(L to R) Charlene Klimack (Office Administrator at J.G. Fitzgerald & Sons Ltd.), Moira Friske (Interim Director/Curator at the UOVHC), David Blaney (President of the Ottawa Valley Historical Society), Tyler Fitzgerald (Vice President of J.G. Fitzgerald & Sons Ltd.), MPP Billy Denault, and Julia Klimack (Museum Administrator at the UOVHC).
The Pembroke Heritage Centre held it’s annual Christmas Market Sunday which served as a fitting backdrop for local MPP Billy Denault to present Interim Director Moira Friske with a document of congratulations for a $90,200 Capital Grant. The funds come courtesy of the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to repair the roof of the Founder’s Hall. The project will ensure that the exhibit space is protected for future generations.
David Blaney, President of The Ottawa Valley Historical Society which owns and operates the Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Society, says that he is grateful for the infusion of cash and that keeping the centre going is a full time concern:
Renfrew-Nippising-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault said that monies like that from Trillium and the Province go a long way in maintaining the invaluable heritage of The Ottawa Valley:
The museum building, officially opened in 1979, is now 46 years old. After decades of weather-related wear and rust, its roof required urgent repairs. J.G. Fitzgerald & Sons Ltd. was contracted to pressure wash and prime the entire roof, reinforce the joints, and apply two coats of Pro-Grade 988 silicone roof coating. The work has extended the facility’s lifespan, prevented water intrusion into exhibit and community areas, and safeguarded artifacts and archival materials from damage.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the provincial government, works to strengthen healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. In the past year, OTF invested nearly $105 million in 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Its funding supports initiatives that boost economic well-being, encourage active living, foster child and youth development, create spaces for community connection, and promote environmental sustainability.
More information is available at otf.ca.
(Written By: Richard Evans)