Lakefield Herald Special Report

The Bridgenorth streetscape, then and now

With the help of community and Bridgenorth Beautification Committee (BBC) members, the following changes have occurred in Bridgenorth:

In 1995, residents and visitors to Bridgenorth would have observed in their route along Ward St. between Maitland and Hunter Sts. a vacant lot with an old septic bed and unused well.

A rock-filled weedy bank overlooked the James Gifford Causeway at the Bridge St. traffic lights. Asphalt and concrete faced the police station.

Weeds and grass lay under the LCBO sign at Bridgenorth Plaza, as did the space where the Bridgenorth United Church (BUC) sign now stands.

Virtually no trees stood along Ward St. An un-groomed traffic light intersection graced the top of Bridge Rd.

There were few store-front flowers. Small black and white Bridgenorth signs greeted visitors. Street areas were dark at night; there was no developed park; no sitting benches existed.

By contrast, in 2010 there now stands Heritage Park with gazebo, Cenotaph and Veteran’s area with memorial plaques; colourful Christopher Gardens displays lilacs, junipers, lilies and tulips to greet drivers and walkers towards the traffic lights; trees, a bench, and a decorative garden stand at the police station; a large raised flower garden stands before the Bridgenorth Plaza (LCBO); 39 trees have been planted by BBC via donations and fundraising; two triangles full of colourful annuals in summer enhance the traffic island at the Bridge St. lights; store-front flower-baskets are seen along Ward St.

Three large wooden Bridgenorth steamboat signs over decorative gardens welcome and bid residents and visitors farewell.

Two large street lamps on Ward St.; and four lamps in Heritage Park with hanging baskets add visual appeal to the community. Six benches now stand along walkways in the hamlet.

The Bridgenorth Beautification Committee (BBC) volunteers thank you for your past support – we hope to be able to continue and maintain what we already have, to beautify the hamlet of Bridgenorth.

For further info contact the Bridgenorth Beautification Committee, Box 261, Bridgenorth ON K0L 1H0; call (705) 292-9756 or toll-free: 866-333-1343; fax (705) 292-7954; email bbc@bridgenorth.ca or visit http://www.bridgenorth.ca

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