Provincial plaque commemorates Royal Navy Depot Holland Landing from War of
1812

SHARON, ON, Sept. 30 /CNW/ - Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Town of East Gwillimbury unveiled a provincial plaque to commemorate Holland's Landing Depot - a former Royal Navy depot constructed during the War of 1812.

"Due to its strategic location, the Holland's Landing Depot contributed to the success of the British and Canadians and their Aboriginal allies in the region of the Upper Great Lakes during the War of 1812," said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "I'm pleased to see it commemorated for the important role it played in the defence of Upper Canada at the time and thus, for its place in the history of Ontario."

The plaque reads as follows:

HOLLAND'S LANDING DEPOT

The Royal Navy Depot Holland Landing, constructed during the War of 1812, stood just north of this site on the east bank of Soldiers' Bay. Its buildings and other facilities served as an administrative and transshipment centre within a network of roads, waterways, portages and posts that connected Lake Ontario to the upper Great Lakes. To avoid American forces in the Niagara-Lake Erie-Detroit River corridor, British authorities moved vital supplies from York (Toronto) through this depot to Georgian Bay to support the successful war effort on the upper lakes. In addition, they distributed gifts to Aboriginal allies in the region from this site. After the return of peace in 1815, officials gradually concentrated most local military operations at Penetanguishene, which led to the decline and abandonment of the depot in the 1830s. Afterwards, travellers occasionally used it for shelter until it was transferred to private ownership in the 1860s.

"The Town of East Gwillimbury honours its roots, and celebrates its historical heritage. We are delighted that this Ontario Heritage Trust plaque will highlight the significance of this site in the Town's history," said James Young, Mayor of the Town of East Gwillimbury. "We are grateful for the support of the East Gwillimbury Historical Society and Nancy Eves, who have provided valuable historical advice and perspective to appreciate the importance of this landmark."

The unveiling ceremony took place in the Council Chambers at the Town of East Gwillimbury Civic Centre. The provincial plaque will be permanently installed on the north side of Queensville Sideroad West, at the southeast end of Soldiers' Bay.

The Ontario Heritage Trust's Provincial Plaque Program commemorates significant people, places and events in Ontario's history. The Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

Quick Facts:

• Since 1953, over 1,200 provincial plaques have been unveiled.
  
• 45 provincial plaques across Ontario commemorate people, places and events related to the War of 1812.

Learn More:

For more information on the Provincial Plaque Program, visit www.heritagetrust.on.ca.

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For further information:

Contact:
Catrina Colme
Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ontario Heritage Trust
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]