Contractors interested in restoring the Canatara Log Cabin at Lambton Heritage Museum have until July 14 to bid on the job.
Curator/Supervisor Dana Thorne said the process of planning the cabin's reconstruction started after it was relocated to the site in late 2020.
"All of the components of the cabin are here on site," said Thorne. "We've got all the logs that are numbered and ready to be put back together. We're just looking for a partner to work on the project."
The museum engaged architect and heritage restoration specialist, John Rutledge, to begin preparing drawings to support the next stage of the project last year. The drawings and specifications were finalized in early June and the tender for reconstruction and restorative work was issued.
"A lot of the original features of the cabin will be the same as they were when it was first built back in the 1830s. There will be a few logs that need to be replaced that haven't made it, but a lot of the original material is still there, which is great."
Thorne said they would like to see the project completed by September 2023.
While the full cost of the project will be determined through the tender process, the museum has set a fundraising goal of $100,000 to support the restoration project.
"People can donate online at heritagemuseum.ca/canataracabin," Thorne said. "We're about halfway towards our fundraising goal, but we do still need some additional community support. So if anyone wants to donate online, we would really appreciate it."
More details about the restoration project can be found here.
A replica of the original cabin was constructed at Canatara Park, on behalf of the city, by the Seaway Kiwanis Club.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark its grand opening in May.