Canatara Cabin opens at Lambton Heritage Museum following historic restoration

Grand Bend, ON - Lambton Heritage Museum officially welcomed project supporters into the restored Canatara Cabin today, marking the completion of a multi-year restoration project that has preserved one of Lambton County's oldest surviving log buildings for future generations.

Community members, project supporters, elected officials and heritage enthusiasts gathered at the Museum to celebrate the cabin's opening with remarks from project partners, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the opportunity to explore the newly restored building for the first time.

Originally constructed in Huron County in the 1830s, the cabin served as a family home before being carefully dismantled and floated down Lake Huron to a property on Lakeshore Road in Sarnia in the 1930s. In 1971, it was relocated to Canatara Park, where it became a beloved landmark for generations of visitors. In 2020, the cabin made its final journey to Lambton Heritage Museum, where it has been restored and reconstructed using as much of the original material as possible.

"The restoration of the Canatara Cabin is a tremendous example of what can be accomplished when governments, community organizations, donors and volunteers come together to preserve our shared heritage," said Kevin Marriott, Warden of Lambton County. "This historic building has been part of Lambton County's story for generations, and we are proud to ensure it will continue educating and inspiring visitors for many years to come."

The restoration project was made possible through the support of government funding, generous community donations and the work of the Save the Canatara Cabin Committee. Heritage architect John Rutledge led the restoration design, helping ensure the cabin's historic character was preserved while creating a safe and engaging experience for visitors.

Now the oldest building at Lambton Heritage Museum, the Canatara Cabin complements the Museum's collection of historic buildings and is the first from the Sarnia area. Visitors can explore the main floor of the restored log home and learn about the extraordinary journey that brought it to its new permanent home. The interior of the cabin will be presented with artifacts from the 1930s, representing the time period when the cabin moved from Huron County to Sarnia. With the cabin now rebuilt and second floor of the cabin as the next phase of the project.

"This project represents years of planning, collaboration and dedication to preserving one of Lambton County's treasured historic buildings," said Dana Thorne, Curator/Supervisor, Lambton Heritage Museum. "We are thrilled to welcome visitors into the restored cabin and share its incredible story with future generations."

The Canatara Cabin is now open to visitors during regular Museum hours and is included with general admission.
To learn more about Lambton Heritage Museum and plan your visit, visit heritagemuseum.ca.

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Please contact:

Dana Thorne
Curator/Supervisor, Lambton Heritage Museum
County of Lambton
519-243-2600 ext. 3151
Email Dana Thorne