Acton’s Prospect Park & Fairy Lake Slated for Heritage Designation

HALTON HILLS, ON – Celebrating local history and preserving important heritage places and spaces follows Council’s direction as set out in the strategic plan. Two historic features unique to the community are slated for a heritage designation: Prospect Park and Fairy Lake in Acton. Council will consider issuing the Notice of Intention to Designate these cultural heritage resources at its July 7 meeting.

“I am delighted to see this Notice of Intention to Designate. Prospect Park and Fairy Lake are special cultural landscapes in our community,” said Mayor Ann Lawlor. “Created by our early residents for industry and for pleasure, these landscapes are historic.”

“As everyone in Acton and Halton Hills knows, Fairy Lake and Prospect Park has been an important destination in the community for almost 150 years,” said Heritage Committee Chair Councillor Clark Somerville. “Recognizing the cultural heritage value and significance of the park and lake through designation has been one of my goals for a long time. From the early days as a driver of industry to today as a recreational jewel, I'm so pleased that its narrative has been captured and will be shared with the broader community for years to come. As always, its worth the drive to Acton!"

July 11-20 marks Historic Places Days, where Halton Hills’ rich history as entrenched in the stories of its communities will be shared with the public. The town’s participation in the program presented by the National Trust for Canada recognizes the nation’s complex history through celebrating connections to the past through events and artistry.

In Halton Hills, residents are invited to participate in free walking tours of Acton led by Scott Brooks of Vintage Acton, who previously announced the tours at the June 16^th Council Meeting in recognition of Acton’s 200^th anniversary, and Mark Rowe, Esquesing Historical Society/Heritage Halton Hills.

Donations to the Acton Foodbank are encouraged for people taking the tours. Councillor Michael Albano who also volunteers as the Chairperson of the Acton Foodshare, expressed his thanks:

“The Acton Foodshare as the recipient of food donations in lieu of tour fees will benefit greatly. This support will have a meaningful and lasting impact on our community,” he said, adding, “A special thank you to Councillor Somerville for his dedicated efforts in highlighting and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Fairy Lake and Prospect Park. His continued support and advocacy are truly appreciated”. 

To learn more about the Town’s heritage work, share your thoughts or find tour information, visit letstalkhaltonhills.ca.

About the Town of Halton Hills

The Town of Halton Hills, with a population of approximately 64,000, consists of two urban centres, Georgetown and Acton, the Halton Hills Premier Gateway employment area, three hamlets – Glen Williams, Stewarttown and Norval – and several smaller settlements. Halton Hills has long been recognized for its natural beauty, active agricultural community, high quality of life and proximity to major centres, including Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto. The Town is ranked as one of the top small communities in Canada by a national magazine.

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