By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As Ontario Day approaches, the Ontario Heritage Trust is inviting residents to explore the province's rich past through a newly launched digital historical timeline and free admission to the Cheltenham Badlands on June 1.

To mark the day, the Ontario Heritage Trust is inviting Ontarians to utilize a new digital historical timeline through the launch of Milestones in Ontario's History.

Milestones in Ontario's History will feature moments that have shaped the province, and explore the formation of Ontario's lands and waterways, over 10,000 years of human history, and trace the events that have shaped communities, industries, rights and government systems, says the agency.

The Ontario Heritage Trust encourages Ontarians to use this resource to “reflect on how Ontario's past connects to their own lives.” 

With Ontario Day drawing near, they kicked off the celebration early this year with a ceremony at the Cheltenham Badlands in Caledon, one of Ontario's geological treasures, and one of the most recognizable and visited natural heritage landmarks in Southern Ontario.

This Ontario Day, the Ontario Heritage Trust is not only encouraging the use of its new timeline feature but also encouraging people to take the day to explore museums and natural heritage destinations first-hand.

To assist with that, entry to the Cheltenham Badlands will be free on June 1, allowing the community to enjoy the area's grand history and scenery.

At the ceremony marking the launch, CEO of the Ontario Heritage Trust Helen Chimirri-Russell welcomed a crowd of local MPPs, Town of Caledon Staff, Ontario Heritage Trust members and more to the rich site of the Cheltenham Badlands.

“We chose this site today, not only because of its significance, but because learning and engaging with places like these help us to build the foundational knowledge of the history and heritage of Ontario,” said Chimirri-Russell.

MPP for Dufferin-Caledon Sylvia Jones also noted the importance of the backdrop of the celebration that day, adding that the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Cheltenham Badlands have been an “important part of our Caledon community.”

“When the Ontario Heritage Trust stepped up to make sure that it could be preserved and enjoyed for future generations, [it] really spoke to the commitment not only to Caledon and the Cheltenham Badlands, but also the work that the Ontario Heritage Trust does,” said Jones. “Thank you to the Ministry for making sure that this vital asset and gem can be preserved.”

Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, and MPP for Brampton North, attended the celebration that day, and added he's no stranger to the Cheltenham Badlands himself.

“I'm so grateful for the work of the Ontario Heritage Trust, to preserve this site and make sure that future generations have the same opportunity to have great memories here, to visit here, explore our natural beauty as a province, just like I had the ability to do,” said McGregor.

“We need to make sure we're preserving sites like this and stories like these now more than ever, especially when we're facing so many external challenges as a province and as a country. There's never been a better time to collectively commemorate the special things that define us, and no better reason to deepen our understanding of our province to unite and protect Ontario.”

On Ontario Day, he said, they invite those across the province to celebrate Ontario's history and Ontario's heritage, and explore what makes Ontario unique, from “our diverse cultures to our shared values.”

“Through these efforts, we aim to cultivate a stronger sense of belonging, so that every person sees themselves reflected in Ontario's story, its fabric, its history, and its heritage,” said McGregor.

“On Ontario Day, I encourage everyone to please learn about the people, places, and events that have shaped Ontario's story.”

Chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust, John Ecker, spoke to the role of heritage in celebrating Ontario.

These days, he said, it's important across communities to spark a curiosity and foster an understanding of how Ontario has come to be and how the province is woven into the fabric of the country. 

“Ontario Day is the perfect time to reflect on this work, to learn more about Ontario, to better understand what connects us to this place we call home, to celebrate how Ontario has shaped us and how we share the pride we have in living in such a beautiful place,” said Ecker.

He noted the launch of their new timeline resource, Milestones in Ontario's History, and added it is a jumping-off point to the Trust's portfolio of heritage programs, such as Doors Open and the Provincial Plaques program.

“These programs and others help us make sense of the past, thrive in the present, and build a stronger future,” said Ecker.

On Ontario Day, whether you take the opportunity and use the free admission to explore all that the Cheltenham Badlands has to offer, or visit the Milestones in Ontario History's timeline resource, the Ontario Heritage Trust encourages all Ontarians to discover the rich history of Ontario this year.