Interpretive Sign Walk
Looking for something to do outside? Interested in learning a bit more about the history of your community? Take a small stroll around the area of Mackin House Museum and check out our Interpretive Signs! This project was undertaken to share the history and heritage of French-Canadians in Maillardville, the establishment of Heritage Square, and the role of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early days of the town.
SIGN 1: The Interpretive Sign Walk Project
Start at the bottom edge of Heritage Square near the train station. To the left of the Fraser Mills sign, you will find the first sign, called “The Interpretive Sign Project.”
SIGN 2: Fraser Mills' Sawmill
On the pathway to the right of the caboose you will find the second sign. This one is called “Fraser Mills’ Sawmill.”
SIGN 3: From Log to Lumber
Directly opposite sign 2, you will find the third interpretive sign called “From Log to Lumber.”
SIGN 4: Mackin House
Now turn right and then left to find the sign. To get there, keep walking up the path until you find the fourth interpretive sign is called “Mackin House” nestled just to the right of our main entry staircase.
SIGN 5: The Community of Maillardville
Keep walking further up the path, and up the garden staircase to find the fifth sign called “The Community of Maillardville” just in front of the chimney.
SIGN 6: Life Back Then
Just opposite sign 5, you will find sign 6, “Life Back Then” to the right of the garden pathway.
Sign 7: Old City Hall
From this point, you are going to leave Heritage Square. Walk towards the corner of King Edward and Brunette and, using the lights, cross Brunette Ave. At the end of the crosswalk is a little concrete area with a bench. In this alcove you will find the seventh sign, called “Old City Hall.”
Sign 8: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish
The next sign is in front Our Lady of Lourdes on Laval Square. Head east on Brunette Ave toward Begin St. Head up Begin St (on the way you can take a look at all the Heritage Homes!) and turn right on Cartier Ave. You should be able to see the Church now. Head towards the Church and at the main staircase turn right. On the side of the Church on the grass is the next sign, called “Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.”
SIGN 9: Station Agent's House
It’s time to start heading back to Heritage Square. Walk down Laval St and cross to the other side of Brunette at the lights. Walk along the sidewalk on Brunette Ave towards Begin St. On the corner of Brunette and Begin there is a little concrete alcove: here you will find the 9th sign, called “Station Agent’s House.”
SigN 10: Heritage Square Story
Now continue west along Brunette Ave towards Heritage Square. At the front of Places des Arts, on the right side of the main entrance, there is a sign nestled amongst the foliage. This is the 10th sign, called “Heritage Square Story.”
Sign 11: An Historic Journey Through Maillardville
Continue walking to the right towards Heritage Square. At the top, find the next sign, called “An Historic Journey Through Maillardville.”
Sign 12: Ryan House
Now turn left back into Heritage Square. Continue walking down the path and find the next sign to your left, called “Ryan House.”
Sign 13: Fraser Mills Station
Head towards the train wheel and axle on display in front of you and find the next sign, called “Fraser Mills Station.”
SIGN 14: CPR Shapes the Community
Turn to your left and head to the left side of the Fraser Mills train station. Along the side amongst the bushes you will see the last sign, called “CPR Shapes the Community.”