The two-storey log home at the end of Wilson Ave. is tough to miss, even as it sits almost hidden on its well-treed lot. It looks older than most buildings along the street, like it has a storied past. Built in 1925 by Harry W. Darling, the property was purchased in 1947 by Dr. Graeme Mackechnie and has remained in ownership of the Mackechnie Family since that time. Despite changes to the surrounding neighbourhood, the home retains its historical character and has become a local landmark at the bottom of Wilson Ave.

The almost 100-year-old building is one of the designated properties on the City of Timmins’ Municipal Heritage Committee. It is the first designated property to receive an official heritage plaque from the City of Timmins.

“438 Wilson is the only residential building on our Municipal Heritage Register,” said Councillor Andrew Marks, chair of the Municipal Heritage Committee. “We’ve presented the current property owners with the City’s first official heritage plaque and certificate of heritage, and couldn’t be happier to celebrate the cultural and historical significance of the property.”

Councillor Marks has his own family story related to the Mackechnie House and “Doc Mackechnie.” His father, a hockey player and defenceman, took a high stick to the forehead during a match-up. He was stitched up in the basement of 438 Wilson Ave. by the good doctor, “without freezing,” Councillor Marks is quick to point out, and returned to the game in the third period. “I think he said they won the hockey game,” adds Marks.

The Municipal Heritage Committee is an advisory committee appointed by City of Timmins Council. The primary objectives of the committee are to promote a culture of conservation in the City of Timmins, and to advise Council on heritage issues pertaining to Part IV and V of the Ontario Heritage Act, including the establishment of the Municipal Heritage Register.

Anyone interested in putting forward a nomination for addition of property to the Municipal Heritage Register are encouraged to download the Application Form or reach out to Service Timmins for more information.