Welcome to Doors Open Kincardine, presented by the Municipality of Kincardine and the Ontario Heritage Foundation. . Click here for more information on the Doors Open Program..
The program for 2009 is now final. We have 25 sites. For current information on sites for 2009, click sites . For sites outside of the former Town of Kincardine map references are provided with the site details. For sites in Kincardine, click here for a map.
Guide books are available at any site, at the Kincardine newspaper offices, at "The Coast" and "The Beach" radio stations, and at the Kincardine Tourism Office on Hwy 21.
When visiting private homes, please be prepared to remove your shoes if requested to do so. Please bring your own bag for carrying your shoes.
If you plan to visit the Hack Farm, site #3, and want to join the tractor/haywagon tour of the farm at 11 am each day, we recommend that you book in advance by calling 519-396-6060. The tours are limited to 30 people.
Doors Open Kincardine is run by a dedicated group of volunteers. For the event weekend we need many more volunteers. If you can spare a few hours, please complete the Volunteer Form and send it to the committee at dok@bmts.com, to fax 396-6062, or simply call us and we'll arrange to collect the form.
If you are visiting Kincardine from out of town and need accomodation, we suggest that you check www.sunsets.com for further information.
Some of the sites that we expect to have in our program are the following:
8) Bruce County Library, Kincardine Branch
9 Northern Light Lodge No. 93 A.F. and A.M.G.R.C.
10) Bruce Chapter No. 253, Kincardine Order of the Eastern Star
12) Pemberton Block )Part) / Condor Books
13) Ardloch Lodge - Royal Canadian Legion
18) Victoria Park and Old Town Hall (Arts Facility)
20) John Keyworth / Bruce / Prenger House
Information on all the sites can be found on our sites page.
DOORS OPEN KINCARDINE - October 17, 18 2009
What is Doors Open?
The Doors Open idea began in France in 1984, and developed fully
in Glasgow, Scotland in 1990. From there it has spread to over
47 countries worldwide. It is an opportunity to inform and educate
local citizens and visitors of the importance of architectural,
cultural and natural heritage sites in their community. One can
visit any number of chosen sites in one weekend at no charge.
Where Does Doors Open Ontario Fit?
Toronto initiated Doors Open in Canada as their millennium project.
In 2002 Toronto listed over 100 properties and hosted thousands
of visitors. In 2002, the Ontario Heritage Foundation launched
a province-wide programme. 2006 is the fifth year of the Ontario
wide celebration. Events take place from April to October.
Visit www.doorsopenontario.on.ca for more information.
Why Have Doors Open?
1. Builds civic pride by raising awareness of local architectural,
cultural and natural heritage.
2. Draws tourists into a local celebration of historical and living
heritage.
3. Generates economic and business opportunities at a community
level.
4. Fosters strategic alliances and co-operation among a range
of community partners.
5. Creates a positive climate for sustainable community tourism
development and partnerships.
6. Brings higher awareness of the importance of heritage for all
types of tourism.
Tell Us About Doors Open Kincardine.
Kincardine's second Doors Open will be October 17-18, (the weekend
after Thanksgiving). Guidebooks can be obtained at any of the
sites , tourism offices, Victoria Park Gallery, or contact us
at 519-396-6060 or dok@bmts.com. . The website now contains information
on all sites in the program. If there are any last minute changes,
they will be posted on the website as they happen. Visit www.doorsopenkincardine.com
Who is organizing this event?
A small committee of dedicated volunteers drawn from the whole
Municipality of Kincardine are implementing the event. Members
represent groups such as Heritage Kincardine, The Bruce County
Historical Society, The Walker House, etc. To volunteer to help
or for more information visit the web site above, or email at
doorsopenkincardin@bmts.com or call 519-396-6060.
What types of sites?
Sites that may not normally be open to the public as well as familiar
sites that are always open qualify. We are looking for sites that
will demonstrate and exemplify our rich cultural, natural and
architectural heritage. Some will still have their historic use,
such as churches, while some will have been sympathetically adapted
for re-use. We also have a number of restoration projects. The
list can also include natural sites such as waterfront, parks,
gardens, and natural landscape. Sites do not have to be old, but
part of our cultural fabric, such as Bruce Nuclear. The list can
include commercial and industrial buildings, place of worship,
museums, civic buildings, lookouts, historical sites, private
galleries, heritage gardens, cemeteries, theatres, private homes
both urban and rural... the list is endless.
As a business owner or private citizen, who may not have a
site to highlight, how can I help?
Although the Doors Open Project has the support of the Municipality
through the Tourism Committee, we would gratefully accept additional
support in terms of monetary funds, "in kind" donations
of almost any description. In return, all donors will be acknowledged
in our publicity.
As a citizen, how can I get involved?
Volunteers are the key to a successful programme. We need individuals
to act as greeters and general help for the sites.Simply complete
the Volunteer Form
and we will be in contact with you.
ATTENTION STUDENTS: Volunteer for Doors Open. This is a great way to fulfil part of your community service comittment and learn about your Municipality!
HELP US MAKE DOORS OPEN KINCARDINE A ROARING SUCCESS
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING OUR MUNICIPALITY'S HISTORY, ARCHITECTURAL
HERITAGE,
HIDDEN TREASURES AND A FEW UNDISCOVERED GEMS.
