Media Advisory - Provincial plaque memorializes Robert Nichol

    
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    Date:        Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 2 p.m.
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    Location:    Thompson / Ivey House 156 Prospect Street, Port Dover
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    Directions:  From the QEW, take Highway 403 towards Hamilton. From
                 Highway 403, take Highway 6 South to Regional Road 3 (St.
                 John's Road / Red Kelly Line). Turn right (west) onto
                 Regional Road 3. Turn left onto Tisdale Road. Follow Tisdale
                 Road to Prospect Street (Tisdale Road ends at Prospect
                 Street). Thompson / Ivey House is near the corner, across a
                 small bridge. Parking is available on site.
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    Photo
    opportunity: Unveiling of a provincial plaque
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    Contact:     Catrina Colme
                 Marketing and Communications Coordinator
                 Telephone: [phone]
                 E-mail: [email protected]
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PORT DOVER , ON, Sept. 21 /CNW/ - Join the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Port Dover Harbour Museum for the unveiling of a provincial plaque commemorating businessman and political figure Robert Nichol (c.1774-1824).

Nichol was born in Scotland around 1774 and arrived in Upper Canada (now Ontario) in 1792. In 1808, he relocated to Norfolk County, where he established milling, brewing and distilling businesses. He also held several public offices prior to the War of 1812. When the United States declared war, Nichol devoted himself to the defence of the province as quartermaster-general of the Upper Canadian militia. He was frequently engaged in action against American forces, including the capture of Detroit under the leadership of Major-General Isaac Brock and Chief Tecumseh.

Nichol was elected to the Legislative Assembly for Norfolk County three times, from 1812 to 1820. He suffered enormous losses when American forces raided and burned his property in 1814, for which he was not compensated until a month after his death. When peace returned to the colony, Nichol's pro-government views changed. As leader of the Opposition, he pushed for a reduction in public spending and for reforms to strengthen the economy, including a union with Lower Canada .

Today, Robert Nichol is remembered for his contributions to the economic development of the province in the prewar years, for his skilful defence of the colony during desperate times and for his commitment to Upper Canada's political maturation in the postwar period.

The Ontario Heritage Trust's Provincial Plaque Program commemorates significant people, places and events in Ontario's history. Since 1953, over 1,200 provincial plaques have been unveiled.

Aussi disponible en français

For further information: Catrina Colme, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Telephone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]