Windsor-Essex has a rich Francophone history and thanks to students and faculty at St. Clair College, some of those stories will soon be told on a larger scale.
Students in the Civil Engineering Technology program recently had the opportunity to get involved in the creation of a monument to recognize an early French settler near HMCS Hunter in Windsor's Sandwich Town.
Students receive a briefing ahead of a geotechnical investigation for a Francophone monument in Sandwich Town on Oct. 5, 2024. (William Tape/St. Clair College)
"The goal is to highlight the inspiring story of Antoine de Lamothe Cadillac, and his crucial role in the economic and political development of the region and strengthening the Francophone presence in the Great Lakes, especially in Windsor-Essex," said Andre Nsengiyumva of the Association des Communautés Francophones de l'Ontario of Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent (ACFO WECK).
"The construction of the monument is a way of immortalizing the work done by Francophone pioneers and the recognition of Francophone culture in this region," said Nsengiyumva.
The monument features a tri-centenary canoe, which initially was in east Windsor but was redesigned and will be relocated to the Queen's Dock Park in Sandwich. The land where the monument will be erected is owned by the Windsor Port Authority and was donated to ACFO WECK.
"It's the legacy of the people who live here, and it's also telling the story of the people who live here," said Peter Berry, the Harbourmaster at the Port Authority. "Our intention is to make this a living museum that people can go down to and experience, and we'll build on that."
Because it's federal land, Berry said the organization can build the monument without as much red tape, but they still want it done right.
Dr. William Tape, a professor of Civil and Construction Technologies in the School of Engineering Technologies was asked to help with the engineering of a foundation upon which the monument will be placed.
Tape saw it as the perfect opportunity to bring students into the process and use it as an experiential learning opportunity.
"I immediately thought of our students and a chance to give back to the community, because that's what we do here. We give back to the community," said Tape.
The professor coordinated a field trip, where 25 students came out to witness a geotechnical investigation firsthand.
"The goal of every one of us here at the College is to give our students the real-world experience," said Tape. "They're getting the physical hands-on touch. They get to see the truck, they get to see the testing, and they get to put a link between theory and reality."
"That's something that's often missed in academia, especially in higher-level academics, the students are never explained what the reality of it is," Tape said, noting this sort of interaction isn't found in a textbook. "We want our students to physically see it so when they go into industry, it's not just a lesson plan, it's a real-life situation."
Students who attended the geotechnical investigation got to see core drilling and learn about the various aspects of planning a project of this magnitude from professionals, providing students with industry connections.
Students, faculty, and industry stand near the future site of a Francophone monument in Sandwich Town on Oct. 5, 2024. (William Tape/St. Clair College)
Students were privy to a discussion and explanation of what was happening by Senior Geotechnical Engineer and Owner of C.T. Soil and Materials Engineering Inc., Mr. Tom O'Dwyer, P.Eng. who offered students an understanding of the process that goes into the testing setup, the equipment, and how to decipher the data.
For many students, this was the first time they have ever seen a real-life geotechnical test, making this a valuable part of their understanding of the many topics discussed in class.
"It's one thing to read something in the book, or to have a professor tell you about it. It's completely different to see it in real life," said Nick Punga, 34, a third-year student in the Civil Engineering Technology program. "Sometimes it's the little hiccups that teach you a lot, and you don't get that in a lab or textbook."
Devin Gidillini, 23, also a third-year Civil Engineering Technology student, said the marriage of theory and practice brings the learning experience full circle.
"It was nice to see someone provide an opportunity for us to go out and see for ourselves how the theory translates to an actual project," Gidillini said.
20-year-old Brittany Caracheo, a third-year Civil Engineering Technology student, said she chose to attend St. Clair College instead of a university for that very reason.
"University is more books and tests and exams, memorize this and show me that you memorized it, and put it in writing," said Caracheo. "College is more hands on. You can actually see what you read in a book and apply it in real life."
But it's more than just learning how to create the foundation for a monument. Dr. Tape believes the project helps create a sense of community and pride for students, showing them that giving back can feel really good.
"They're part of something that's bigger than them. It's being part of the community. And that's the best part about this," Dr. Tape said.
"It's very nice to say, I was a part of that, right?" said Gidillini. "And if you're ever in the area, you're with someone, you can explain that you helped with that."
The monument relocation project is being funded by the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan, which includes a Workforce Development and Participation Strategy, as well as a Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy that provides $23 million of direct community investment in both Windsor and Detroit through more than 50 initiatives.
According to Dr. Tape, the next step is to construct and install the foundation before the wintry weather sets in, a process the students will see through to the end.
The monument installation is set to be complete by March 2025.
