Parks Canada to install plaque honouring Richard Pierpoint

FERGUS – A plaque honouring Richard Pierpoint will be erected at the Pierpoint Fly Fishing Nature Reserve in early October.

Parks Canada designated Pierpoint as a national historic person in 2020. With that recognition comes a commemorative plaque.

Centre Wellington staff has been working with the Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada, under the authority of Parks Canada, to find a suitable location.

“After a lengthy and thorough consultation process with many stakeholders, it was decided the most suitable location for the commemorative plaque would be at the Pierpoint Fly Fishing Nature Reserve,” reads a report by township parks manager Lucas Rogerson.

The report was presented to council at its Sept. 11 committee of the whole meeting – and staff was seeking permission from council to install the plaque there.

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Rogerson pointed out the township recently designated the Pierpoint Fly Fishing Nature Reserve a cultural heritage landscape site as well.

Storyboards outlining Pierpoint’s life and the significance of the land he once owned will also be installed, possibly there or at other locations in the township.

Pierpoint is recognized as the first Black settler in Centre Wellington.

The plaque, by Parks Canada, “is to recognize Richard Pierpoint himself,” Rogerson told council.

Council unanimously approved Parks Canada installing its plaque at the nature reserve.

Details about the unveiling will be announced later.