Ontario Heritage Trust commemorates the Battle of York at Parliament interpretive centre

TORONTO, April 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, joined the Ontario Heritage Trust for an event commemorating the bicentennial of the battle and occupation of York during the War of 1812.

On April 27, 1813, American forces attacked York, then the capital of Upper Canada. During the subsequent week-long occupation of the town - considered one of the most traumatic events in the history of Toronto - the Americans burned down the province's parliament buildings. This triggered a cycle of retribution, ultimately leading to the burning down of the White House and the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., the following year.

General Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe led the defence during the attack on York. As the commander of the military forces in Upper Canada and head of the provincial government, Sheaffe played a key role in these events.

Starting today, information and artifacts relating to Sheaffe are on display for the first time at the Parliament interpretive centre, as new additions to the exhibit, "Foundations & Fire: Early Parliament and the War of 1812 Experience at York." The Parliament interpretive centre sits on the site of the former parliament buildings, burned during the occupation of York.

QUOTES
"It is fitting that we are here to commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the battle and occupation of York at a site that was once the heart of civic life in the province. I'm delighted that visitors to this site will now have a chance to see rare artifacts that once belonged to General Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe, a man who played a central role in the defence of the province."
— The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

"The battle and occupation of York represents one of the most significant events in the history of this country. Commemorating this anniversary is an important way to remember those who fought to defend our nation and to share this story with future generations."
— Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

"This anniversary presents an opportunity to reflect on one of the most traumatic events in our history. The provincial capital was attacked and occupied by an invading force and our parliament buildings were burned to the ground. Today, we honour those who lost their lives and who suffered, and we remember the courage and endurance of the town's inhabitants."
— Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust

QUICK FACTS

• The Parliament interpretive centre tells the history of the site of Ontario's first purpose-built parliament buildings, from the early days of Upper Canada to the present.
• Opened in 1797, the parliament buildings were burned down by invading American forces during the War of 1812. They were later rebuilt, but were destroyed by fire again in 1824.
• Owned and operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust, the Parliament interpretive centre hosts special events throughout the year, including activities for children and school groups.

LEARN MORE
Find out more about the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Parliament interpretive centre at www.heritagetrust.on.ca/parliament.

The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

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SOURCE: Ontario Heritage Trust

CONTACTS
For more information about the Parliament interpretive centre and commemorative activities at the site for the bicentennial of the War of 1812, contact Catrina Colme at 416-325-5074 or [email protected].