The original tower was constructed in 1922 as part of a network
to help protect valuable stands of timber from forest fires. The
small cabin used by towermen as a temporary home is still on site.
Eventually the tower's original purpose of forest fire detection
was no longer required - replaced by modern technology and the increased
population and better communication. When the government decided
in the 1960's they no longer needed the tower it had already become
a popular tourist attraction and residents of Dorset were alarmed
to think it would be removed. It had played a part in their lives
and from childhood on many had made trips up Dorset Mountain to
picnic and climb the tower for a bird's-eye view of "home".
The government recognized the ongoing value of a look out for the
community and took steps to acquire a replacement tower from the
Dept. of National Defence. The current tower was originally intended
as a radar tower for the (DEW) Distant Early Warning Line during
the "Cold War" era. On Sept. 14, 1967 the then Minister
of Land & Forests, the Hon. Rene Brunelle officially opened
the new "Dorset Scenic Observation Tower and Picnic Site. On
that weekend over 8,000 people climbed the tower to appreciate the
view.
The tower is now owned and maintained by the Corporation of the
Township of Algonquin Highlands and it is estimated that well over
60,000 vehicles access the site annually.
In the spring of 1999 the Hamlet of Dorset began a new and innovative
project involving our Dorset Tower. A kiosk and gatehouse has been
opened. Our kiosk offers visitors a chance to purchase t-shirts,
sweatshirts and caps bearing our Dorset Tower logo.
The Hamlet of Dorset also offers
shopping and fine dining for our visitors.
~ Please visit Ontario's Fire Tower Lookouts for information on their history ~
An excellent detailed "Chronological History of the Dorset Tower"
was produced by Scott J. Card in May 1998. It is presently held at
the Municipal Office in Dorset and there is some discussion about
having it published. This paper was extensively used for this website
and we wish to thank Scott J. Card for his excellent report and thank
the Dorset Township Office for making it available.
