Summertime in Timmins is spent doing various outdoor activities! Many of us enjoy the water, whether we are swimming, boating, berry-picking or paddling.
Looking back at summers in the Porcupine, so many of us have enjoyed summertime swims in Gillies Lake. It was and has been a favourite spot for many to enjoy on a hot summer day.
Early July 1950 was the beginning of swimming lessons at the beloved beach. That year, there were over 250 people registered for lessons, from young children to adults.
A lot of work went into preparing the beach for season. The beach was raked several times to remove any broken glass or debris. They also raked the swimming area to remove weeds and vegetation that may disturb swimmers. They rebuilt the main tower for the lifeguards so they would get the best views of the entire swimming and walking area. They also installed volleyball posts and a net, renovated the first-aid room, and ordered new lifeboats. All this was made possible because the Kinsmen Club donated $1,100 to help improve the beach. Attendance within the first two weeks of opening was over 5,000 visitors.
The club also donated an additional $1,100 that year to make improvements to some of the parks around the city.
The Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre regularly provides TimminsToday readers with a glimpse of the city’s past.
Find out more of what the Timmins museum has to offer here and read more Remember This columns here.
