While the Martyrs’ Shrine earlier announced it won’t open this year, neighbouring Sainte-Marie among the Hurons will begin welcoming visitors this week.
Sainte-Marie and its sister site in Penetanguishene, Discovery Harbour, have both been closed since last fall and plan to reopen to the public on Wednesday.
“Both historic sites will have interpreters to enhance the visitor experience this season,” said Emily Brown, marketing and visitor services manager for Huronia Historical Parks (HHP), which operates the two sites.
Brown said that health and safety of both employees and visitors remains HHP’s top priority.
“In 2021, in consultation with our local health unit, HHP has made the decision to bring a limited number of interpreters to the sites in numbers keeping with health regulations and maintaining the ability to keep staff appropriately distanced and safe,” she said.
Those enhanced health and safety measures include physical distancing, wearing of face coverings, reduced visitor capacity, hand-sanitizing stations and increased frequency of cleaning high-traffic areas such as washrooms, handrails and door handles.
The decision to reopen follows the province’s decision earlier this month to enter into Step 1 of its reopening plan. As such, historical sites and other similar attractions are now allowed to open outdoors, subject to certain conditions as mandated by the Ontario government.
And last week, the province further announced Ontario would soon be moving into Step 2.
“HHP has diligently prepared both historic sites to align with provincial and local health recommendations,” Brown told MidlandToday.
“Entering Stage 2, HHP intends to maintain the same health and safety precautions as Stage 1. We will monitor the advice and recommendations of our trusted health professionals as easing of restriction measures in the future.”
And with the summer season in full swing, HHP’s historic sites offer enough space that visitors can safely enjoy history while being outdoors.
However, in accordance with the provincial government phased reopening strategy, while HHP will be offering access to its historic sites, trails and parks; the indoor museums at both locations will remain closed until Step 3.
In addition to re-opening for the 2021 season, HHP boasts a new app featuring guided audio tours of both sites, general information, directions, restaurant and gift shop information. The app will be available for download on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
“By bringing together families and learning about our region’s deep historical significance, we are excited to welcome back our visitors to rediscover our unique sites found along the shores of Penetanguishene, and in beautiful Tay Township, near Midland,” HHP general manager Will Baird said in a release.
“Our staff have been working diligently to prepare our historic sites and outdoor parks to safely reopen for the 2021 season. I encourage all our visitors to be responsible, plan ahead and continue to follow public health guidelines when enjoying our facilities.”
As part of its phased reopening plan, HHP will be open from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. (last admission at 3 p.m.) Wednesday through Sunday, and will be offering a reduced entrance fee of $5 per person with children 12 and under admitted free.
For more information about Huronia Historical Parks, its phased reopening plan and new safety measures and guidelines, click here.
