Journal staff
Hundreds gathered in Corunna Tuesday afternoon for a dedication ceremony at the site that once was considered to become the capital of Canada.
St. George’s Square, a plot of land where Hill and Baird streets meet in the downriver town, drew some 400 students, along with dignitaries and a large crowd — all to mark 200 years since Corunna was almost named Canada's capital.
Students from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, St. Joseph’s Catholic school, Sir John Moore and Colonel Cameron schools were on hand for songs, O Canada, as well as a quilt dedication, and placement of hand-painted garden stones.
Officials also unveiled new historical story boards at the site, where, along with the adjacent ball diamonds and fire station property, was once envisioned as the home of the future parliament buildings.
It was 1823 when Lord Beresford led the first of three survey teams by boat up the St. Clair River; landing at a beach opposite a beautiful island, now known as Stag Island, his party set to work plotting out an ambitious town site.
“Sadly, the proposal to build Corunna as Canada’s Capital was rejected, along with Toronto (York) and Kingston, because of their close proximity to the United States,” the new story board reads. “However, Corunna is now a thriving community that people continue to call home.”
A family-friendly street-festival event is also slated for September, 23.
