As one of the founders of the Welland Canal, Merritt, who was born July 3, 1793, is one of the most prominent historical figures in St. Catharines. The canal, credited with opening up the interior of North America to the rest of the world, was far from the only transportation infrastructure Merritt had a hand in; he was also a supporter of the first suspension bridge over the Niagara River, as well as system that improved navigation along the St. Lawrence River.

Historical Society president John Burtniak said the man was also involved in the early efforts to establish a railway system in Canada.

"He rightly deserves to be called the father of Canadian transportation," he said.

Burtniak said the ceremony to mark Merritt's birth has been held since 1993 and typically involves only a handful of people, mainly Historical Society members. Burtniak said he'll say a few words and focus on one aspect of the man or his family members, including his most well-known son, Thomas Rodman Merritt, whose home, Rodman Hall, is directly across Twelve Mile Creek.

He added the Historical Society hopes to enlarge the scale of the occasion in the coming years and make it a more official event with speeches by elected officials from all orders of government.

Thursday's ceremony begins at 7 p.m. and is expected to last between 15 and 20 minutes.