Doors Open Kawartha Lakes highlights local heritage on September 15

For the past two decades, Doors Open Kawartha Lakes has invited residents and visitors alike to take in some of this region’s most treasured and unique places and spaces – many of which are not normally open to the public – free of charge. The event returns on Sunday, September 15, 2024.

Doors Open had its roots in France, with the inaugural event taking place in 1984. By 2002, the Ontario Heritage Trust had picked up on the idea and launched events in this province – including here in Kawartha Lakes. Owing to the municipality’s vast geography, Doors Open events were organized on a rotational basis, with each year focusing on a different community or cluster of communities. Starting in 2017, Doors Open events began to be tailored to a particular theme: in view of Canada’s sesquicentennial commemorations, that year’s event focused on “150 Years of Cultural and Religious Diversity in the Kawarthas.” Other themes have included Communications (2019) and Design (2022).

This year, Doors Open Kawartha Lakes recognizes the 150th anniversary of the founding of Fenelon Falls, as well as the 125th anniversary of Sturgeon Point’s incorporation as a village, with participating sites being featured in both communities – as well as in nearby Bobcaygeon and Bury’s Green.

A treasure trove of cultural heritage awaits visitors at the Boyd Heritage Museum, Christ Church Anglican, and the recently restored Edgewood Dry Stone Wall in Bobcaygeon – while a 15-minute drive west will bring day-tripping explorers to the Fenelon Falls Generating Station, Fenelon Falls United Church (which in 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of its Woodstock pipe organ), the Fenelon Station Gallery, The Grove Theatre, Kawartha Lakes Fire Station No. 22, Maryboro Lodge – The Fenelon Museum, and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Those interested in picturesque places of worship can venture 12.5 km northeast of Fenelon Falls to St. Peter’s Anglican Church, which once served the hamlet of Bury’s Green – or they might motor over to Sturgeon Point, where the famous Union Church will be open for quiet contemplation and an opportunity to take in the building’s stunning post-and-beam construction. Still want to linger for a while in what was once known as “Kawartha Lakes’ Summer Playground?” Advocate ‘Just In Time’ columnist Ian McKechnie will be conducting walking tours of Sturgeon Point, highlighting some of the village’s landmarks and inviting participants to imagine life at “The Point” a century or more ago.

“Doors Open is a great opportunity for community members and visitors to experience places in Kawartha Lakes that they may not normally visit and see our heritage come to life,” says Emily Turner, Kawartha Lakes’ heritage planner. “This year, we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of Fenelon Falls and the 125th anniversary of Sturgeon Point and we have some exciting sites along the north side of Sturgeon Lake for a great day out on September 15.”

Doors Open Kawartha Lakes takes place between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on September 15. Please visit doorsopenontario.on.ca/pages/events/kawartha-lakes for a complete listing of participating sites, times, and directions.