ELORA – Members of the community are invited to a workshop on Dec. 1 to receive an update on and participate in the Pierpoint Research Project.
Richard Pierpoint (c. 1744 – c. 1838) was designated a National Historic Person by Parks Canada in 2020 in recognition of his life experience, hardships, and contributions as a Black Loyalist in Upper Canada.
Pierpoint was granted land in West Garafraxa Township in 1822 for his service in the War of 1812.
Centre Wellington is conducting research on Pierpoint as it considers how to commemorate Pierpoint Park.
The project team will provide an update and a summary of the consultation to date, and present the findings of historical research.
Officials say the presentation will be followed by a working session where attendees can share feedback on potential interpretation, vision and options.
Some key questions to be answered and conversations that will occur through the evening include:
- what is significant about Richard Pierpoint and his property?
- what are the stories that should be protected and shared?
- how should Pierpoint’s story in the Township of Centre Wellington be protected and told?
- where should it be told? and
- what are some potential interpretive tools that could be used to recognize and broaden awareness of Pierpoint’s significance and history in the township and beyond?
“We look forward to working with you to create a shared vision for potential interpretation and commemoration to recognize and broaden awareness of this significant piece of the township’s history and to the history of Black Canadians,” states a township press release.
The workshop will be held Dec. 1 from 6 to 8pm at the Elora Community Centre.
To register for the workshop email heritage@centrewellington.ca.
Absent from the Centre Wellington press release is any mention of the township and county transportation plans that suggest a bridge across the Grand River to link Wellington Road 29 and Anderson Street, north of Wellington Road 18.
If approved, the bridge will act as a Highway 6 truck bypass route, which would pass directly through Pierpoint Park.
