Jim Brownell book presentation

Join us in welcoming Jim Brownell as he presents his book A Tour "Through the Lands of the Lost Villages"

Take a moving journey with A Tour “Through the Lands of the Lost Villages” by Jim Brownell. This detailed guide reveals the heartbreaking story of six villages and three hamlets lost to the unstoppable march of progress. As the St. Lawrence Seaway and Hydroelectric projects reshaped the landscape in the late 1950s, a vast area was sacrificed, submerging communities forever. Jim Brownell seamlessly weaves the past and present, and leads you through the journey as he did on his popular bus tours. With its step-by-step driving instructions, this comprehensive guide ensures you won't miss a detail, recreating the feeling of being on a guided tour.

The book delves into the stories of the lost villages, while shedding light on the birth of new towns like Ingleside and Long Sault, constructed to re-home displaced residents. With over 500 names indexed for reference, the guide transforms into a living archive—a who's who of the individuals who once thrived in these now-submerged communities.

Through meticulous research and personal memories, Jim traces the footsteps of those affected. The relocation of properties is detailed, serving as a permanent reminder of the profound impact on the community and a testament to the resilience of those who navigated the turbulent waters of change. A Tour “Through the Lands of the Lost Villages” is a testimony to what once was, linking the past to the present so that this important part of Ontario’s history is never lost.