August 9, 2007

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT PRESERVES ONTARIO HERITAGE
BY COMMEMORATING GRAVESITES OF FORMER PREMIERS
New Initiative Will Mark Gravesites With Flags And Bronze Plates

CORNWALL — The McGuinty government is honouring the achievements and leadership of Ontario’s deceased premiers by permanently marking their gravesites with flags and commemorative plaques, Minister of Culture Caroline Di Cocco announced today at Quinn’s Inn, next to St. Andrew’s West Cemetery, the final resting place of Ontario’s first premier, John Sandfield Macdonald, 1865 to 1871.

 “Ontario’s former premiers built the foundation for the excellent quality of life we enjoy today,” said Di Cocco. “Commemorating their gravesites with flags and plaques is an important part of preserving our past and celebrating their achievements, which made our province a better place to live, work and play.”

The $412,000 program, to be developed and implemented by the Ontario Heritage Trust (OHT), will include, for each gravesite, flags, small bronze markers and unveiling ceremonies, as required.

The OHT program was inspired by a private members bill brought forward by Jim Brownell, Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh MPP and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism.

Two years before becoming Premier, Mr. Macdonald built a hotel and restaurant on the site of Quinn’s Inn. Gutted by a fire in 1879, the building was later used as a store, post office and barber shop. New owners purchased the shop in 1989 and restored the inn and historic landmark.

“Ontario’s former premiers helped establish our schools, health care system, provincial parks and highways,” said Brownell. “By marking their gravesites, the McGuinty government is formally recognizing their remarkable vision and preserving Ontario’s heritage for future generations.

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Contacts:

Mark Thompson, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-4071

Guy Lepage, Communications Branch, (416) 314-3497

 

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