Sudbury·Backroads Bill

Tracking Ontario's history through iconic 'water shed' highway signs

Backroads Bill explored some of the unique aspects of the common green and white 'height of land' signs posted across the province.

The distinctive green and white signs marking 'height of land' in Ontario have rich historical significance

Backroads Bill Steer is CBC Sudbury's outdoor columnist. He talks about the distinctive green and white signs in Ontario that identify the water shed, or height of land. (Supplied by Bill Steer)

Backroads Bill explored some of the unique aspects of the common green and white 'height of land' signs posted across the province.

According to Bill, the erratic line of the watershed defined historical and territorial boundaries.

Iconic signs across Ontario are reminders of the historical importance of drainage basins. (Backroads Bill)

Although you may not see any bodies of water near the signs, you can be assured that its position marks the point where water flows towards either the Arctic Ocean or towards the Atlantic. 

But the history of the signs - as well as their position - signifies much more than water direction.

Bill Steer a.k.a. Backroads Bill joined us to tack about the height of land, it's cultural and historic significance. What does it all mean? Adventurer Bill Steer enlightens us...

with files from Markus Schwabe. Edited/packaged by Casey Stranges