Hwy & Goose Celebrate 50th Anniversary
50th Anniversary Plaque Unveiling & Celebrations
by Brenda Grunt, Wawa-News.com
From left; White River Mayor Angelo Bassoni; Lou Turco, Councillor SSM; Wawa Mayor Howard Whent; Rod Morrison; Chief Joe Bukell, Michipicoten First Nation; SSM MP Tony Martin; Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes; behind the commemorative plaque which was unveiled earlier in the ceremony. Absent from photo are MTO Northeast Regional Director Eric Doidge and MTO Northwest Regional Director, Tom Marcolini. Photo courtesy of Wawa-News.com
Rod Morrison began the ceremony by welcoming everyone to this very special national, provincial, and municipal event. “The opening of the final link in the Ontario portion of the TransCanada Highway 50 years ago today, was a very pivotal point in the history of Wawa and the many cities, towns and villages located along and around Lake Superior.” Rod was the Master of Ceremonies for this momentous occasion.
Wawa Mayor Howard Whent
After outlining the flow of events for the ceremony, the musicians playing in the Wawa Information Centre, and kids games, Rod introduced a man who is known for his historical interest and research, a man who assisted in the 40th Anniversary Celebrations for the highway, our Mayor Howard Whent.
Howard spoke briefly to the crowd beginning by stating, “This is very much a community event. It was well organized by a group of dedicated people,” suggesting that the crowd show their appreciation for these people by applauding. “Nothing but pride, is the word you can say on a day like this. This is historically correct, Johanna told me, it rained 50 years ago. So, we are doing it exactly right”, referring to the the rain that was falling. “It’s going to be a great weekend, and I think it is a weekend to sit back and celebrate! Have a great time!”
Rod took the podium again, and introduced MTO Northeast Regional Director, Eric Doidge and the Northwest Regional Director, Tom Marcolini stating that they had an incredible responsibility looking after and maintaining this long stretch of highway.
MTO Northeast Regional Director Eric Doidge
Eric Doidge said that he and Tom were pleased to be part of this celebration, recounting the celebration that occurred when the “gap” was closed 50 years ago. Over a thousand people attended the celebrations that day.
Eric explained that 3,000 vehicles travel this section of the TransCanada each day, increasing to 4,000 during the summer holidays. Today, the highway remains an essential part of Wawa’s future, and an essential part of Ontario’s economic well being, and Canada. Nearly 900 trucks pass by the goose each day, carrying 34 million dollars worth of commodities. Those statistics explain how important this highway, TransCanada 17 is to those who travel along it.
At that time, Mayor Whent joined the two gentlemen beside the stage, and they unveiled the commemorative bronze plaque on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture to the applause of the crowd.
Eric concluded his speech by saying that the plaque was “signed” by the three ministers, Transportation Minster Kathleen Wynne, Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, and Tourism and Culture Minster Michael Chan., “It has been a pleasure for us to join you today, and our best wishes on this weekend’s festivities”.
From left; Wawa Mayor Howard Whent, Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes and Rod Morrisson.
Carol Hughes, MP Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing spoke. “It is my pleasure to be here today. I know that you have had some difficult times since Weyerhaeuser actually closed doors, but you have certainly kept it going, and I know, I know from the bottom of my heart that this town will be as alive as it was then. I am just pleased to be here for the 50th Anniversary of the joining of the TransCanada highway, I think that that speaks volumes about what Wawa has become. Had it not been for the people of the area, maybe you would still be walking here from Sault Ste. Marie. I just want to say that in Northern Ontario, we have seven great NDP MP’s and we have been working extremely hard on your behalf, and I would like to bring greetings from the federal government, and on behalf of Jack Layton, our NDP Leader, myself and all the colleagues, congratulations on this historic moment. I want to also make sure that we don’t forget to give a warm round of applause to all of those who made this possible because without the Committee, the volunteers, the Municipality, and of course, the participation of yourselves this wouldn’t be happening today.” Carol then presented Mayor Whent, and Rod Morrison with a certificate congratulating the community on this occasion.
Michipicoten First Nation Chief Joe Buckell
Michipicoten First Nations Chief Joe Buckell took the podium to speak. He talked about the long journeys that Wawa residents had to take before the highway was built, and the hardships that trip could pose. Unfortunately, our MPP Mike Brown was unable to attend. However, his executive assistant, TomFarquhar was able to come. He expressed Mike’s regret, but he had to be in Toronto both on Friday and Saturday, and travelling to Wawa was not possible. Tom quipped, “I can tell you, he (Mke) would rather be here, than there.” He took the opportunity to congratulate Wawa on its accomplishments and wished everyone a great weekend. He also recognized the two gentlemen from the MTO who work very hard to decide how to spend taxpayer’s money on what needs to be done to maintain the highways, “It’s a tough job”.
Tom Farquhar, Executive Assistant to MPP Mike Brown.
SSM MP Tony Martin, offered his best wishes, and thanked all those who helped to pull this event together. “Looking back 50 years and looking ahead, and I am sure that Wawa will not only survive but thrive.” Tony then stated, “I was gong to be here today, whether or not I was invited.” to the laughter of the crowd. “This is my community. This community has a very special place in my heart, and of course, my memories. In 1960, when the road was first opened, we were a very young immigrant family to Canada. We came here in the middle of January. You can imagine, we came up to Wawa by train into Hawk Junction because there was no road when we got here. My father (Mike Martin), who was a bartender, and had owned a pub in Ireland, was a bartender at the big celebration that they had at the Goose, and cutting of the ribbon for the highway. So it has a special moment for me.” He told the crowd of his thoughts as he drove up to Wawa earlier that day, “I remember there were 1,200 people getting up every morning and going to work at the mines and the plant. Hauling ore out of the ground, smelting it and sending it to Sault Ste. Marie. If it wasn’t for Wawa, there wouldn’t have been much happening in Sault Ste. Marie, would there? We were a very important town at that time.” The crowd clapped and shouted out in agreement to those last lines. Tony continued “and we still are.”. “I remember people like Victor White, Howard West, the Spreng family, Frank Haman and so many others who contributed and worked so hard to make this community a great place to live. I tell people that I talk about Wawa, because this was an idyllic place to grow up in the sixties. I spent seven years in high school (the crowd laughed), the only reason I left was that the principal pulled me into the office one day and said, ‘Tony, there’s no pension here.’ So, most of you will know that I have a job with a pension, and am doing all right.” he quipped.
Tony credited his success in life because of the formation of values during his childhood in Wawa. He also appreciated the recognition given to Al Turcott with the sign outside of the Community Centre. “I don’t think that he could imagine in his wildest dreams, that goose now is known almost everywhere in the world. To people who have travelled into Canada, or are looking at coming to Canada, the Goose is one of those iconic things that come to mind.”
Tony also wanted the residents of Wawa to remember Al’s wife, Agnes. “She was the force behind the man. In her own right, she did a lot of work; she made sure that we appreciated what we had here. That we remembered the stories, and the history, and the culture of this area. She worked very hard to make that happen.” He ended his speech by saying, “I’m very excited to be here today, and to have the opportunity to be with you, to do all this reminiscing and to congratulate all those who have participated and contributed to make this opportunity available to all.”
Sault Ste. Marie Councillor Lou Turco and White River Mayor Angelo Bazzoni both spoke about the imprtance of the highway, Lou saying that is is the most scenic stretch of the highway, between Wawa and the Soo, and back again. “For me, those of you who go way back, may remember CJWA”, where he got his start in Wawa. He told the crowd that he remembered playing high school dances at MHS. Lou offered congratulations from the Soo, and his fellow councillors. Angelo brought congratulations from White River. White River just completed it’s 125th Anniversary, so they are very aware of the work it takes to bring off such an event.
To wind up the ceremony Rod asked that those in the crowd who attended the opening of the Highway in 1960 and wished them another 50 years! He also wanted to acknowledge the attendance of Francois Cloutier and his wife. Francois is the Liberal candidate for our riding (federal).
He did remind the crowd that our goose will have to be replaced. “Our very first goose that was sat on that perch on September 17th, 1960 is now located at Young’s General Store, and you should stop by and take a picture. This present day goose was erected three years later, and therefore it is only 47 years old. But, the reality is the Wawa Goose symbol has truly been with us for fifty years. This structure is made of steel and the town has done a good job of maintaining it. However, steel rusts and deteriorates through time and this is exactly what is happening to our Goose. Therefore, before this structure becomes too weak and unsafe, it must be replaced. Today, the town of Wawa is launching a fundraising drive to secure a half a million dollars to commission the construction of a new Wawa Goose. This new structure will be identical in size and features, and will be constructed with better steel and other materials. You will be hearing more about the fundraising efforts in the future, but right now you can put your donations into two wishing wells that are located inside the Wawa Tourist Information Centre, or purchase a wooden goose feather. The most important thing you can do is share this information to your family and friends who live outside of Wawa and invite them to donate to this great cause. Wawa would not be Wawa without a goose, and this old iron goose behind me wants to retire, and we need to secure a replacement. I encourage you to enjoy the events planned for today, tomorrow and on Sunday. You can start right now by enjoying our Loonie and Toonie Barbecue. Thank you for coming.”
The crowd enjoyed a barbecue at 1060’s prices, cooked by Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Wawa; and a number of games set up in the parking lot. Despite the weather, everyone enjoyed a great time socializing, reminiscing and simply having fun.
