Burlington’s 131-year-old town bell began its move from outside Burlington Public Library’s Central Branch to a future local firefighter memorial on Monday, July 28.
The bell was displayed outside the Central Park library (2331 New St.) since 1970. Work on its relocation began last year when Burlington Fire Department requested the move to its headquarters at 1255 Fairview St.
The fire department is paying the estimated $5,000 for relocation and new memorial cost, and also contributing another $5,000 for an interactive heritage sensory walk along the west side of the library, replacing the bell.
Library spokesperson Krista Schwab said the plan is for an accessible experience “that encourages visitors to learn about Burlington’s history by using all their senses and connecting with their surroundings.”
Schwab said the concept is in development, with plans to install the outdoor experience next year.
“Installation and recommissioning of the bell at Fire Headquarters is expected to take place in late fall 2025 or early spring 2026, weather permitting. Updates on timing will be provided as the project progresses,” the city notice stated.
According to the city notice, fire headquarters is “regularly visited by the community for tours and fire safety education” and the bell, a symbol of Burlington’s early civic life and emergency services, “will continue to be preserved and showcased in a meaningful public setting.”
The bell’s future home outside fire headquarters will “ensure continued public visibility” and align with fire department public education and historical recognition initiatives.
A city spokesperson said on July 25 the fire department is reviewing options, and other municipal fire memorials, to help shape next steps and ensure the project provides value to the community.
The spokesperson confirmed the estimated cost to relocate the bell for a memorial is approximately $5,000, with final budget to be confirmed in Phase 2 when design and plans are completed.
In a November 2024 memo on plans for the historic bell’s future, Burlington Fire Chief Karen Roche stated the fire department hopes to bring the bell “back to life” as part of the memorial honouring department members who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
“Our goal is to restore the bell and prominently place it in front of our departmental flags at fire headquarters,” Roche stated in the memo.
According to a history of the artifact provided by the city, the bell was installed in 1894 at Burlington’s former town hall on Elizabeth Street.
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.
It went into storage for 10 years, after town hall closed, while the library board raised money to have it installed outside the Elizabeth Street Library. The bell was moved to the north entrance of the central branch on New Street when it opened in 1970.
The fire department plans to recognize the library’s role stewarding the bell since the 1960s, and ensure Burlington Public Library is given first right of refusal to get the bell back if Burlington Fire is at some point no longer able to keep it.