McDougall Cottage Historic Site is closed until further notice due to flooding

August 01, 2025

WATERLOO REGION - A major flood took place at McDougall Historic Site on Tuesday, April 17. No one was injured in this incident. The Cottage will survive this major flood disaster in no small measure due to its solid 19th century construction. No artifacts are in jeopardy, including the Cottage’s iconic frieze paintings. McDougall Cottage Historic Site will be closed to the public until further notice.

At approximately 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17 in Cambridge, Ontario, a water main was compromised, which allowed hundreds of pounds of water to escape from an underground pipe. The escaping water gathered into the area surrounding McDougall Cottage Historic Site. Water entered the Cottage and completely filled the basement and approximately three to four feet of the covered patio area. The fire department and Region of Waterloo Facilities responded and worked to evacuate the water and stabilize the site.

The basement of McDougall Cottage was completely submerged - water up to the top step. Adèle Hempel, Manager/Curator of Region of Waterloo Museums, notified staff to remove artwork and quilts from McDougall Cottage. Staff removed the items and brought them the Waterloo Region Museum Curatorial Centre located in Kitchener..

Adèle Hempel  would like to extend a huge thank you to all who responded quickly to this emergency situation:

  • the Cambridge Fire Department who acted swiftly to control the flood waters
  • the Regional staff who attended the scene to oversee the Cottage’s immediate rescue
  • the Region of Waterloo Museum staff who rescued the artifacts on display
  • the restoration firm who are draining the basement and undertaking the clean-up to restore the building to operational capacity

 McDougall Cottage Historic Site is located at 89 Grand Avenue South in Cambridge, Ontario.

 

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For more information or to arrange an interview contact:

Sean Jasmins

Marketing and Partnerships Supervisor

Region of Waterloo Museums
sjasmins@regionofwaterloo.ca

10 Huron Road, Kitchener, Ontario, N2P 2R7

519-748-1914 ext. 3681

Region of Waterloo Museums

Waterloo Region Museum-Doon Heritage Village

Schneider Haus-National Historic Site

McDougall Cottage-Historic Site