Townsman, 1992-03, Page 14St. Marys -
Perfect place to live,
and to visit
by Bonnie Gropp
The slogan adorning St. Marys his-
toric water tower acclaims it as "The
Town Worth Living In". Yet, centered
in the rich agricultural area of Perth
County, Stonctown's unique limestone
architecture and Victorian beauty
make it a pretty terrific place to visit
too.
With its roots dating back to 1841,
St. Marys first attained prominence
and wealth through its milling indus-
tries. Today, it is a thriving communi-
ty of 5400 people.
Gord Soutter, Tourism Coordinator
and a resident of the St. Marys area
for 14 years, says St. Marys is espe-
cially popular with day trippers and
"we work to keep it that way," he
said. "One of the things the Economic
Development Committee/Tourism
Board looked at over the years is the
importance of having our town
known, yet keeping it nice. I know I'm
biased, but it's a beautiful town and
we didn't want to see it over commer-
cialized." For that reason the town has
never encouraged large industry.
They are delighted with the day trip-
pers who come to see St. Marys as
this type of tourism fits the ambiance
of the nice, quiet town, says Mr. Sout-
ter.
The first stop anyone makes in
Stonctown should be the Grand Trunk
Railway station, the VIA Rail depot
and Mr. Soutter's office. Constructed
in 1907, the station later became part
of Canadian National Railways until
that company divested itself of the
passenger business. It was purchased
by the town and refurbished, to be re-
opened in 1988.
Finding the railway station is rela-
tively simple, marked as it is by bold
information signs. Look for the old
water tower, an historical site, marked
by a plaque declaring it as an Ameri-
12 TOWNSMAN/MARCH-APRIL 1992
In late 1986 the Opera House, built in 1890 was saved from ruin by the local
Lions Club. After a $3 million renovation project the Opera House is now a com-
mercial and residential building.
can Waterworks landmark.
The tower was retired in early 1987
and a new tower was built further
down James St., but the old stone
pedestal and tank remain as interna-
tional and local landmarks.
In the fall and winter months when
there's little foliage to obstruct the
view, the tower with the Canadian
flag aloft, presents the first glimpse of
Stonctown to the motorist approach-
ing from the east.
When visitors arrive at the station
they are asked to sign a visitors' book,
which Mr. Soutter says, the Tourism
Board uses for the purpose of study-
ing the town's tourist industry. From it
they have learned what it takes to
make their guests feel welcome and
how to show them the best St. Marys
has to offer at the same time.
Tourists are given a "key to St.
Marys" which provides them with free
parking anywhere in the town. There
is a town map available and Mr. Sout-
ter will answer questions or highlight
specific destinations for a walking
tour.
As stated in the town's brochure an
excellent place to begin is at the town