Woodside National Historic Site in Kitchener has been closed for more than a year now after a devastating flood in the basement but the facility plans to re-open in a few months.
There have been some changes made to how visitors can view the boyhood home of William Lyon Mackenzie King. Visitors will still be able to experience the early life of Canada’s 10th Prime Minister but now guests will take self guided tours.
Parks Canada is looking at innovative ways to allow schools to explore the facility. “It’s still going to be the same Woodside. It’s just a different way of experiencing it.” Jerrad Piche of Parks Canada says.
The home has been re-built and served as an historic site for nearly sixty years until its untimely closure.
The closure came just as there was a review of funding for the home by Parks Canada. Three of the five full time staff has been let go, and the popular school tours and Victorian Christmas activities have been cancelled for the past two years.
The decision now, re-opens in 2013 with a shortened season and self-interpretive tours.
The grounds around the house remain open, but one of the last visitors to sign the guest book expressed dismay, noting the beautiful grounds but could not visit inside the house.
Parks Canada says the house will re-open in time for Family Day in February. It will also be open Canada Day with free admission on both days.
Woodside returns to regular visiting hours next fall.
