The Chemong Portage 'Right of Way' Project Installation Nears Completion

A new public art installation, Right of Way, featuring work from Indigenous artists celebrating the traditional Chemong Portage route, is being installed and will be completed this month.

Right of Way is the latest project funded through the City of Peterborough’s Public Art Program. File Photo.

It is a commemorative project featuring works by Indigenous artists Tia Cavanagh, David Beaucage Johnson, Yvonne Garbutt, William Kingfisher, Josh Morley and Nuin Tara Wilson.

The City of Peterborough commissioned the artists to create original artwork for vinyl wraps to be installed on traffic signal cabinets and electrical supply boxes at intersections close to what is thought to be the traditional route of the Chemong Portage. Each artwork represents a traveller on the route. Together, the project tells the portage story and makes history visible says Shelley M. Knott, the City's Advisor, Indigenous Relations.

“Right of Way serves as a powerful bridge between past and present, visually highlighting deep connections to land and space while honouring Indigenous people along the historic Chemong Portage,” she said. “It invites both residents and visitors to connect with and respect the enduring legacy of this route.”

The route begins at Dalhousie and George Streets and continues north through downtown, crossing intersections along George and Water Streets until it reaches Brock Street. From there, it veers west, weaving to Parkhill and Chemong roads. It then follows Chemong Road to Broadway Boulevard.

“Public art transforms everyday spaces into places of meaning and connection. Right of Way beautifies our city and honours the stories and culture of the Indigenous peoples who travelled the Chemong Portage. It’s a celebration of history, told in vivid, modern form, that invites everyone to reflect and engage,” said Councillor Alex Bierk and Councillor Lesley Parnell.

Installation began in September and is expected to be completed in mid-November.

Finishing touches include mounting an information panel and portage map at each intersection. The panel also features links to an audio recording of ‘The Story of the Chemong Portage’ by Gidigaa Miigizi (Doug Williams), read by Anne Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation. The recording is in Anishinaabemowin and English. 

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PtboPics: Kawartha Miniature Village At Portage Place

You have until January 9, 2012, to catch the incredible work that has gone into creating the Christmas display of the Kawartha Miniature Village. The display is set up in Portage Place and admission is free to the exhibit—though donations are greatly appreciated.

Photo: Evan Holt

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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What Will Become of Portage Place?

Once upon a time, Portage Place was the mall you just had to visit. There were lots of stores and shops and food court options, and business was booming. But all that seems like distant memory now.

You know things are bad at Portage Place when one of the shops in there that customers are loyal to is forced to shut its doors.

As MyKawartha reports, The Gourmet Cup is closing today due to lack of business. The Gourmet Cup has been in the mall since the very beginning, and current owner Lorna Ray has run it since 1996.

"The landlord has done nothing to attract tenants," Ray tells MyKawartha. "It's the state of the mall."

A new management team has been brought in to turn things around at the mall and attract more tenants, but is it too late? Many of the stores in Portage are now vacant, and things appear to be getting worse and worse by the day. You hardly hear of anyone shopping at Portage anymore. It just feels empty.

What would you do to turn this mall around?

[MyKawartha]

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