The relocation of the Bonfield First Spike Caboose to its new site by the Municipal Office.

4 April 2011

Bonfield Looks to Honour Railway Pioneers

Bonfield Ontario - Bonfield's First Spike Committee wants to recognize those have contributed to the development of the CPR transcontinental railway in the community.
 
Mayor Randy McLaren said the committee hopes to build a wall of recognition.
 
"We're trying to recognize the fact that so many people contributed to our community in a meaningful way," McLaren said Thursday, adding he hopes the wall will bring some "tourism value" to the area.
 
"We want people to come and see it."
 
McLaren said development of the wall is in its early stages and few details can be released.
 
He said the criteria to put a person's name on the wall hasn't been narrowed down nor has the design or location.
 
McLaren said one location being looked at is the First Spike Park in Rutherglen off Highway 17.
 
"There's a lot of good reasons why that location would work. We want people to see it without having to hunt for it."
 
McLaren said the committee is looking for some help to design the structure. Requests for proposals for engineering services went out a few weeks ago. Tenders are due 14 Apr 2011.
 
He said the committee has some preliminary estimates on the cost, but it will all depend on how big or small the structure will be.
 
"The township will be contributing, but we're looking for a third party to help," McLaren said, suggesting a railway-minded donor may be interested in coming on board.
 
In 1986, the Township of Bonfield celebrated its 100th anniversary and was inducted into the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame in 2002 as the historic location where the first spike was driven in the CPR transcontinental railway, according to the township's website.
 
Jennifer Hamilton-McCharles.