It’s the Otto Holden Dam’s 70th anniversary this year. Take a look at our online photo exhibit featuring photos from our collection that show the development and building of the dam from 1948-1952.
The Otto Holden Dam, also known as La Cave, was completed in 1952. Over 2.7 million tons of earth and rock were excavated during construction and it was built with 300,000 cubic meters of poured concrete.
As was the practice at the time, 23 houses were built in the nearby town of Mattawa for operating staff, and a 4.8-km highway was built for travel to the site.
It was originally named La Cave GS (and many still refer to it as this). However, the plant was renamed to honour Dr. Otto Holden, an accomplished engineer with Ontario Hydro who was instrumental in the expansion of hydroelectric power in the province.
The annual general meeting (AGM) of the Mattawa Museum will be held on Thursday, November 24, 2022 at the Museum on 285 First Street beginning at 7pm.
It has been both an exciting and successful year for the Museum, with a significant number of visitors, an interesting and immensely popular traditional Indigenous canoe build on site during the summer, the realization of several funding grants, and the employment of an enthusiastic and youthful summer staff.
“We are very proud of all that has been accomplished this year,” says Judy Toupin, Curator of the Museum. “It was without a doubt one of our best years ever, and we want to build on that momentum.”
The AGM will highlight much of what has been achieved at the Museum during 2022 and will also present future opportunities and options that will allow for its continued growth and success.
“There are about two hundred email subscribers of the Mattawa Museum and almost 1,000 followers on our Museum Facebook page.” says Judy. “We want to continue to our wonderful momentum by having a membership drive.”
One of the specific areas of interest for us as a member of this community is supporting our local youth. We had one of the most amazing teams of young people this past summer and giving back is especially important to us. To that end, as part of your paid Membership to the Museum, a portion of funds collected will be given in the form of a scholarship/bursary to each high school in our community.
We see this as a win-win-win, so let’s continue to support our community. Together we can grow and enhance the museum and increase its visitation so that it becomes an integral part of the many attractions in the Mattawa area.
Snacks and refreshments will be served during the Museum’s AGM, so please register if you plan to attend so that organizers can ensure that quantities are adequate. We look forward to seeing you there. To register for the Mattawa Museum AGM, please contact us at: curator@mattawamuseum.ca or 705-744-5495
Canoe-launch this summer. The traditional Canoe Build was a key component of the Mattawa Museum’s 2022 Programs
Museum Membership
Why does membership matter?
It is a tangible reflection of support for your local community museum. Membership helps us with the cost of daily operations and contributes to the support of upcoming exhibits/displays.
$5 from every paid membership will be put towards a Scholarship/Bursary for each of our local high schools.
Membership for the year is from Nov 15, 2022 to Nov 15, 2023.
November 11th is a day to honour all who have fallen from all wars – recent and past. As well, we recognize all of Canada’s Veterans, serving and retired, and the families who have lost loved ones.
Check out our online photo exhibit featuring photos from our collection of various people from Mattawa and surrounding areas. Do you recognize anyone or have any information about the photos? Please leave a comment for us!
