Norfolk County is backing plans to memorialize one of its oldest communities.
Councilors at a Wednesday committee meeting voted in favor of having a stone monument commemorating Dogs Nest placed on a county-owned road allowance where Highway 6, Concession 2 and Marburg Road meet, east of Port Dover.
The plan was brought to councilors by the Dogs Nest 1851 committee, a citizens’ group determined to keep the memory of the community alive.
“It was a thriving community for approximately 100 years,” Dogs Nest committee president David Oliver told councilors. “The 1970s and 80s were hard on Dogs Nest and the name Dogs Nest and its road signs became a sought after piece of memorabilia and a collectors item.”
Oliver called Dogs Nest a unique place with a one-of-a-kind name.
The stone will be about 10-feet across and five-feet high and will cost well over $2,000. The cost is being covered by donations and sales of Dogs Nest-branded clothing and merchandise.
The previous county council had approved the committee’s plans but the initiative was put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oliver appeared before council on Wednesday because the provincial Ministry of Transportation requires an updated letter from the county indicating its support for the project.
As well, the Dogs Nest committee needs approval from council to install the monument on county property.
Councilors voted unanimously in favor of providing a letter of support and authorizing the committee to use the road allowance.
Plans call for the stone monument to be unveiled during a ceremony on July 16.
Although there are many stories as to how the community got its name, it’s believed to have been inspired by a tavern of the same name.
At present, there are about 20 residents living in Dogs Nest. There is also a towing company and several large barns.
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