Heritage Village – A Meadow Creek Proposal

In April of 2000, the Town of Iroquois Falls initiated a feasibility study with a corresponding project proposal that could potentially lead to the development of a tourism/interpretive/conference eco-centre. The LAMF participated in this project in support of the establishment of a permanent facility where visitors could learn of the values attributed to our local forest and the rich cultural heritage of the area.

One option that the Town of Iroquois Falls is considering through the proposal is to create a trip through time, starting from prehistory to the present. Local human history can be traced back for at least 6000 years in the area. Dioramas for the trip through time would depict significant pre-historical and historical events, including:

• An exhibit of the geological features of the area

• A life size reproduction of an aboriginal settlement

• Life size interactive reconstructions of the fur trading posts, forts, dwellings and aboriginal dwellings (focus on the Detroyes Expedition)

• Depictions of the time of European settlement at the beginning of the century, the building of the paper mill and other forest based industries in the area

• A forest interpretive/educational centre (showcasing the LAMF and the contemporary issues around sustainable forest management)

In an effort to attract people to the area and to allow for exploration and enjoyment of the natural environment, it has also been suggested through the proposal that parts of the waterfront be developed for wildlife viewing with interpretive programs. A canoe launch and rental area would also be part of this development. The LAMF will continue to be involved in this project as Phase III unfolds. Partners in this project included members of the Lake Abitibi Model Forest, the Iroquois Falls Community Development Team, Iroquois Falls Tourism, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, and the Canadian Ecology Centre.