The Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee of the Township of Rideau Lakes (MHAC) has continued to foster a successful partnership with local historian and filmmaker Allison Margot Smith in the creation of yet another new documentary, this time telling the story of the Beverley Riots and a death in Philipsville.  

In the years leading up to the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion elections became highly contested matters as electoral manipulation by the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada resulted in fighting between Tories and Reformers. The villages of Beverley (now Delta) and Philipsville witnessed election violence that shocked Upper Canada, culminating in the death of a young man in Philipsville.

"The topic is quite a unique aspect of Upper Canadian history, focused distinctly on the Township of Rideau Lakes and what was then Leeds County. In particular, it speaks to the fragile nature of Canada’s pre-Confederation period typified by the mob violence in the run up to the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion and the fight for responsible government”– stated filmmaker Allison Margot Smith.

The film entitled, “The Beverley Riots and a Death in Philipsville” is the third historical documentary to be launched as a result of the partnership. In December 2021, “Fettercairn: WWI on Indian Lake” was released as the second documentary. The first documentary, released earlier in 2021 entitled, “Rideau Canal:The Big Breakthrough” featured Newboro and Narrows Locks, and Upper Rideau Lake. All three films can be seen on the Township’s YouTube Channel, or on the website at rideaulakes.ca/documentaries.

Mayor Arie Hoogenboom remarked, “The Township is filled with compelling stories and this film illustrates the rich cultural history of Rideau Lakes. Congratulations and thank you to all the volunteers on the MHAC Committee for producing these documentaries.”