Town of Penetanguishene Plans to Celebrate Franco-Ontarian Day and Showcase New Gateway

The Town of Penetanguishene is getting ready to celebrate Franco-Ontarian Day on Monday, September 25, to recognize our community and province's Francophone heritage and culture!

"We are proud to celebrate Franco-Ontarian Day, which is an opportunity for us to promote the rich and vibrant French culture that is an integral part of our identity," said Mayor Doug Rawson. "The Town of Penetanguishene has a deep Francophone history, and we want to honour and celebrate that heritage."

Members of the public are invited to attend a celebration and flag-raising ceremony which will include speeches from local dignitaries.

Time: 10:00 AM

Date: Monday, September 25, 2023

Location: Penetanguishene Amphitheatre, 8 Owen Street

In addition to Franco-Ontarian Day celebrations, the Town will also salute the new Penetanguishene Gateway, which is nearing completion. Funded through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program, the Town’s Gateway project includes the relocation of the historic angel monuments and formal gateway from the intersection of Main Street and Thompson's Road to the true municipal border.

"We are excited to see the Town Gateway project coming to fruition and the transformation it has brought to our community. With the Angels now safely settled into their new location, we can't wait to see what other positive changes this project will bring to Penetanguishene" added Mayor Rawson.

In addition to the formal gateway, residents will also notice the addition of two angel-inspired public art pieces located on the front of Town Hall and the Tourism Information Centre (Pictured). These pieces were also funded by a federal grant to further share the historical significance of these monuments in the Town’s heritage.

Members of the Community are also invited to attend Frano-Ontarian Day activities organized by La Clé D'La Baie En Huronie.

September 24 at 1:00 PM

La Cle, 64 Main Street Parking Lot

Music by LeFLORFRANCO

Free admission

Additional information about the events occurring on September 24, 2023, can be found on their website.

For more information on the Franco-Ontarian Day celebrations and the Penetanguishene Gateway project, please visit www.penetanguishene.ca.

For media enquiries, please contact: