A committee is being established to promote the historic and recreational values of the Mine Mile Portage.  The Friends of Minesing Wetlands recognizes the connections between the Nine Mile Portage and the Minesing Wetlands and supports endeavors that would promote this part of Canada’s history and culture.

If you are interested in being part of a this committee please contact us (FOMW) or visit www.FortWillow.com and use the Contact Us page.

For more information on the Nine Mile Portage see barrie.ca

From The City of Barrie:

“This recreation trail is based on an ancient overland route created by the early aboriginal people of our area.  One of the oldest known European records of the route appears on a 1688 map by Italian Vincenzo Coronelli labelled as ‘Portage de dix Lieuel’.  This portage came to be known as the ‘Nine Mile Portage’ by the British Military, which employed it strategically during the War of 1812.  After the war, use continued until the first roads and the railway were established.  The old portage then fell into disuse and eventually the land was sold to settlers as the concessions were developed.  But it was never completely forgotten.”