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Relocation work for Burlington’s historic town bell will begin on Monday, July 28, 2025. This marks the start of the first phase of the project, which will involve the removal of the bell from its current location at Central Library and its transition to Burlington Fire Headquarters for secure temporary storage.
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.
Background
The town bell is a significant piece of Burlington’s heritage. Originally installed in 1894 at the former town hall on Elizabeth Street, the 1,000-pound bell rang daily to signal the beginning and end of the workday and served as an alarm to alert the community in the event of a fire. Following the closure of the town hall in the 1950s, the bell was placed in storage before being relocated to Central Library, where it has been on display for a number of years.
Future Location
The bell’s future home will be outside Burlington Fire Headquarters (1255 Fairview St). This location was selected to ensure continued public visibility and to align with the Fire Department’s public education and historical recognition initiatives. The site will also support plans for a future firefighter memorial, honouring both the bell’s historical role in emergency services and the contributions of the firefighting community.
The City acknowledges the longstanding partnership with Burlington Public Library in preserving and displaying the bell and expresses appreciation for their support throughout this transition.
The bell will remain in temporary storage until installation at its new location is complete. The community will be invited to view the bell at Fire Headquarters once installation is finalized.
More information about the project, including historical context and planning details, is available in the November 2024 Council Information Package.
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