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Historic Métis Home Sails to New Shore
24 Oct
Summary
- The Labatte House, Ontario's oldest known Métis home, was moved.
- The 1834-built home traveled over 12 kilometers by barge.
- The move ensures preservation and public access for the Métis community.
The Labatte House, believed to be the oldest surviving historic Métis home in Ontario, has undergone a remarkable relocation. Built in 1834 by Louis-George Labatte, the nearly 200-year-old structure was transported via barge from Thunder Beach in Tiny Township to its new home at 159 Balm Beach Road.
The significant journey spanned over 12 kilometers and took approximately four to six hours to complete. This move is a pivotal moment for the Métis community, ensuring the house's preservation and its accessibility to the public.
Representatives from the Métis Nation of Ontario highlighted the house's importance as a tangible testament to the resilience and enduring existence of the Métis people in Ontario since the early 1800s. Celebrations for the home's new beginnings are scheduled for Saturday.
