Councillors and community members in East Gwillimbury, located north of Toronto, are urgently working to safeguard a historic log cabin and First Nations settlement from potential demolition, with time running short. Andrew Lenkov, a local resident who unearthed the site’s historical significance, expressed fear over the situation, describing it as a valuable piece of Canadian history.
The focal point is a 20-hectare land parcel along the Holland River near Newmarket, acquired by Pentacore Development for $6.8 million in 2023. The company intends to construct a 161-unit townhouse development on the property. In June 2024, a demolition permit was issued by the town for several dilapidated structures on the site, unaware that a log cabin, possibly more than two centuries old, was also present, as highlighted by Lenkov and Geoff Brown, a long-time history educator.
Evidence suggests that the property might have been inhabited by First Nations people, potentially holding Indigenous artifacts. Concerned about the oversight, Coun. Scott Crone questioned why the cabin was missed during a council meeting, emphasizing the need to prioritize its preservation.
Despite the imminent threat, efforts are underway to reverse the demolition permit and grant the property heritage status, offering legal protection against destruction under the provincial Heritage Act. The cabin’s inconspicuous location, obscured by trees and modern building materials, has added complexity to the preservation campaign.
Lenkov and Brown, after discovering the cabin’s significance only recently, have been racing against time to secure its future. A temporary halt on demolition has been initiated, but the fate of the structure remains uncertain. Council’s decision to list the property as a heritage site grants a limited window for further assessment before a final determination is made.
Architectural historian Michael McLelland stressed the importance of unraveling the property’s historical layers, given East Gwillimbury’s rich heritage as one of Ontario’s earliest settlements. The community envisions transforming the entire site into an educational center, showcasing both natural and human history.
While the outcome hangs in the balance, Lenkov and Brown view council’s actions as a positive step forward. Their aspiration for the property to become a hub for learning and historical appreciation underscores the significance of preserving this piece of local history.