A legacy that continues to bloom

By Elia Marini

“The Canal grounds are naturally beautiful and with a little repair and improvement could be made very attractive. During the season of navigation, a great many people pass through our canal and often express surprise that the Government has not made the surroundings more attractive. If a capital were expended yearly in improving the grounds, we would have in short time, one of the most picturesque grounds in Canada.” Excerpt from a letter written by J.W. Lebreton Ross to the Honourable Minister of Public Works, February 17^th, 1911

Visitors to the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site are often drawn to its colourful flower beds, mature trees, and picturesque grounds. What many may not realize is that these gardens are rooted in a vision which began more than a century ago.

Following the construction of the canal, the landscape was left bare. Superintendent J.W. LeBreton Ross, an avid gardener and community-minded leader, believed beautifying the grounds should be a priority. In 1911, he secured $5,000 through the national Beautify Canada campaign, the same that initiative helped launch Bellevue Park in Sault Ste. Marie.

The funding transformed the canal grounds, adding trees, gardens, and green spaces. More than 100 years later, some of the original trees planted during that effort are still standing, a living reminder of Lebreton Ross’ commitment to creating a beautiful public space.

Lebreton Ross’ passion for horticulture extended beyond the canal. In 1912, he joined other residents in collecting memberships to form a local branch of the Ontario Horticultural Association. While horticultural groups had existed in the community since at least 1908, the outbreak of the First World War delayed plans for a formal organization. The dream finally took root in 1926 when the Sault Ste. Marie Horticultural Society held its first official meeting. Fittingly, J.W. LeBreton Ross was elected the society’s first president.

2026 marks an important milestone, the 100th anniversary of the Sault Ste. Marie Horticultural Society. This year, we also celebrate 15 years of collaboration between Parks Canada and the Society to continue the vision of beautification and community involvement.

Each winter, while the gardens rest beneath the snow, a dedicated group of horticultural volunteers works alongside Parks Canada staff to plan and prepare for the next growing season. In the canal’s greenhouse, volunteers sow seeds and nurture seedlings that will later fill the historic site with colour and life. Flowers, such as zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, and geraniums, are carefully selected based on historical records, helping ensure the gardens reflect the character of the site’s past. Together, volunteers and staff maintain landscapes that honour the canal’s heritage while creating welcoming spaces for today’s visitors. Special attention is given to preserving the feel of an English garden, particularly around the historic Superintendent’s Residence. The result is a landscape that blends history, beauty, and community pride.

Today, just as it did a century ago, the Sault Ste. Marie Horticultural Society continues to lead outreach initiatives, community gardens, educational programs, and events, all aimed at beautifying the city and connecting people through gardening.

Parks Canada is proud to continue this partnership and the horticultural legacy that began over 100 years ago.

Interested in getting involved?

Volunteer opportunities at the canal include planting, weeding, watering, and fall clean-up.

To learn more about the Sault Ste. Marie Horticultural Society and upcoming events, visit: www.ssmhorticulturalsociety.com (English only)

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