History of Minesing

The Island

Calling Moose, "Huron Indian", by Cornelius Krieghoff (Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1989-526)

"Minesing" comes from a native word for "island". The lake at Minesing is estimated to have been present during early Huron days (c.1400), as there is archaeological evidence of native settlements on what would have been the island's shores, and probably as far back as the time of the Laurentian culture (c.1000). This lake was the last remnant of Lake Algonquin, left by glacial melting from the last ice age. The island that existed was roughly 2,500 acres (1,011 hectares) in size and now exists as a hill, which was extensively logged and tilled for farming. As the water of the lake subsided over many years, the island, which was always connected to the shores, joined with the mainland.

Although the ancient lake has all but disappeared, Minesing Wetlands becomes flooded every spring. In 1853, Sir Sandford Fleming estimated that floods covered up to 25,000 acres (10,117 hectare) with water. Minesing Wetlands is currently a 15,000-acre (6,070-hectare) area. This reduction in the wetland over a period of more than 150 years can be attributed to both natural and human influences.

Pioneers

Burning Fallen Trees in a Girdled Clearing, by George Harvey (Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1970-188-718)

Pioneers first settled in the Minesing area in 1846, occupying the high lands, whichhad rich clay and limestone soils excellent for farming. From 1860-1870, pioneers continued to arrive and settle at Minesing, clearing the land for agriculture, even in the heart of the wetland. By 1884 the population at Minesing was 100 and most of the high quality timber had been logged. Deforestation upstream of the wetland caused heavy sediment loads from nutrient rich agricultural soils to run into the wetland, leading to eutrophication and negatively affecting many species, both plant and animal. Wheat, potatoes and apple orchards were among the products cultivated in the area that also supported sheep farming.

No matter from which direction you approached Minesing, you had to cross water to arrive there, thus Minesing continued to be aptly named. In 1904, families living in the Minesing area were forced to live in the upper floors of their houses since the lower parts had been flooded by an unusually fast snow melt as well as early, heavy rains. During this flood, farmers traveled from their houses to their barns by boat. As floods disrupted farm life, residents looked for ways to stop the flooding with agricultural drains. Drainage of the wetland was, however, highly unsuccessful and it is this failure that allowed Minesing Wetlands to endure and become the significant wetland site protected today.

War of 1812

Conservation History

Willow Creek in Minesing Wetlands (Photo by Jolene Laverty)

Since 1974, NCC and its partners have protected over 11,000 acres (4,452 hectares) of this 15,000-acre (6,070-hectare) wetland. Much of this acreage has been acquired under the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, with support from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Canadian Wildlife Service and Ducks Unlimited Canada. The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) manages the land, and NCC assists with stewardship of the natural area through long-term monitoring arrangements.

Despite this success, several thousand acres and key portions of the wetland remain unprotected. The sources of water critical to the health of the wetland, though well studied, are still poorly understood. Control of invasive species and the impact of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) present ongoing stewardship challenges in the area. NCC is working with the NVCA to address these challenges so that the Minesing Wetlands will be protected for present and future generations to enjoy.

Sources:

Minesing Swamp Research Project (Queen's University)

Minesing Women's Institute. (1962). A history of the community of Minesing. (Second Edition). Minesing Women's Institute: Minesing, ON.

Orchard, Joseph. (1972). The land I love : A history of the pioneers and their descendants of Minesing, Ontario, 1855 to 1972. (Second Edition). Industrial Printing: Orillia, ON.

The Nine Mile Portage Heritage Trail (City of Barrie)