What’s so great about Whitestone? Here are ten things that come to mind, in no particular order, and far from an exhaustive list. So please don’t be upset if I have omitted your favourite…..
- Our Natural Beauty
Lakes and streams, rocks and trees, pastures and wetlands, winding country roads and hiking trails: where else can you find such such a variety of beautiful and tranquil scenes? And such a variety of wildlife? In every season of the year, Whitestone has something to offer those who love nature.
- Our Dedicated Community Volunteers
Whitestone is a community of volunteers. From sorting returnable bottles and cans at our waste management sites, to organizing recreational programs for youth and seniors, to leading our civic groups and our lake / environmental / private road associations, to managing and staffing the Maple Island Thrift Shop, to our fire and rescue service, volunteers take on many responsibilities that contribute to our quality of life in the community.
Sorting at York Street Bottle Shed
- Our Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Whitestone’s large geographic area and limited access to many properties pose major challenges in the event of fires and medical emergencies. Nevertheless, our dedicated and competent Fire and Rescue Service continues to earn the gratitude and respect of the Community for their prompt, professional, and caring response.
- Our Whitestone Lake Central School
Despite low student enrollment, Whitestone has been fortunate to be able to maintain its public elementary school. Students at Whitestone Lake Elementary School in Dunchurch enjoy excellent learning facilities, as well as the individualized attention that comes with small class sizes. They even have a demonstration fish hatchery established with the support of the Whitestone Rod and Gun Club.
Pine Car Derby at Whitestone Lake Central School, March 2017
- Our Nursing Station
Residents of the Whitestone area have local access to primary health care services through the Whitestone & Area Nursing Station located adjacent to the Municipal Office in Dunchurch. Affiliated with the West Parry Sound Health Centre and staffed by a Nurse Practitioner, the Nursing Station provides a range of routine services that would otherwise require a trip to Parry Sound or beyond.
The Whitestone & Area Nursing Station in Dunchurch
- The Diversity of Our Community
Whitestone’s diversity in terms of both land use (a mix of rural, residential, and vacation) and its population (a mix of permanent and seasonal residents, both long-term and newcomers) is worth celebrating. Some of its residents are descendents of original settlers of the area, while others have moved here permanently after vacationing in the area, and yet others have moved here recently to escape the hustle and bustle of life in the big city. And despite the diversity of our backgrounds, we share a pioneering spirit and common values including respect for each other and for the environment.
- Our Library
“The little library with big ideas”, our award-winning Whitestone Hagerman Memorial Public Library in Dunchurch is the centre of learning for the community. Besides offering books and e-learning resources on loan, the Library features special programs for children, seniors, and those in between on a regular basis year round.
Whitestone Hagerman Memorial Public Library in Dunchurch
- Our Rich History
The Whitestone area has a rich history from the days of its earliest settlement in the mid 1800s, through the expansion that took place during the “logging days” of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, to its more recent growth as a recreational area. The Whitestone Historical Society fosters recognition of our unique heritage and encourages its preservation. The Society has assembled a large collection of photographs of Whitestone’s earliest days, and is in the process of publishing a series of research reports detailing the history of the various areas of the Municipality. (The latest of these entitled “From Gordon Lake to the Bunny Trail” is now available to purchase from the Society and at various local outlets.)
Submerged flatcar in WahWashKesh from Holt Timber Co. railway, abandoned in 1925
Early photo of log home on WahWashKesh built by Austin Buchanan in 1928
- Our Fall Fair
This past weekend many of us participated in the 149th annual Dunchurch Agricultural Society Fall Fair. My Council colleague, Joe McEwen, thinks it was “one of the most memorable” in his forty years as an organizer of the Fair. Truly a celebration of the things people love about Whitestone, the Fair brings together long-time residents, newcomers, and visitors. With something for everyone, it is truly an opportunity to return to our roots and to make new friends.
The Whitestone Lake Central School float in the Dunchurch Fall Fair Parade, August 18th, 2018
- Our People Who Care for Each Other
Whitestone’s original settlers survived and thrived through adversity by hard work and by helping each other. That sprit of generosity and of caring for one another lives on in the community today. Whitestone folks are ready to lend a hand when needed, and rally around those who are facing hardship. This spirit is manifested in the Maple Island Thrift Shop, where volunteers accept donations of used household articles and clothing and sell them to others at low cost. The proceeds of the Thrift Shop are used to fund various charitable causes and to assist those in need in the community.
Maple Island Thrift Shop