Building a better tomorrow, together with Earth Day Canada, Aviva Canada is taking action on climate change and helping to build stronger, more resilient communities by investing in public charging stations for electric vehicles. Charged for Change is a program that funds public electric vehicle (EV) charging installations in communities across Canada with limited or no access to EV infrastructure. Join us as we celebrate the unique stories of our Charged for Change communities in the Town of Thessalon, Ontario, as they transition towards electric mobility.
Huron North Shore’s Thessalon, Ontario - 46.263°N 83.548W
Sitting on the edge of the deep blue waters of Lake Huron’s North Channel, embraced by the lakes, rivers, old growth forests, and wildlife of the Algoma Highlands, Thessalon is not only a gateway to the vast Northern Ontario wilderness, but it’s also the path to the natural past of the stunning Great White North. A six-hour drive from Toronto will transport you through centuries and millennia of ancient wonder. This charming town fills the heart, and its spectacular surroundings spark the spirit.
The traditional people of Thessalon
Part of the Ojibwe First Nation, Thessalon First Nation has a long and storied connection to the North Huron area. In fact, their membership in the Anishinabek Nation traces their history, long before European contact, with the formation of the Council of Three Fires in 796 AD1. Fast forward 1,000 years, their First Nations rights were recognized in the Royal Proclamation of 17632. After the discovery of copper and iron deposits in the 1840s, the Lake Huron Treaty of 1850 was signed and “contained a schedule of reserves, hunting and fishing rights that lasted until the lands were taken up for settlement or development, a one-time payment of £2000, and an annum (annual payment or annuity) of £500 and £600, respectively.”3 Today, there are 113 residents of the Thessalon First Nation reserve, located 13kms away from the Town of Thessalon, and with 1116 living off-reserve4.
Time for timber town
In 1869, the area was surveyed for a potential lumber industry. Considered a founding father of Thessalon, the ever-entrepreneurial Nathanial Dyment obtained a license to remove timber from the Thessalon Indian Reservation in 1871. In 1872, Dyment moved in with machinery to construct the regions first steam powered sawmill. By 1884, Thessalon was a small town of 200 residents and included “18 houses, 8 shacks, 1 store, 1 hotel, 2 churches, and a 1 room school.”5 By 1903, Thessalon had grown from a lumbering village to a town that included 1200 citizens.
Moose on the loose
In the early 1920’s, owner of Thessalon House Michael McGuire had an unusual pet – a tamed moose named “Biddy”. “Biddy was not only a regular sight in town, she had her own likes and preferences, as well including arriving inside the bar everyday to share a cold one with the regulars. The customers were so accustomed to her arrival that upon seeing her heading their way they would clear the bar top off and buy her a beer. Biddy would then tip the glass over and proceed to drink her beer off the bar with her tongue.”6 Though town leaders were not so fond of the loose moose and established a bylaw stating, “moose would not be allowed to roam the streets freely”. To this day, it’s the only Canadian town with such a law in the books.
Today in Thessalon
1,200 people are fortunate to call the beautiful area home. However, there’s plenty for non-residents to enjoy in Thessalon.
Fishing: Walleye (pickerel), smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, muskie, salmon, speckled trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout stalk the area’s waters just itching to take a bite on the line.
Lakeside Park Campground: plan your stay at the municipally operated campground that offers many amenities and adjacent to the pristine Lakeside Beach.
Thessalon Trails: enjoy a walk in nature and some lookout points of Lake Huron or do some birdwatching along the Thessalon Coastal Trail.
Thessalon Community Days: this yearly event includes a Family Baseball Tournament, a rock the dock concert event at the Marina, a community parade, and a kids fun zone.
Charged for Change: Public charging stations and infrastructure for electric vehicles
We’re thrilled to have been welcomed to the Town of Thessalon to fund the installation of EV charging stations, allowing climate-conscious drivers to charge their vehicles amongst the beautiful landscapes of North Huron.
Stay tuned for our next EV journey to another Charged for Change municipality, the Township of Manitouwadge, Ontario. Visit Charged for Change: Bringing electric vehicle charging infrastructure to your community (aviva.ca) to learn more.
1 Council of Three Fires - Wikipedia
2 Royal Proclamation of 1763: Relationships, Rights and Treaties – Poster (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)
3 Robinson Treaties of 1850 | The Canadian Encyclopedia
4 Thessalon First Nation - Wikipedia
6 Biddy the Moose: Uniquely Thessalon: A Historical Journey: North of Huron (ourontario.ca)
