Local resident Marjorie Clark would like to see a bit of nature included on the Puslinch Township website.
In a recent letter to council, Clark said in the past 25 years the Puslinch Heritage Society, as a committee of council, has documented much of the local architectural heritage in the township.
“Quite a number of structures have been recognized as significant and adorned with plaques,” she wrote.
“However, Puslinch has also a number of natural features, which have played and continue to play a part in the life of this community.
“Over the years, these landmarks acquired names, generally by association with the first owner of the property or reflecting the community within which it existed. Thus, we have Loch Buie, Morriston Pond and Irish Creek.”
Clark said these names have a connection with local pioneers and their culture.
“Probably since Morriston was first settled, the adjacent body of water has been known as Morriston Pond. Halligan’s Pond on the 9th concession (at the corner of Victoria Road and Maltby Road) in the Corwhin area, became known by the name of the first owner of that property, Patrick Halligan. “
She noted the Scottish pioneers of Badenoch called a reedy, yellow lake on the 10th concession (Watson Road) of their community, Loch Buie.
“In Gaelic, that means Yellow Lake. Little Lake may have received its name simply by contrast with the larger Puslinch Lake. The names denote the uniqueness of these places.”
Clark said places such as Morriston Pond, Loch Buie and the Mill Pond at Aberfoyle have also served as important landmarks when giving directions.
“Lately, it appears that names of our natural legacy are becoming lost to general knowledge. New residents arrive, who do not know these traditional names; there is nothing to acquaint a newcomer or visitor with them
“The loss of a name is the loss of an identity. Without a name, Loch Buie would become just another pond and its cultural significance would be lost.”
Clark offered that a solution can be as simple as a sign.
Puslinch has placed signs to mark Mill Creek and largely due to that, and publicity about efforts to rehabilitate the creek, people are familiar with that name.
“A sign at each small lake, known by a name since pioneer days, would have the same effect for them.”
Clark added she understood the heritage committee proposed the creation of a heritage page on the township website.
“Would council consider such a measure as a means of preserving and promoting our beautiful environmental heritage?”
Mayor Dennis Lever said the request follows the same line of discussion held earlier when the heritage committee asked to showcase local heritage on the township website.
Council raised no objection to the proposal.
