Cheers To The Community Of Wallaceburg On Its Sesquicentennial Anniversary

The area known as Wallaceburg, Ontario was established as the Baldoon Settlement along the Snye River in 1804.

During the mid-to-late 19th century, a community began to take shape with the development of the lumber industry. Wallaceburg was incorporated as a village in 1875 and then as a town in 1896. By the end of the 19th century, the town began to be known for its glass manufacturing (nicknamed the Glass Town of Canada) and sugar-beet industry.

Today, Wallaceburg has grown to a population of more than 10,000 and is known for its fishing, hunting and golf, as well as the Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing (aka WAMBO, the town’s annual
antique car, boat, bus and fire truck show).

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of Wallaceburg!

“I can call Wallaceburg my hometown with a tremendous amount of pride, because I see the enormous beauty and potential in this small town,” says Rebecca Gardiner, Coordinator and Promotions Manager
for the Downtown Wallaceburg Business Improvement Area (BIA).

“We love big, support one another, have a rich history and a promising future.”

Gardiner goes on to tell Biz X the shopping section of the downtown BIA is a particularly stunning and promising place, located in the heart of their community with the river flowing through its core. “It’s a living, evolving, ever-changing and growing hub of activity,” describes Gardiner. “Being an ambassador for our community is made simple when it is truly a great place to live and visit.”

Founded in 1977, the Downtown Wallaceburg BIA has grown to more than 70 members (the number fluctuates due to the nature of a BIA) and operates remotely, with Gardiner supporting local restaurants when meetings are required. “We are in the process of implementing a new Associate Membership Program that will further build partnerships with the community,” she adds. “Our vision is a sense of shared ownership of the public space for the community to enjoy.”

When visiting Wallaceburg to celebrate their 150th anniversary, don’t forget to check out the Wallaceburg & District Museum (505 King Street West).

“The building that houses the museum just turned 100 years old and has three floors of display space featuring the best parts of our near 90,000 artifact collection, including the glass gallery where we display 105 years of Wallaceburg’s glass factory history,” explains Gardiner. “The Industrial Room celebrates the major industries that contributed to the growth of our town, while the Marine Room explores our deep relationship with the local waterways. The museum has also recreated what James Street might have looked like 100 years ago within its walls.”

The Wallaceburg & District Museum also houses the Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame, along with a small art gallery for local artists to share their work. Gardiner continues: “The history of the Baldoon Settlement — as well as Wallaceburg’s military history — also have large displays in our museum. You can find plenty of our town’s rich history there and the staff are happy to answer any questions you may have about it.” Looking toward the future, the Downtown Wallaceburg BIA is focusing on the Whimsies Paddle Rental project and the River of Lights and Frost Fest events.

“Whimsies Paddle Rental is a summer BIA initiative to bring attention to the incredible Sydenham River (which happens to be the most bio- diverse river in North America),” she indicates. “We have a small kayak rental right in the downtown core that community members and visitors can utilize to get out on the water and explore everything that’s great in the area from the water; plus, there are several places to dock, get out, and check out downtown Wallaceburg!”

Their winter initiative is to light up their downtown for the colder months with beautiful light structures and banners featuring winter- themed art created by local artists.

“We have an arm of the BIA called the River of Lights Committee, who are actively working to build this winter wonderland, which includes a street market in November called Frost Fest that will be bigger and better with each coming year,” Gardiner comments. “Our downtown shops and restaurants stay open late, the street is lined with vendors and food trucks, and we have live music in the streets, plus the library, legion, and museum hold activities and events into the evening hours. We also provide horse-and-carriage rides up and down James Street in the core of downtown.”

Let’s now introduce you to some of the local businesses in downtown Wallaceburg and find out what they offer and how they are to celebrating this huge milestone!

TURN TO PAGE 18 OF THE MARCH 2025 ISSUE TO READ THE REST OF THE STORY