Anyone up for a stroll through Callander’s history?
Council is considering it, after a recent presentation from Councillor Mike Dell, who proposed the idea of the walk. As envisioned, the route would include five large-scale murals and five historical photo placards. These would be strategically placed to announce a historic site.
“Each photograph commemorates our heritage and the stories that have shaped our community,” Dell clarified. Why murals? “Murals have the power to bring history to life.”
The five murals would form the initial stage of the project. More could be added later. The murals would be installed on walls in the downtown area. One example would be an image of a steam engine, chugging into Callander in 1920.
Photographs for the project would come courtesy of the Callander Bay Heritage Museum, “which has a fantastic collection of historical photographs,” Dell noted. He added that the murals would contain a QR code in the corner. People can scan these with their phones and learn more about the scene depicted.
The murals would also have the name of the Callander Bay Heritage Museum. A reminder to strollers to stroll on to 107 Lansdowne Street to see the museum while they’re in a historic mood.
Dell also suggested colourizing the black and white photos to help “bring an old moment into the present.” The list of photographs is not finalized – as the project is still in the development phases, not yet approved by council – but the idea is to highlight historic locations and some hidden gems. For instance, a mural of what Main Street looked like 100 years ago could be affixed to a building on Main Street to highlight the difference a century makes.
The murals will beautify the town, “and attract visitors to the municipality” to view the art.
Overall, councillors thought it was a good idea. However, more details will come about how much the project will cost. Municipal staff will prepare a report to detail the specifics of the project before council gives it the green light.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
