Service club agrees to replacement of Canatara log cabin

Journal Staff The Seaway Kiwanis Club has decided to support the city’s decision to replace rather than refurbish the log cabin in Canatara Park. In 1989, city council officially designated the cabin for its historic and architectural value.

Journal Staff

The Seaway Kiwanis Club has decided to support the city’s decision to replace rather than refurbish the log cabin in Canatara Park.

In 1989, city council officially designated the cabin for its historic and architectural value. But its squared logs were compromised over time and began to rot as water seeped in where the mortar had failed.

The city agreed last June to remove and replace the cabin with a new one, incorporating original pieces where possible. The replacement cost, estimated at $100,000, was less than the $150,000 needed to save the neglected building.

The Kiwanis Club, a driving force behind many Canatara Park attractions including the Children’s Animal Farm, finally voted to support the replacement last fall.

President Tom Booth said the decision was influenced by access to $35,000 available from the Alix Foundation, $10,000 from the city and $5,000 from Bluewater Power.

Residents can help by making a donation to the club at www.seawaykiwanis.ca.

The homesteader-style cabin dates to the 1800s and came to Sarnia from the Goderich in the 1930s and was reassembled at a property on Modeland Road.

It was owned by the William Hanna, president of Imperial Oil and federal cabinet minister, and his wife Maude Hanna, a city philanthropist.

The cabin was donated to the city in 1971 by Lorne Hay, a local builder and city councillor, and became a focal point for special events such as Easter in the Park and Christmas on the Farm.

City Hall, Kiwanis Club and Sarnia Heritage Committee will work together on the replacement project in 2019.