Restoration and Repair Work to Begin on Willistead Park Perimeter Fence

Work is set to begin to repair and restore various pillars along the perimeter fence at Willistead Park. 

The project will include reconstruction of 50 fence pillars around the perimeter of the park, including the gates along Chilver Road and Richmond Street. These pillars have been aggravated by old age and the freeze-thaw cycle over the years. All 50 pillars will be disassembled and re-built, with all original material being incorporated as part of the process. 

Weather permitting, work is set to begin Monday, September 29, 2025, with Sterling Ridge General Contracting serving as general contractor for the project. $500,000 is earmarked for this work as part of the City’s 10-year capital plan.

This work will be completed as weather permits, throughout the fall, with the likelihood of a pause during the winter, and completion by spring 2026. Access to the park from Chilver Road and Richmond Street may be closed at various times, with onsite signage posted by the contractor to indicate any closures to the park pathways throughout the duration of this work. The contractor will also endeavour to limit any sidewalk closures around the exterior of the park. 

The wrought iron fence surrounding Willistead Park includes limestone piers and was built in 1914 by the Walker family at a cost of $60,000. The original fence was designed by Stahl Kinsey and Chapman Architects, with Page Wire Fence Co. of Walkerville supplying the wrought iron. The fence is 7 feet high and 3,555 feet long, and it includes 113 limestone pillars surrounding the park. 

For more information on Willistead Manor, please visit Willistead.ca. 

To donate to ongoing restoration efforts at Willistead Manor, please make cheques payable to Willistead Manor Inc., or visit the manor’s online donation portal.