Our first major project was to build a heritage park to commemorate the pioneering Polish Kashubian men and women who settled in this area from as far back as 1859. Wilno is recognized as Canada's First Polish Settlement. The park is actually built on the site of the former CN (Canadian National) Railway Station in Wilno, on land which was donated to the Society by the Townships of Sherwood, Jones & Burns. .

Work on the Heritage Park began with a ground breaking ceremony  on June 14, 1998.

Present were: Ambrose Chippior, Elizabeth Yantha, Rev. Archie Afelskie, MP Hec Clouthier, MPP Sean Conway, Sherwood Jones and Burns Reeve, Bob Mitchell, Teenie Shulist, Diane Malone, Christine Recoskie, Mike Coulas, David Shulist, Ed Chippior, Dennis Yeretch and Andrew Yantha.

On November 8, 1998 a century-old log building donated by Ambrose and Martha Chippior and family was erected on the site.

Ed Chippior & Martha Chippior proudly display the log building.

Today, the park provides a focal point and a green area for the community. CLICK HERE for more information on the Park.

The Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to open the Polish Kashub Heritage Park and Museum was held on June 30, 2002. Many gathered with David Shulist, President, and the executive members of the Wilno Heritage Society, with special guests Monsignor Ambrose Pick, St. Hedwig's Parish, Barry's Bay, Thad Kay and Anna Zurakowski from the Polish Heritage Institute Kaszuby, Rev Traczyk from St. Mary's Parish, Wilno, Nicholas Burchat, Martha Chippior, Helen Klimuk, Annie Stamplecoskie, Elizabeth Yantha, Martin Shulist, Sean Conway, MPP, Renfrew North, Bill Schweig, Warden of Renfrew County, Al Burant, Gerard Peplinski, Shirley Mask Connolly, and Lynne Visutskie on this important occasion.

For more information on the Wilno Heritage Society e-mail:
heritage@wilno.org