2007 saw many accomplishments, such as the opening of the newly constructed Gift Shop, and the success of the Skills Link Youth Program. The young workers, under the supervision of Susan Clarke, and the guidance of Ed Gilbert and Ken Snowdon, made many repairs and improvements to the building, including wallpapering, scraping and painting halls, rooms, the shed, the front of the house and verandah. The participants also helped with mowing the lawn. A special thanks to Susan, Ed, and Ken for their dedication and commitment to this program and the young workers, who I am sure found this opportunity a very rewarding experience.

Other major tasks, just to mention a few, were the rebuilding of the wheel chair ramp, the cleaning out of the basement, construction of the new Gift Shop, and the conversion of the old washroom into a storage area were completed by our wonderful maintenance crew and volunteers.

Although David Towns' employment ended in January 2007 we still continue to benefit from his hard work. The Ottawa House museum has been given Provincial Heritage Status.

The maiden voyage of the gift shop did very well considering we got a late start in getting it opened and in operation. We appreciate the many artisans who placed their items in the shop and I want to thank Kathleen Howe, Bev Clarke and Linda Towns for their endless commitment to make this new endeavour a worthwhile and profitable project.

The Project Action Committee, under the leadership of Colin Curleigh, continued to review, present to the board, and implement the recommendations in David Towns' 2006-2007 report.

The Restoration Project Committe, headed by Keith Graham, was extremely active throughout the year and, as we enter 2008, will be taking the intial steps to dry out and heat the basement, replace rotting beams, suports and footings to prevent further damage to the main structure of the house.

Special thanks to our manager Susan Clarke, the Ways and Means Committee and all the volunteers for a season full of exciting, entertaining and educational events and activities. I am sure 2008 will be just as fulfilling.

Finally I want to recognize the tremendous loss to our society and our community. Stanley Spicer and Jack Wagstaff were great historians that will be missed for their friendship, knowledge and experience.