"Remembering the Flood of '74: Building the Living Levee walking tour"

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Join us for a Culture Days walking tour exploring the construction of the Living Levee along the Grand River in Galt!

Forever etched in the memories of long-time Cambridge residents is the Great Flood of ’74. On May 17th of that year, the spring melt and weeks of rainy weather had caused the water levels in the Grand River to rise to record levels; there was little that could be done as the water poured over the banks and into Cambridge, overwhelming Galt and communities further south. It was the worst flash flooding in twenty years, causing nearly $34 million in damage. In the aftermath of that historic flood, and to reduce the risk of future flooding, the Cambridge Living Levee as constructed along the river to protect Galt’s historic downtown core.

Join McDougall Cottage staff for an enlightening Culture Days Walk. We’ll travel the path of the levee to explore this excellent example of human adaptation to flooding hazards and learn how the levee continues to preserve the community around us.

These free walks will leave from McDougall Cottage Historic Site promptly at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Pre-registration is required

The tours may include hills, stairs and uneven terrain. Phones are recommended, but not required, to access photos of the sites we are visiting. No washroom facilities available during tour.

Links

• Pre-Registration Required eventbrite.ca

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McDougall Cottage Historic Site

McDougall Cottage, a c.1858 granite and limestone labourer's home, is located in downtown Cambridge in the historic factory district on the banks of the picturesque Grand River.

This cottage was home for more than a century to two families of hardworking Scots, the McDougalls and the Bairds. Today the Cottage serves as an interpretation centre celebrating Cambridge's strong Scottish heritage.