Captain Bruce Sheppard and his front lawn, adorned with his impressive collection of marine artifacts, was a fixture in this community. Residents and visitors alike would stop at his Marshall Street home to view the collection, take some photos, and chat with the man himself. It was a local marine museum lovingly curated and displayed with pride by Captain Sheppard.
When Sheppard passed away in October 2023, most of the collection was donated to the municipality, and the items were placed into storage while the municipality planned how they would be preserved and displayed.
During Monday’s council meeting, staff presented a report outlining the locations in which the marine artifacts would be placed.
“In 2025, Community Services was approached by the Reef Boat Club to partner for the refurbishment and display of some of the artifacts that were donated to the Municipality. The Reef Boat Club proposed that they would store these items indoors for the winter where they could make necessary repairs, refurbish, and review the history of the item for the information signage. The Municipality’s responsibilities will be to provide a location and supporting concrete pad for a few of the items and to install information signage at each location,” staff advised in their report to council. “The restoration work has been completed and the items will begin to be installed at the Meaford Harbour beginning in June.”
In their report to council, staff listed eight items and the locations in the harbour area in which they would be placed. The items listed include a 1,500 pound anchor, sea buoys, a double steering wheel, as well as a double steam whistle, and some brass lights.
The items will be placed in three harbour area locations: the flower gardens at the Harbour House, the break-wall lookout, and in the area of the retired Canadian Coast Guard boat, the CCGC Westfort, which is a feature of the harbour area.
“In addition to the display of the items at the Meaford Harbour, the artifacts will also be recorded in the Meaford Museums Catalogue of items so that the information can be shared through their operations and incorporated into future programming,” staff told council in their report.
Members of council were pleased with the plan to put many of Captain Sheppard’s artifacts on display.
“I’m sure all of my fellow councillors are as excited about this as I am,” Councillor Tony Bell told council. “This is fantastic.”
Bell expressed appreciation to the Reef Boat Club for their their work in restoring the artifacts, and to staff for selecting the locations for their display.
“What an enhancement to the harbour, what a different view it’s going to be for people who take a stroll,” Bell said. “This is good news.”
