Burlington Fire Department will contribute $5,000 to a sensory walk project, outside Burlington Public Library’s Central Branch, replacing the 130-year-old Town Bell when it is relocated to a memorial at fire department headquarters.
A draft Memorandum of Understanding outlining an agreement between the fire department and library was discussed at the June 27 library board meeting. It noted the anticipated financial support for the library sensory walk that will replace the bell, located outside the central branch’s north entrance for approximately 54 years.
Library CEO Lita Barrie said there was no firm timeline for moving the bell and implementing the walk, but said more information could be available when the board reconvenes for its next meeting in the fall.
“It’s a really important legacy project for some members of the fire department,” Barrie said.
Further details from Burlington Fire Department on plans for the memorial, and a potential timeline for relocation of the bell, were not available by deadline.
The library board previously supported a staff recommendation in March to collaborate with the fire department on the project. Staff from the fire department and library subsequently wrote the draft memorandum shared with library board members.
The fire department plans to incorporate the bell — used to notify the department of fires in the late 1890s and early 1900s — into a new memorial at 1255 Fairview St. headquarters recognizing members who have dedicated their lives to the fire department.
The bell was rung at 7 a.m. to signify the start of work, at noon and 1 p.m. to signal lunch hour and at 6 p.m. when the work day was done. When the bell was rung quickly, it meant there was a fire.
A library staff report states a sensory walk encourages people to use all their senses and connect with their surroundings while walking.
“The concept would be accessible and incorporate content from the Burlington Digital Archive to create an interactive experience for all that celebrates Burlington’s history,” the report states. “The walk would originate from the bell’s current location along the west side of the building.”
According to the draft memorandum of understanding, Burlington Fire will co-ordinate the bell’s relocation from 2331 New St. to 1255 Fairview St. and cover associated costs.
The fire department will also ensure BPL’s role stewarding the historic bell since the 1960s is preserved as part of its legacy, and ensure BPL is given first right of refusal to get the bell back if Burlington Fire is at some point no longer able to keep it.
Burlington Public Library will develop an interactive element replacing the bell and guide the development, launch and maintenance of a Burlington Fire Department repository on the Burlington Digital Archive (https://digitalarchive.bpl.on.ca/).