One of the major challenges facing the Parrsborough Shore Historical Society today is not merely the survival of the Society, but the survival of it's emotional and physical "home": Ottawa House By-The-Sea.

In 1980, the Society initiated and was instrumental in the purchase of the Ottawa House by the Department of Lands and Forests, under the ministry of the Hon. George Henley. Since that time the Society has, under a lease arrangement with the Provincial Government, attempted to maintain and improve the building, while operating a seasonal museum and entertaining tourist attraction on the Parrsborough Shore.

Over the years numerous studies were conducted, examining the 'future' of the Ottawa House however most tended to sail off into impracticality which was discouraging, to say the least. In 2006 the Society hired yet another 'consultant' to examine the problem of maintaining the Ottawa House and determining a future for it.

This report has been seized upon by an enthusiastic board and, with some strong financial support from the Provincial Government, the Society is moving ahead to restore and modernize the Ottawa House, with a vision of turning it, and it's environs, into a first class museum, tourist attraction and local events venue.

The first step toward the major renovation envisioned was taken in 2007 when a massive drainage ditch was excavated and properly engineered to prevent massive water ingress into the basement of the structure. This problem had been identified several years previously, but this time, it was done. And it was done correctly. An archaeological survey of the proposed ditch area was first conducted by an highly respected archaeologist, Jonathon Fowler in order to ensure that the excavation did not impact on any archaeologically sensitive areas. Several sensitive areas were identified and partially excavated but now await further investigation by archaeologists.

Jonathon Fowler and his assistant uncover a foundation.

Next the provincial engineers, along with Society members, laid out, contracted out and supervised the excavation of the ditch. Simultaneously, the eaves troughs at the rear of the building were installed and arranged so that they too drained into the new runoff ditch.

The Society then deemed it necessary to finalize a plan of action in order to proceed logically and carefully to preserve the structure. In February 2007 a member of the board, a retired and well respected historical architect, agreed to steer the renovation through the turbulent times ahead. The Society is blessed to have Keith L Graham, who has the experience and enthusiasm, to oversee this huge project.

Under his guidance an engineer was appointed to examine structural issues in the central and lower levels of the building, as well as how to approach stabilizing the east and west wings. Along with provincial engineering and architectural staff access to additional 'shared' funding was completed and planning began to move forward in a logical manner. Proper working drawings were needed and a restoration architect was appointed. Initial drawings dealing with the structural issues have been completed and are being amended as this is being posted. In addition, a master plan for the entire site is being developed.

As of this date, 29 May 2008, there are four separate actions being taken as part of the restoration project: the structural drawings are being completed and work should commence in the fall.

One of the initial drawings examining the structural issues in the basement.

The genealogy space in the building is being converted to a fully climate controlled space and while opening for the summer is being a bit delayed, the main work will be completed shortly, with the heating and cooling systems being installed once the house is closed for the season in the fall.

Some of the intial work now completed in the genealogy room. Insulation and new power supplies have been intalled. Dry wall will be installed shortly.

Both doors and windows are being custom made to maintain the exterior historic appearance of the Ottawa House as required by its' newly acquired Provincial Heritage Property status. These will be of modern, thermally effective contruction but will maintain the appearance of the 19th Century doors currently in use.

In these photos one can see just how "unglamorous" the work being undertaken structurally can be. And it is members of the Society who are physically crawling into these confined spaces in order to progress the project.

The third aspect of the restoration will soon be under way as under the supervision of Ed Gilbert: a massive seawall construction will begin. This seawall has been determined to be necessary to stop the erosion of the foreshore upon with the Ottawa House sits.   It was decided that there was no point in restoring the building, only to see it slide into the Minas Basin.

The final 'project' task which will be completed this year is, finally, a complete survey of the Ottawa House site. Apparently there does not exist a survey on record which is less than 100 years old and with the plans for the site itself being formulated now, a survey was deemed necessary.

This is the initial posting on the Restoration Project and will be added to as other initiatives are implemented, no matter how small they may seem. It was felt vital that all members of the Society, and the general public, be made aware of the exciting events occurring at Ottawa House.

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June 26

A meeting of all the major participants in the Restoration project from the Provincial Heritage department, the architects and Society members was hosted by the PSHS at Ottawa House.  Work to date was reviewed and plans looking ahead were outlined, reviewed and discussed in an amicable manner.   Concerns of preservation and conservation were aired and addressed.

Key players in the Restoration project gather at Ottawa House.

Such progress was made in such a positive manner that it was decided to not only meet much more frequently but also to begin moving strategic planning forward on several fronts simultaneously:  Immedate action on Phase One to stabilize the structure, formulating a Master Plan for the restoration of the building, formulating a Master Plan for the proposed Partridge Island Heritage Site, and defining an Interpretation plan which will determine what stories are to be told at the site.

Jeffery Reed, John Doucet, Terry Smith-Lamothe and Frank Hartman review initial architectural plans for the stabilization and renovation of the basement in Phase One of the project.