis.gc.ca/api/en/nrcan-rncan/ess-sst/632e8f7c-403a-57fe-849f-

7cce3591d611.html.

Newberry, Rev. N.; Light, D. and Hillier, R.

1989 Letter to Jaime Hunter, Director of Huronia Museum, Midland. From the Anglican

Parish of Elmvale, Elmvale, Ontario.

Parks Canada

2010 Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada 2nd

Edition. Accessed online at: http://www.historicplaces.ca/media/18072/81468-parks-s+g-

eng-web2.pdf.

Selwyn, L.

2004 Metals and Corrosion: A Handbook for the Conservation Professional. Ottawa:

Canadian Conservation Institute.

Simcoe County Pioneer and Historical Society (SCPHS)

1908 Chapter IV: Events succeeding the war, pp. 23-25 in Pioneer Papers. Barrie: Simcoe

County Pioneer and Historical Society.

Thompson, Marg

2007 Pioneer Cemeteries. Not published.

Town of Midland

2009 William Wilson Cemetery Designation By-law 2009-62.

2014 Official Plan for the Town of Midland. Accessed online at:

http://www.midland.ca/Shared%20Documents/plan/Official%20Plan%20June%2027,%2

02014.pdf.

http://geogratis.gc.ca/api/en/nrcan-rncan/ess-sst/632e8f7c-403a-57fe-849f-7cce3591d611.html

http://geogratis.gc.ca/api/en/nrcan-rncan/ess-sst/632e8f7c-403a-57fe-849f-7cce3591d611.html

http://www.historicplaces.ca/media/18072/81468-parks-s+g-eng-web2.pdf

http://www.historicplaces.ca/media/18072/81468-parks-s+g-eng-web2.pdf

http://www.midland.ca/Shared%20Documents/plan/Official%20Plan%20June%2027,%202014.pdf

http://www.midland.ca/Shared%20Documents/plan/Official%20Plan%20June%2027,%202014.pdf



HR-067-2015

64

APPENDICES



HR-067-2015

65

Appendix A: Designation By-law



HR-067-2015

66



HR-067-2015

67



HR-067-2015

68



HR-067-2015

69



HR-067-2015

70



HR-067-2015

71



HR-067-2015

72

Appendix B: GPR Results

Map 6: GPR Survey – Depth Slice 37–110 cm

(Global GPR 2012)

Map 7: GPR Survey – Interpretation

(Global GPR Services 2012)



HR-067-2015

73

Map 8: GPR Survey – Interpretation

(Global GPR Services 2012)



HR-067-2015

74

Appendix C: Notice of Public Open House



HR-067-2015

75

Appendix D: Immediate Preservation Measures

“Temporary Placement of Snapped Markers” From Landscapes of Memories: A Guide to

Preserving Historic Cemeteries, by Tamara Anson-Cartwright

1) Stones that have been lying in the ground for some years are likely to be saturated and

are therefore very weak and prone to snapping. Such stones would typically require

an entire summer to dry out sufficiently to allow for them to be safely handled and

worked on. If they must remain outside, arrange clean tarpaulins so that air can

circulate around the markers while they are protected from the weather.

2) Hand excavate, using small trowels, around its perimeter and spaces beneath so that

lifting belts may be slid from underneath. Lift the marker on to adjacent supporting

lumber before attempting to reset it. Be sure not to scratch the marker. If the marker

shows signs of weakness in its structure, stop work immediately as the marker may

fracture further. Contact a conservator or trained monument builder.

3) If additional work is not required and the marker is dry enough to be handled, prepare

for resetting the marker. Photograph the stone and determine the depth to which the

marker is to be reset.

4) Estimate a stone's weight at about 160 or 180 pounds per cubic foot. A marker 6 ft

high by 2 ft wide, 3 in thick, will weigh about 500 pounds. Support the marker and

lift it out of the ground, using nylon lifting belts and appropriate hoisting equipment.

Lay the marker carefully on supporting lumber (e.g., 2”x 4”s and thick plywood) to

ensure even, firm, and continuous support. Leave room to slide nylon belts under the

slab for easy lifting when you are ready to reset the marker.

5) When using lifting equipment, ensure that belts are nylon and positioned to minimize

pressure on the stone that would cause it to snap. If necessary, provide additional



HR-067-2015

76

support with lumber to help distribute loads. Trucks equipped with a gentle pneumatic

lifting system such as the Hi-Ab boom are ideal.

6) Never use metal pry-bars to move or lift stones, as these will damage friable edges of

the stone.

7) At the intended location for the marker, excavate a hole to the correct depth. Do not

excavate below this point, as disturbed soil makes a poor base and increases the

possibility of frost heave and/or settlement of the marker. Tamp the bottom of the hole

to compact the soil fully.

8) Many cemeteries are located on sandy knolls, where digging by hand is easy and the

soil is well drained. In these conditions, the soil is often found to be poorly

compacted and offers little support. Where such conditions occur, it is possible to

provide a localized footing for the marker. Where large stones are not available,

crushed stone or a concrete sand well compacted will be adequate. Avoid using brick,

as it can disintegrate rapidly from frost action. A landscaping geotextile fabric, laid

into the excavation prior to backfilling, can help prevent washout of the soil.

9) Place the marker in the hole and ensure that it is plumb and correctly aligned in the

row.

10) Carefully lift marker upright and either brace it or have a colleague support it.

11) Ensure that the marker is plumb.

12) Backfilling: Replace the soil around the marker, compacting it firmly in layers but

without exerting any force against the marker. A baseball bat makes a good

implement for compacting. Fill up both sides equally and where necessary add more

topsoil to provide a positive slope away from the marker. Replace the sod, or seed, if

necessary.

13) Return to the site two weeks later and fill up any depressions that may have resulted

from settling of the soil.



HR-067-2015

77

Appendix E: Personnel Suitable for Common Repair Work

From Landscapes of Memories: A Guide to Preserving Historic Cemeteries, by Tamara

Anson-Cartwright.



HR-067-2015

78

Appendix F: Temporary Burying of Stone Fragments

From Michigan Historic Cemeteries Preservation Guide, by G.G. King, S. Kosky, K. Glynn,

and G. Saborio.

When facilities for temporarily storing broken stones are not available, or when a cemetery is

subject to vandalism, another option (and a last resort) is to bury a piece (or pieces) of stone for

safekeeping. Bury the stone where it was located. The location must be identified, and the record

placed with the cemetery survey to assist in future replacement.

1) Dig a hole in front of the existing stone – about eight inches deeper than the thickness of the

stone, and large enough so that the stone pieces can lay flat. Tamp the bottom surface and place

pea-stone on the bottom to facilitate drainage.

2) Place the stone in the hole on top of the pea-stone and cover the marker with geo-textile fabric

(available at landscape supply houses). Cover the stone and fill the rest of the hole with clean fill

sand. Gently tamp – avoid cracking the marker.



HR-067-2015

79

Appendix G: Conservation Options

Option 1: Restoration of Existing Monument

Option 1 is the most typically used and highly recommended method of conservation treatment

for limestone gravestone. This option consists of correcting the gravestone to an upright position

with supports, mending the three large broken fragments, resetting the gravestone into the

existing socket base and cleaning the surface of both the stone socketed base and marker. This

option can be modified, for example; in lieu of mending the three large broken fragments, the

gravestone fragments would be set upright with the support of a frame.

There are two good, representative case studies of Option 1 in Ontario. The first case study is at

the Presbyterian Mono College Cemetery near Mono Centre, where a broken gravestone was

reset, cleaned, and mended. The second case study at the Melancthon United, Gravel Road

Cemetery, near Shelburne exhibits the resetting, cleaning, and framing of a gravestone.

Image 26: Melancthon United, Gravel Road and Presbyterian Mono College Cemetery

(ARA 2015)

Table 7: Analysis of Option 1

Advantages Disadvantages

Most cost effective

Least invasive

Aligns with the Vision for the William Wilson

Pioneer Cemetery

There are risks involved in lifting and pinning the

stone because its stability is unknown

Requires skilled trades such, as a conservator

and/or monument builder to execute

Gravestone frames could potentially cover

detailing of the gravestone



HR-067-2015

80

Option 2: Full Restoration of Existing Monument

Option 2 is the most aesthetically pleasing. It includes the same processes as Option 1, namely;

correcting the gravestone upright with supports, mending the broken fragments, resetting the

gravestone into the existing base and cleaning the surface of both base and marker. Option 2 goes

further by infilling any missing fragments.

A cemetery case study that is representative of Option 2 can be found in Oakville, Ontario. Here,

the stone was reset upright, the surface cleaned, and replication of the missing top adornment

was made.

Image 27: Before and After Restoration

(Town of Oakville)



Aesthetically pleasing by permanently infilling

any missing fragments

Requires skilled trades: a conservator and/or

monument builder

Can be costly

Potential to misrepresent the missing fragments

due to lack of historic photos



HR-067-2015

81

Option 3: Replicate Existing Monument

Option 3 amplifies protection measures of the original gravestone. This option requires the re-

creation of the existing gravestone. The replica could be placed outdoors at the William Wilson

Pioneer Cemetery location while the original gravestone could be donated or kept by the Town of

Midland for safekeeping. The donation possibility could see the grave marker go to the local

museum to be displayed as a part of their collection.

An example of Option 3 is found at the Melancthon United Gravel Road Cemetery near

Shelburne, Ontario. This historical tombstone was re-created, likely due to the fragility of the

original gravestone.

Image 28: Gravestone Replica

(ARA 2015)



Original marker could be more accessible to

community and non-community members at a

museum

Vandalism would be prevented

Risk of theft would be significantly reduced

Should the replica be vandalized, it can be replaced

A replica can be easily maintained by volunteers,

contractors, or town workers

Gravestone is removed from its context

Replica gravestone requires skilled trades (i.e.

monument maker)

Original gravestone requires care by trained

museum staff

A museum must be willing to take the original

gravestone



HR-067-2015

82

Appendix H: Selecting and Employing a Conservator In Canada

From CAC Publications - Selecting and Employing a Conservator In Canada, by the

Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property (CAC) and the Canadian

Association of Professional Conservators (CAPC)

Introduction

Canadians are becoming increasingly appreciative of collectable objects of artistic or heritage

value, and concerned with their preservation. Consequently, more and more Canadians are

turning to professional conservators to enhance and preserve their collections. The purpose of

this pamphlet is to help you select a conservator with the expertise needed to preserve, repair,

and restore your object or collection. Information is provided on what to expect and what not to

expect in your dealings with a conservator.

What is a conservator?

A conservator is someone who is involved in the care and treatment of objects of artistic or

historical significance. Qualified conservators are highly skilled practitioners with years of

training and experience. Unfortunately, there are also individuals who call themselves

conservators but who are unqualified or do not abide by professional standards. Consequently, it

is important to be careful in selecting a conservator. Conservation treatments can often be

complex and may involve some risk to the object. Because a high degree of expertise is required,

conservators generally specialize in one particular field such as paintings, books or artifacts.

Experts in preventive conservation are usually qualified to provide advice or services for more

than one type of collection.

Selecting a conservator

It is your responsibility to ensure that you select a conservator who will provide the best possible

care for your object or collection. To select a conservator you should first seek references from

people or organizations that employ conservators, such as public galleries, museums and

archives. It is best to ensure that these references are from people who have dealt directly with

the conservator in question.

As a rule all conservators in Canada should:

• know and abide by the Code of Ethics;

• be willing to show examples of their work and discuss openly their methods and

materials;

• be able to provide references;

• be willing to discuss their training and experience;

• be members of at least one conservation organization such as the Canadian

Association for Conservation (CAC), the American Institute for Conservation (AIC), or the

International Institute for Conservation (IIC). Although membership in these organizations is not

an assurance of professional status or competence, it does indicate an interest in keeping abreast

of developments in the field. There is an accrediting organization of conservators in Canada

called the Canadian Association of Professional Conservators (CAPC). Although its membership



HR-067-2015

83

is currently small, the CAPC is building a registry of professional conservators who have met

strict entrance requirements and who adhere to the Code of Ethics. It provides a mechanism for

the impartial review of consumer complaints against member conservators. Selecting a

conservator who is a member of CAPC affords you the assurance that the conservator is

qualified in his/her field of specialization. Conservators may be challenged to work in many

media: in this case, upholstery, and gilded surfaces on the leg of an antique chair.

What is involved once you have selected a conservator?

You should know exactly who will be doing the conservation work; it is better to deal directly

with the conservator involved rather than through a third party. Before any work begins, you

should discuss a contract that outlines both the scope of the work and its cost. From this

discussion you should be informed of the conservator's fees and what they include. As an

example, you might ask if copies of photographic documentation are included. The division of

responsibility between you and the conservator for packing, transporting and insuring the object

should be made clear. The conservation of an object normally involves two phases; examination

and treatment. Usually these two steps and their fees are contracted separately. The first phase is

the examination of the object to determine its condition and to propose a plan for its treatment

and care. Following the examination the conservator should provide:

• a written report describing the present condition of the object;

• a written proposal for treatment (although a recommendation against treatment may

be a valid outcome of an examination);

• an explanation of the expected results of treatment;

• an explanation of the potential risks involved in the proposed treatment;

• information on the type and the extent of treatment report you will receive upon

completion of the work;

• a cost estimate;

• an estimated completion date.

If you accept this treatment proposal, the second phase, the treatment itself, will follow. Until a

contract is signed, no treatment will be started, and you are under no obligation to have the work

done by that conservator. If you have any doubts, you should seek a second opinion from another

qualified conservator. If, during treatment, new information is discovered that necessitates a

significant deviation from the proposed treatment, you will be asked to sign a revised treatment

proposal or contract. When the work is completed you should receive a written treatment report

which includes a description of any materials added to the object during the treatment.

Photographs will be included if specified in your contract. You should also be given

recommendations for the ongoing care of the object. The conservator will keep complete records

of the treatment. A conservator can also be contracted to provide expert recommendations on

preventive conservation for your collection. He/she will conduct a survey of the site and the

collection, and will then present a written evaluation with recommendations for improvements in

environment, storage design, etc.



HR-067-2015

84

What not to expect of a conservator

A conservator should not be expected to provide cost estimates or treatment proposals without

first seeing the object or collection. He/she should not be expected to provide free estimates or to

store objects without charge after work has been completed. Do not expect a conservator to be

qualified to perform appraisals or authentications, or to buy your artwork or object, since this

may involve a conflict of interest.

What to do if problems arise

If you are dissatisfied with the conservator's work you should first approach the conservator to

ensure that there has not been a simple misunderstanding. If the problem cannot be resolved in

this way, and if the conservator is a member of CAPC, you may contact CAPC for help in

mediating the dispute.

In closing

The best way to ensure your satisfaction is to be informed of the conservator's qualifications and

to have realistic expectations of the scope and outcome of any work performed. Canada is known

for its high conservation standards and has many respected professionals working in the field as

practitioners, researchers, technicians, educators and consultants. Please take advantage of this

expertise to provide the best care for your treasured objects or collections.

Conservation organizations in Canada

The Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property (formerly IIC-CG) is a

nonprofit charitable organization whose primary aim is to further the dissemination of

knowledge concerning the conservation of Canada's cultural property. CAC, Suite 419, 207 Bank

Street Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2N2 [email protected] The Canadian Association of

Professional Conservators is a non-profit association dedicated to the maintenance of high

standards for professional conservators in Canada. CAPC c/o Canadian Museums Association

Suite 400, 280 Metcalfe St. Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1R7 tel.: (613) 567-0099 Copies of the "Code

of Ethics and Guidance for Practice for Those Involved in the Conservation of Cultural Property

in Canada" may be obtained from either of the above organizations. © 1997, CAC and CAPC"

mailto:[email protected]



HR-067-2015

85

Appendix I: CVs of Key Team Members

Paul J. Racher, M.A., CAHP

Vice-President, Operations

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATES LTD.

154 Otonabee Drive, Kitchener, ON N2C 1L7

Phone: (519) 804-2291 x100

Mobile: (519) 835-4427

Fax: (519) 286-0493

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.arch-research.com

Biography

Paul is Vice-President, Operations of ARA, and is a former lecturer in Cultural Resource Management at

Wilfrid Laurier University. He has a B.A. in Prehistoric Archaeology from WLU and an M.A. in

anthropology from McMaster University. He began his career as a heritage professional in 1986. Over the

two and a half decades since, he has overseen the completion of several hundred archaeological and

cultural heritage contracts. He holds professional licence #P007 with the MTCS. Paul is an Associate at

the Heritage Resources Centre, a professional member of the Canadian Association of Heritage

Professionals (CAHP) and of the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA). He is also a member of

the Association of Professional Archaeologists (APA) and is currently President-Elect of the Ontario

Archaeological Society (OAS).

Education

1992-1997 PhD Programme, Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto.

Supervisors: E.B. Banning and B. Schroeder. Withdrawn.

1989-1992 M.A., Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.

Thesis titled: The Archaeologist's 'Indian': Narrativity and Representation in

Archaeological Discourse.

1985-1989 Honours B.A., Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario.

Major: Prehistoric Archaeology.

Professional Memberships and Accreditations Current Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport Professional Licence (#P007).

Professional Member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals

(CAHP).

President-Elect of the Ontario Archaeological Society (OAS).

Associate of the Heritage Resources Centre, University of Waterloo.

RAQS registered with MTO.

Work Experience

Current Vice-President, Operations, Archaeological Research Associates Ltd.

Responsible for winning contracts, client liaison, project excellence, and setting

the policies and priorities for a multi-million dollar heritage consulting firm.

2000-2011 Project Manager/Principal Investigator, Archaeological Research Associates

Ltd.

Managed projects for a heritage consulting firm. In 10 field seasons, managed

hundreds of projects of varying size.

http://www.arch-research.com/



HR-067-2015

86

Work Experience (Continued)

2008-2011 Part-Time Faculty, Wilfrid Laurier University.

Lecturer for Cultural Resource Management course (AR 336). In charge of all

teaching, coursework, and student evaluations.

1995 Field Archaeologist, University of Toronto.

Served as a supervisor on a multinational archaeological project in northern

Jordan.

1992-1995 Teaching Assistant, University of Toronto.

Responsible for teaching and organizing weekly tutorials for a number of courses.

1991-1994 Part-Time Faculty, Wilfrid Laurier University.

Lectured for several courses in anthropology. Held complete responsibility for all

teaching, coursework, and student evaluations.

1992-1996 Partner in Consulting Company, Cultural Management Associates

Incorporated.

Supervised several archaeological contracts in Southern Ontario. Participated in a

major (now published) archaeological potential modeling project for MTO.

1989-1991 Partner in Consulting Company, Cultural Resource Consultants.

Managed the financial affairs of a consulting firm whilst supervising the

completion of several contracts performed for heritage parks in central Ontario.

1988-1991 Principal Investigator/Project Director, Archaeological Research Associates

Ltd.

Oversaw the completion of large contracts, wrote reports, and was responsible for

ensuring that contracts were completed within budget.

1988 Assistant Director of Excavations, St. Marie among the Hurons, Midland,

Ontario.

Duties included crew supervision, mapping, report writing and photography.

1986-1987 Archaeological Crew Person, Archaeological Research Associates Ltd.,

Waterloo, Ontario.

Participated in background research, survey, and excavation on a number of

Archaeological sites across Ontario.

Publications

2012 “The Emperor’s New Archaeology” Arch Notes 17(3), pp. 5-6.

2011 “A Distinctive, Probably Early Palaeoindian, Stone Artifact from the Credit River

Drainage.” KEWA, 11-3.

2006 “Up from the Muck: Towards a Truly Professional Archaeology in Ontario.” Arch

Notes. July/August Issue.

1995 A Biophysical Model for Prehistoric Archaeological Sites in Southern

Ontario. Co-authored with Penny M. Young, Malcolm R. Horne, Colin D. Varley,

and Andrew J. Clish. The Research and Development Branch, MTO.

1993 “The Tales We Tell – The Iroquois as ‘Savage’ in Ontario Archaeology.” Vis a

Vis: Explorations in Anthropology. University of Toronto, Toronto.

1990 “Scary Tales – Narrativity and Representation in Archaeological Discourse.”

Nexus: The Canadian Student Journal of Anthropology. McMaster University,

Hamilton



HR-067-2015

87

Conference Papers

2014 “What We Do” Presented at the 2014 meetings of the Ontario Archaeological

Society, Peterborough, Ontario.

2014 “A Fool’s Experiment” Presented at the 2014 meetings of the Canadian

Archaeological Association, London, Ontario.

2014 “The Accidental Pilgrim – An Appreciation of Dean Knight” Presented at the

2014 meetings of the Canadian Archaeological Association, London, Ontario.

2014 “Savages.” Presented to the third Annual Cultural and Historical Gathering of the

Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, New Credit, Ontario.

2013 “Finding Archaeology.” Presented at the 2013 meetings of the Ontario

Archaeological Association, Niagara Falls, Ontario.

2013 “Why Archaeology Matters.” Presented at the 2013 meetings of the Ontario

Archaeological Association, Niagara Falls, Ontario.

2012 “The Archaeology of Anishnawbek Peoples.” Presented to the second Annual

Cultural and Historical Gathering of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First

Nation, New Credit, Ontario.

2012 “The Archaeology of Anishnawbek Peoples.” Presented to the first Annual

Cultural and Historical Gathering of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First

Nation, New Credit, Ontario.

2006 “Up from the Muck: Towards a Truly Professional Archaeology in Ontario.”

Presented at the 2006 meetings of the Canadian Archaeological Association,

Toronto, Ontario.

1997 (With E.B. Banning) “Sampling theory and microrefuse analysis: Neolithic house

floors in Wadi Ziqlab, Jordan.” Presented at the 1997 SAA meetings, Nashville,

TN.

1991 “The Iroquois of Archaeology – Narrativity and Representation in Ontario

Archaeology.” Presented at the 1991 conference of the Northeastern

Anthropological Association, Waterloo, ON.

1990 (With C. Varley & P. Ramsden) “East Meets West – The Mythological and Social

Transformations of Space amongst the Early Historic Iroquois of Ontario.”

Presented at the 1990 Chacmool Conference, University of Calgary.

Select Scholarly Talks

2014 “Pointing at the Moon.” A lecture presented to the London Chapter of the Ontario

Archaeological Society, London, Ontario.

2014 “Yesterday’s Game.” A lecture presented to the Grand River Chapter of the

Ontario Archaeological Society, Cambridge, Ontario.

2014 “The English Tourist.” A lecture presented to the Peterborough Chapter of the

Ontario Archaeological Society, Peterborough, Ontario.

2014 “Savages.” A lecture presented at the Fourth Annual Symposium on Mississauga

History and Culture, New Credit, Ontario.

2014 “A Walk in the Past.” A lecture presented to the senior Aboriginal Studies class at

Huron Heights Secondary School, Kitchener, Ontario.

2014 “Ganödagwёhda:’ dosgёh gёhö:de – The Village Near the Stream.” A lecture

presented to the senior Aboriginal Studies class at Huron Heights Secondary

School, Kitchener, Ontario.



HR-067-2015

88

Selected Scholarly Talks (Continued)

2013 “Why Archaeology Matters.” A lecture presented to the Hamilton Chapter of the

Ontario Archaeological Society, Hamilton, Ontario.

2013 “Why Archaeology Matters.” A lecture presented to the 3rd Aboriginal Monitor

Training Workshop, Ohsweken, Six Nations Territory, Ontario.

2012 “Ganödagwёhda:’ dosgёh gёhö:de – The Village Near the Stream.” A lecture

presented to select Grade 5, 6, and Aboriginal Studies teachers in the Region of

Waterloo.

2012 “The Village Near the Stream.” A lecture presented as part of the TALKS series at

the Waterloo Regional Museum.

2012 “The Archaeology of Anishnawbek Peoples.” A lecture presented at the Second

Annual Symposium on Mississauga History and Culture, New Credit, Ontario.

2012 “Ganödagwёhda:’ dosgёh gёhö:de – The Village Near the Stream.’” A lecture

presented to select Grade 5, 6, and Aboriginal Studies teachers in the Region of

Waterloo.

2011 “The Archaeology of Anishnawbek Peoples.” A lecture presented at the First

Annual Symposium on Mississauga History and Culture, New Credit, Ontario.

2011 “Why Archaeology Matters.” A lecture presented to the 2nd Aboriginal Monitor

Training Workshop, Ohsweken, Six Nations Territory, Ontario.

2011 “Archaeology and Burials.” A lecture presented to the Cemeterian Operations

Level II course at the 56th Annual Professional Development Program of the

Ontario Recreational Facilities Association (ORFA), Guelph, Ontario.

2010 “The Strasburg Creek Site.” A lecture presented to the Education committee of the

City of Kitchener Council, Kitchener, Ontario.

2009 “Ethics in Cultural Resource Management.” A lecture presented to the 2nd

Aboriginal Monitor Training Workshop, Ohsweken, Six Nations Territory,

Ontario.

2009 “The Archaeology of the Grand River Watershed.” A lecture presented to the

Ministry of the Environment at the request of the Six Nations Eco Centre,

Ohsweken, Ontario.

2009 “Heritage Consulting in Ontario.” A lecture presented to students of the heritage

planning programme at the University of Waterloo.

2008 “Ethics in Consulting Archaeology.” A lecture presented to the first Aboriginal

Monitor Training Workshop, Ohsweken, Six Nations Territory, Ontario.



HR-067-2015

89

Curriculum Vitae Kayla Jonas Galvin, B.E.S., CAHP

Heritage Manager

ARCHAEOGICAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATES LTD.


Phone: (519) 804-2291 x120

Fax: (519) 286-0493



Biography

Kayla Jonas Galvin, ARA's Heritage Operations Manager, has recently come to ARA and brings

with her a wealth of knowledge gained from working for six and a half years at the Heritage

Resources Centre at the University of Waterloo. She has served as Team Lead on the Ministry of

Tourism, Culture and Sport's (MTCS) Historic Places Initiative. She was Project Coordinator

for Heritage Districts Work!, a study of 64 heritage districts in Ontario carried out by the

Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. She is a co-author of Arch, Truss and Beam: The Grand

River Watershed Heritage Bridge Inventory in the Grand River Watershed and has worked on

three phases of a Municipal Heritage Inventory in the Town of Halton Hills. Kayla has extensive

experience with Cultural Heritage Landscapes (CHL), including a study of the Goderich Harbour

and an examination of the Black Bridge area of Cambridge. At this writing, Kayla has almost

completed her MA in Planning from the University of Waterloo. Kayla is a professional member

of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP).

Education

Current Candidate for MA in Planning, University of Waterloo

2003-2008 Honours BES University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario

Joint Major: Environment and Resource Studies and Anthropology Distinction:

Dean’s Honour Roll

Professional Memberships and Accreditations

Current Professional Member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals

(CAHP)

Work Experience

Current Heritage Manager, Archaeological Research Associates

Coordinated the completion of various heritage inventories, Heritage Impact

Assessments and Cultural Heritage Resource Evaluations.

2009-2013 Heritage Planner, Heritage Resources Centre, University of Waterloo

Coordinated the completion of various contracts associated with built heritage

including responding to grants, RFPs and initiating service proposals.

2008-2009 Project Coordinator, - Heritage Conservation District Study, Architectural

Conservancy of Ontario Coordinated the field research and wrote reports for the study of 32 Heritage

Conservation Districts in Ontario. Managed the efforts of over 84 volunteers, four

staff and municipal planners from 23 communities.

http://www.arch-research.com/



HR-067-2015

90

2007-2008 Team Lead, Historic Place Initiative, Ministry of Culture

Liaised with Ministry of Culture Staff, Centre’s Director and municipal heritage

staff to draft over 850 Statements of Significance for properties to be nominated

to the Canadian Register of Historic Places. Managed a team of four people.

Professional Development 2014 Heritage Preservation and Structural Recording in Historical and Industrial Archaeology,

Wilfrid Laurier University, 12 weeks

2012 Region of Waterloo Workshop on Heritage Impact Assessments, Half-Day

2012 Conducting Historic Building Assessments Workshop, One-Day

2012 Window Restoration Workshop, One-Day

2011 Lime Mortars for Traditionally Constructed Brickwork, Two Day Workshop, ERA

Architects and Historic Restoration Inc., Toronto

2011 Energy and Heritage Buildings Workshop Two-Day Workshop, Heritage

Resources Centre

2010 Grant Writing Three-Day Workshop, Grant Training Centre, Toronto

2010 Architectural Photography, Mohawk College

2010 Project Management Fundamentals, University of Waterloo Continuing Education

2009 Cultural Heritage Landscapes Two-Day Workshop, Heritage Resources Centre

2009 Urban Landscape and Documentary Photography, Mohawk College

2008 Introduction to Digital Photography, Mohawk College

2008 Heritage Planning Four-Day Workshop, Heritage Resources Centre

Publications 2014 Ontario Planning Journal, January/February 2015, “Inventorying our History.”

2014 Municipal World, September 2014, “Mad about Modernism.”

2014 Cities. “Assessing the success of Heritage Conservation

Districts: Insights from Ontario Canada.” with R. Shipley and J. Kovacs.

2014 Acorn, Spring 2014, “Veevers Estate Hamilton: From Historic Farmhouse to

Environmental Showpiece.”

2013 Ontario Planning Journal, November/December 2013, “Grand River Watershed Heritage

Bridge Conservation.” pages 16-17.

2013 Book Committee Chair, “80 for 80: Celebrating 80 Years of the Architectural

Conservancy of Ontario.”

2013 Ontario Planning Journal, January/February 2013, “Building stories about heritage assets:

Community voices.”

2012 Acorn, Fall 2012, “The Case of Northern New Towns.” pages 28-29.

2012 Acorn, Spring 2012. “Creating the Heritage Heroes of the Future,” page 9.

2012 Alternatives, March/April 2012, “In With the Old: The debate on wood vs. vinyl

windows.” page 14.

2011 Urban Affairs Review, “Heritage Districts Work: Evidence from the Province of

Ontario.” with R. Shipley and J. Kovacs.

2011 Municipal World, February 2011, “Moving Forward While Looking Back.” pages 15-16.

2010 Municipal World, September 2010, “Heritage Conservation Districts Work!” pages 27-

28.



HR-067-2015

91

Presentations

2014 “Heritage is #Trending.” Keynote address at the Alberta Municipal Heritage Forum. Red

Deer, AB.

2014 “How to Use Social Media.” Presented at the Alberta Municipal Heritage Forum, Red

Deer, AB.

2014 “Building Stories Workshop.” Presented at the Ontario Heritage Conference. Cornwall,

ON.

2013 “Heritage Conservation Districts.” Presented at the Heritage Conservation Districts &

Heritage Property Insurance Workshop by Community Heritage Ontario, Ajax, ON.

2013 “New Media, New Audiences.” Presented at the National Preservation Conference,

Indianapolis, Indiana.

2012 “Taking it to the next level: How to use social media in your organization.” Presented at

the National Preservation Conference. Spokane, Washington.

2012 “Young Professionals Forum.” Presented at the Ontario Heritage Conference, Kingston,

ON.

2011-13“Ontario Architectural Styles.” Presented for the Heritage Resources Centre.

2011-12 “Heritage Conservation Districts.” Presented for the Heritage Resources Centre.

2011 “Interactive Websites.” Presented at the Heritage Canada Conference, Victoria, BC.

2011 “Creating a Heritage Blog.” Presented at the Ontario Heritage Conference, Cobourg, ON.

2011 “Restore, Repurpose or Replace: What happens when a building gets old?” Presented at

the Art Gallery of Hamilton.

2009 “Results from Conservation Districts Works!” Presented to The Ministry of Culture,

Toronto, ON.

2009 “Heritage and Sustainability.” Presented at Heritage Resources Centre Lunch and Learn

Series, Waterloo, ON.

2008-13 “Introduction to Heritage Conservation Districts.” Presented to PLAN 414, University

of Waterloo.

2008 “Canadian Experience.” Panelist at ICOMOS General Assembly, Quebec City, QB.

2007-13 “Writing Statements of Significance.” Presented to PLAN 414, University of Waterloo.



HR-067-2015

92

Curriculum Vitae

Andrea Carswell, BA Hons, D.CCM

Collections and Laboratory Manager and Conservation Technician

ARCHAEOGICAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATES LTD.


Phone: (519) 804-2291 ext 140

Fax: (519) 286-0493



Biography

Following a year of experience in heritage preservation and conservation at the Waterloo Region

Museum and an archaeological field season in Belize, Andrea joined ARA as the Collections and

Laboratory Manager as well as a Conservation Technician in 2011. Responsible for the care and

preservation of the collection from field collection through to long-term storage, Andrea utilizes

the most current techniques in artifact preparation, identification and processing. In her capacity

as Conservation Technician, she also manages ARA’s affiliated exhibition and heritage

preservation projects. Andrea holds an Honours B.A. in Anthropology from Trent University, as

well as a post-graduate Diploma in Collections and Conservation Management from Fleming

College. She is a member of the Canadian Museum Association (CMA), the Canadian

Association for Conservation (CAC-ACCR), and the Canadian Archaeological Association

(CAA).

Education

2009–2010 Diploma in Collections Conservation and Management, Fleming College

2005–2009 Honours BA Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario

Major: Anthropology with an Emphasis in Archaeology

Conservation and Preservation Management

Strong understanding of chemical and physical processes of deterioration of organic and

inorganic material types

Competent in the planning and implementation of risk assessments and Integrated Pest

Management (IPM) programs, as well as policy development

Knowledgeable in preserving and restoring cedar shingles, mortar, linseed oil paint, stone

and metal structures

Excellent manual dexterity and hands on application of knowledge in preserving and

restoring artifacts

Formulated condition assessments and treatment reports

Strong problem solving skills, flexibility, and analysis of artifacts for treatment

Performed treatments and created reproductions of various object types

Revamped and formulated a condition report, condition assessment for loan and

exhibition materials, as well as a treatment report for the Waterloo Region Museum



HR-067-2015

93

Work Experience

2011-Current Collections and Laboratory Manager, Archaeological Research Associates

Ltd., Kitchener, Ontario Manages artifact collections, including identification, documentation, and storage.

Coordinate and provide training for lab assistants. Prepares artifact analysis for

archaeological reports. Responsible for maintaining the Ontario Ministry of

Tourism, Culture, and Sports collections standards as per the Standards and

Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists. Preserves and conserves artifacts,

prepares artifacts for loan, and designs and produces artifact display cases.

2010–2011 Conservation Assistant, Waterloo Region Museum, Kitchener, Ontario

Internship: Conserved, preserved, and documented a variety of mixed collection

artifacts. Prepared artifacts for exhibition.

2007 Field Technician, Trent University, Belize

Field school student for the Trent Social Archaeology Research Program in

Belize. Performed proper techniques and methods of excavation, including

surveying and mapping. Executed artifact, stratification, and archaeological

feature identification. Synthesized and reported findings for analysis as well as

catalogued and cleaned artifacts for storage.

Participated Museum Projects

2014 Managed, designed and developed an exhibit case for Cook Houses, Kitchener

2010–2011 Preserved and treated artifacts for exhibition at the Waterloo Region Museum,

Kitchener

2009–2010 Member of a research team that researched, drafted and built text panels for an

exhibit

2009–2010 Member of a promotions team that designed and organized promotional material

for an opening exhibit as well as the opening reception for the exhibit

2010 Revamped and formulated a condition report, condition assessment for loan and

exhibition materials, as well as a treatment report for the Waterloo Region

Museum, Kitchener

2010 Member of a management team that oversaw the formulation, planning, and

implementation of a Conservation Plan, including a risk assessment and IPM

program, for the Fleming College laboratory and collections storage

2009 Developed and implemented storage techniques the re-housing of a small

collection for Hutchison House, Peterborough

Professional Memberships and Accreditations

Current Member of the Canadian Association for Conservation (CAC-ACCR)

Current Member of the Ontario Archaeology Society, Grand River Chapter

Current Member of the Canadian Museum Association

Current Member of the Ontario Museum Association

Professional Development 2015 Attended RE-ORG Day Conference, Ontario

2014 “Built Heritage and Conservation” workshop with the Canadian Association for

Conservation (CAC-ACCR)



HR-067-2015

94

2013 "Care of Archaeological Artifacts from the Field to the Lab" course, Northern

States Conservation Center

2013 WHMIS Training

2013 Fall Arrest Training

2012 Standard First Aid with CPR A+AED, St.John Ambulance

2010 Fire Prevention Workshop, Peterborough Fire Department, Peterborough, One

Day

2010 Introduction to Photography, Trent Photographic, Peterborough, Ontario

2010 Canadian Association for Conservation Conference (CAC-ACCR), Ottawa

2010 "Preservation of Gravestones and Monuments" presented by Tamara Anson-

Cartwright from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Half Day

2010 "Cultural Resource Planning and Management Along the Trent-Severn Waterway

(TSW)", workshop by Richard Scott, TSW Planner and Dennis Carter-Edwards,

Cultural Resource Management Manager, One Day

2010 "Built Heritage Preservation" workshop by Erik Hanson, Heritage Preservation

Office, City of Peterborough

2010 "Archaeological Conservation and Collections Management" presented by Dr.

Cathy Mathias, Memorial University

2008 Introductory course to ArcGIS, by Dr. James Connolly, Trent University

Volunteer Experience

2011–Current Representative for Strasburg Creek Site, Archaeological Research

Associates Ltd., Kitchener

Responsible for public outreach at the City of Kitchener's Earth Day event at the

Huron Natural Area, Kitchener. Answered questions concerning archaeology, the

Strasburg creek site, and cultural practices of past Aboriginal groups in the Grand

River area.

2011 Database Assistant, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo

Catalogued and entered artifact data into the database system for Wilfrid Laurier's

Near Eastern Archaeology Department.

2010 Representative for Fleming College, Peterborough

Was a representative for the Collections Conservation and Management program

at Fleming College's Open House. Answered questions concerning the program as

well as general questions about Fleming College.

2010 Preservation Technician, Peterborough Museum and Archives, Peterborough

Worked alongside staff members to clean and maintain exhibit cases.



HR-067-2015

95



HR-067-2015

96