LAST DUEL PARK, CAMPGROUNDS AND CEMETERY
Welcome to our returning campers and those who are new to the area. We are located just off Highway #43 on the Tay River, within Town of Perth limits; turn south onto Cole Road (#22 Craig Street). 1 night $29.21 $15.04 1 week $168.15 $81.42 1 month $238.94 $129.21 3 months $666.67 $357.14 6 months $1142.86 $666.67
HISTORY:
Last Duel Park & Campgrounds is a 27-acre site located on the banks of the Tay River. The Park owes its name to infamous last fatal and most publicized duel to take place in Canada where, in 1833, law students Robert Lyon and John Wilson duelled over the honour of Miss Elizabeth Hughes.
The duel was fought on the banks of the Tay River where the Campground is situated. Although Lyon was considered a crack shot, both he and his opponent missed their mark. The two combatants were willing to give up, but Henry LeLievre, Lyon's second, would not agree to an amicable settlement. The pistols were reloaded and fired simultaneously. Lyon fell, mortally wounded, and was transported back to the foyer at Inge Va (66 Craig Street), where he succumbed to his wounds. He was buried in the cemetery adjacent Last Duel Park.
Wilson, and Simon Frazer Robertson (Wilson's second) were arrested by the Sheriff and tried in Brockville; both were acquitted.
John Wilson married Elizabeth Hughes in 1835 and they had three children. Wilson later went on to become a lawyer, judge and Member of Parliament. He died on June 3rd, 1869. Elizabeth Hughes lived until 1904, dying at the age of 93.
The actual pistols used in the Duel can be seen at Matheson House - The Perth Museum (11 Gore St. East).
TODAY:
Last Duel Park & Campgrounds is a serene, lush green open space, offering 47 serviced campsites (with new upgraded 30 amp electrical service and water hook-ups), public walking trails including the new "WENDY LAUT RIBBON OF LIFE" and picnic areas. The public docks are available on a first-come first-served basis (we do not take reservations for the docks) and offer three 30-amp marine grade outlets. See below for mooring fees.
OPERATIONS:
For the purpose of taking reservations and assisting campers, staff hours at the park will be Sunday to Wednesday, 2pm-7pm and Thursday to Saturday, 11:30am-7:00pm. Reservations can only be taken for bookings of one week or longer, as well as the Stewart Park Festival Weekend (July 16-18, 2010) by calling the attendant during staffed hours at 613-812-0020. For stays of less than one week, please come ahead to the Campground and follow the procedures posted at the Brock Street entrance.
PROCEDURES:
Last Duel Park & Campgrounds is open for camping and for public day use from 8am to 9pm daily. Those wishing to rent a campsite outside of staffed hours should proceed to a site that is NOT reserved, by way of a red reservation card. Staff will collect payment at the start of their next shift. Seasonal sites are required to be paid in full prior to opening date on May 15th. Because of changes due to the incoming HST, anyone interested in a seasonal site should call the number below for information regarding payments.
For more information on procedures, please call 613-267-3311.
Please click here to view a copy of the Last Duel Park Study
LAST DUEL PARK CAMPING FEES (+ applicable taxes) SERVICED SITES NON-SERVICED SITES
Pump Station $15.04 per dump (No charge for paid campers)
Dock Fees $15.04 per night (for 21' and under)
$19.47 per night (for 21'1" and over)
Dock Power $4.43 per night
Launch Fees $8.85 per launch
$48.67 per season
Laundry Room $4.43 per one wash and dry
GST applies on these fees until June 30th. For longer stays which span May 15th -July 1st, a blended rate will apply. On and after July 1st, HST will apply.
Click here for a copy of the Last Duel Park and Campground 2010 Newsletter.
The Building Canada Fund Grant
In the summer of 2008, Ontario signed the Building Canada Plan Framework Agreement with the federal government. Under this agreement, Ontario receives $3.09 billion as part of the Building Canada Fund. Ontario's matching contribution results in a $6 billion investment towards revitalizing the province's infrastructure.
On February 13th, 2009 the Town received word that the Building Canada Fund project to improve Last Duel Park was approved for two thirds funding. The three-year project is worth $297,500; the Town's contribution over three years is approximately $93,166.67, or $33,055.55 per year. The other two thirds funding will come from the provincial and federal governments. The Town's funds have been included in the draft 2009 budget.
In 2005-2006, a "Highest and Best use" study was completed for Last Duel Park, recommending $200,000.00 in capital upgrades to support and enhance its use. Due to lack of funds, few of the planned upgrades had been undertaken. The application to the Building Canada Fund was, no doubt, well received due to the UNESCO designation, as well as the fact that the campground is a tourism and accommodation generator, and the historic 175th Anniversary of the Tay Canal occurred in 2009.
Upgrades to a section of campsites along the water was carried out in the fall of 2009. Please note that landscaping is required this spring to rectify that area, and will be carried out as weather permits. Spring and summer work includes upgrades to the washroom and shower facilities. The Town of Perth will endeavour to disrupt campers as little as possible while the renovations take place.
