By Haldimand Press Staff
CALEDONIA—On April 11, 2023 Haldimand Council voted in favour of renaming a laneway in Caledonia from Caithness Street East to Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre the “Barbara Martindale Memorial Lane” in memory of local historian and community builder Barbara Martindale, who passed away in March of 2022.
Barbara Martindale
During the meeting, Katrina Schmitz, Haldimand County Manager of Community Development and Partnerships, explained, “Barbara Martindale was a lifelong resident of Haldimand County. She was extremely active in her community life. She was involved in creating civic projects, things that brought recognition to the community but also that made the community better from a beautification and quality of life perspective.”
Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley shared, “She was always advocating for our history and was a wealth of information.”
In addition to her two books – “Bridging the Past” (1987) and “Caledonia: Along the Grand River” (1995) – Martindale held the position of Executive Director of the Caledonia Regional Chamber of Commerce for 27 years.
In 2002, Martindale received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and in 2013 the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her extensive work and support within the Caledonia community.
Along with the renaming, a storyboard detailing the life and civic contributions of Martindale will be installed and funded by the Ward-Specific Funding Program.
CALEDONIA — Barbara Martindale is being posthumously recognized for her positive impact in Caledonia with the renaming of the lane that leads up to the doors of Edinburgh Square in her honour.
—Haldimand
Press photo.
The renaming of this County asset honours Martindale’s values and physically anchors her name in Caledonia.
Ward 3 Councillor Dan Lawrence concluded, “Barbara was the face of Caledonia in many ways.”
The official opening of “Barbara Martindale Lane” will happen at a later date. The Press will release details of any planned events when available.
