The public has the chance to see behind the doors of some of the city’s historical buildings this Saturday.
Doors Open 2014 features 17 historically, architecturally and culturally significant landmarks and buildings throughout Thunder Bay and all of the sites chosen for this year’s event are linked to the First World War era.
Waverley Park’s Cenotaph and Afghanistan monument and St. Paul’s United Church are among some of the stops as well as the Whalen Building, Prince Arthur Hotel, Shuniah Masonic Hall, Mountain View Cemetery and the Mount McKay Monument.
Fort William First Nation Chief Georjann Morriseau said the community wanted to be a part of the city event this year because it’s a great way to acknowledge First Nations people, especially the veterans who contributed to the First World War.
“I think sometimes we forget about the all of our deceased especially our veterans so I think it’s a good way to acknowledge that and keep the memory of our soldiers alive and to keep their courageous involvement alive within our community,” she said.
The city’s heritage advisory committee chairman Andrew Cotter said they picked sites significant to the First World War to celebrate the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the war.
He said the Doors Open event is about celebrating the community’s heritage.
“We think about learning about the future by looking into the past,” he said.
“These buildings teach us about what was around during the time of the First World War … and where we came from. These buildings have rich cultural heritage. They have architectural heritage,” added Cotter.
In addition to the historical sites, the event also includes renovated spaces like Superior Lofts in the Neelin Building.
Doors Open 2014 runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 6. For more information see www.thunderbay.ca/doorsopen.
