Residents of Couchiching Point in Orillia, Ontario were invited to an official ceremony to commemorate the naming of the existing canal to be the "Dougall Canal". The ceremony was held at 2 p.m. on July 9th, 2015 on the bridge over the canal on Dale Drive, where the new "Dougall Canal" sign is now posted. Also in attendance were Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke, some councilors and city employees.
Resident Tony Bridgens had initiated the request to name the canal after Bruce Dougall, the inventor, designer, planner and builder of the canal in the 1960's. Bruce was assisted in the construction work by his son, Cam Dougall, who still lives with his family on Couchiching Point.
As Master of Ceremonies, Tony Bridgens welcomed the many residents who attended, and provided some background information about the building of the canal. Mayor Steve Clarke then presented a certificate to Glen Speer, Bruce's wife, in honour of her late husband's work. After the ceremony, everyone was invited to enjoy light refreshments at the home of Cam and Sandy Dougall.
Content from Alda McMahon, and others as indicated
Cecil Byers with Master of Ceremonies Tony Bridgens and Betty Bridgens
Glen Speer
Bruce Dougall's family members
Front: Great-grandchildren Ayden & McKenna Burt
Back: Daughter-in-law Sandy Dougall, daughter Dale Dougall, grand-daughter Jennifer Burt, son Cam Dougall, wife Glen Speer, son Scott Dougall, daughter-in-law Sue Corcoran
The Dougall Family with Mayor Steve Clarke (top right), councilors and city staff
Click on the PLAY button to view the video below.
Click on any of the photos below to browse larger images.
Dredging of the Canal Video
The video clips of the dredging of the canal were on a DVD created by Cecil Byers, and provided for display on this website by Glen Speer. Note: no soundtrack.
The kids sure seem to be having fun playing in all the mud!
Newspaper Article (undated)
Provided by Ralph and Fran Hunt
Original Plan for Couchiching Point
The original plan for Couchiching Point was for a much larger residential area, without the canals. The document shown below was on display at Cam Dougall's home, where residents gathered for refreshments after the ceremony.
Plan of Sub-division of Lot XI . CON. VII of South Orillia
Received and filed in the Registry Office for the County of Simcoe this 7th day of June 1890 at 11 o'clock ant.
