No secrets too big for local historian
FRANCIS RACINE francis.racine@eap.on.ca
It’s a book that is bound to contain several interesting secrets. Local historian Sara Lauzon has been un- dergoing the systematic research of Sydney Street, one of the city’s most historically rich roads, with some houses on it dating from as far back as the last century. She hopes to complete a book on the subject, in the near future. “It’s a big project,” explained the woman. “It all started when I discovered that my grandmother lived in two different houses on Sydney Street. It just pickedmy curiosity!” Since then, Lauzon has researched several of the majestic residences and has uncovered some interesting facts, seemingly lost to history. “Several of the residents of Sydney Street were owners of businesses on adjacent Pitt Street,” she said. “You had grocery store owners, soda shop owners, but also doc- tors, lawyers and so on. There were a lot of important people living on this street.” The historian’s research has led her to tour several of the houses, in the hopes of uncovering more of their history. “So far, I’ve been given tours of four dif- ferent houses,” she expressed. “They all look wonderful and it was very interesting. In one of them, I even managed to find old phone numbers in the basement.” But not everything is easy to find. Lauzon stressed that the biggest obstacle she faces is researching what has disappeared. “There was a whole section of Sydney Street that disappeared,” she said. “The section from Water to Sydney was entirely demolished for the shopping centre’s parking lot. In the process, they tore down houses and altered the park that was there.” In addition, the local historian said that not a lot of archives are left regarding the forgotten portion of Sydney Street. “It’s just hard to research something that isn’t there anymore.” But even though the area appears to have
Local historian Sara Lauzon is undertaking an interesting project. She is currently researching Sydney Street and hopes to write a book on the subject in the near future. —photo Francis Racine
been lost to history, Lauzon stressed that local residents have beenmore than helpful in her quest to find information. “Everyone is so helpful,” she said of the people that contacted her and gave her im- portant leads and information. “I’ve found out somuch about the big park that used to be there and I’ve come across some heart- warming but also sad stories.”
The woman also gauged the interest of lo- cal residents by providing historical walking tours of the street last summer. “I had an amazing turnout,” she said. “People were really fascinated by the many stories of Sydney Street.” But Lauzon’s quest is far from over, for
she still needs to research a good amount of properties before she canwrite the definitive history of Sydney Street. The historian is asking anyone who has information regarding Sydney Street to contact her via her website, at www.corn- wallslittlehistorian.com
Deal will make it easier for St. Lawrence College students to study in Mexico
St. Lawrence College Senior Vice-President,Advancement and Business Development, Gordon MacDougall and Raul Martinez Hernandez, president of the National Association of Technological Universities of Mexico (ANUT), signed a Letter of Intent on November 18, which will make it easier for students and educators in both countries to study abroad. The new agreement will expand on existing joint projects between St. Lawrence College and Mexican Polytechnic Universities such as co-op studies, exchange of academic material and scholarships for Mexican teachers to learn at St. Lawrence College. “Our partnerships with other countries is an important part of the St. Lawrence College experience and we’re excited to work with partners like ANUT to provide more opportunities for our students,” said Glenn Vollebregt, president and CEO of the St. Lawrence College. Mexican Polytechnic Universities will also explore dual credentials and joint credential programs with St. Lawrence. The latter has been working with Mexican Universities for several years. This year, the College is hosting three Mexican students studying in diploma programs and 19 students involved in a pilot project through a partnership ANUT. – Francis Racine
Drought finally over As of December 7, the South Nation Conservation (SNC) has lifted the 6-month drought advisory triggered by a dry spring and summer. Since June, SNC’s Water Response Team, composed of representatives from municipal and provincial government, the agricultural community, and other special interest groups, frequently met to discuss the drought conditions and the noted impacts to the community. The drought advisories began in June, as a possible water supply problem (Level 1) was identified. As the dry weather continued, the SNC jurisdiction was upgraded to a moderate drought advisory (Level 2) and in late-August, the western part of SNC’s jurisdiction was upgraded to a severe drought advisory (Level 3). Thanks to a wet fall, the ground is saturated and rivers and streams are flowing, which prompted SNC’s Water Response Team to lift the drought advisory.– Francis Racine
Le Journal, Cornwall
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Le mercredi 14 décembre 2016
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