Belfountain Conservation Area Fountain
Nominated for the Peter Stokes Restoration Award: Small-Scale/Individual/Small Business
The conservation of the historic stone fountain at Belfountain Park in Caledon represents a sensitive and significant heritage restoration effort. Constructed around 1914 by Charles Mack, the fountain is part of a larger rustic landscape vision including grottoes and stone walls, all of which contribute to the park’s unique cultural value. Over time, the fountain had become heavily disfigured by moss, algae, mineral buildup, and coatings, obscuring the original character and materials of this distinctive structure.
Clifford Restoration Limited was engaged to undertake the cleaning, conservation, and repair of the fountain and its surrounding pool. The project faced several technical and environmental challenges. Heavy biological growth and mineral crusts required layered cleaning strategies, beginning with hand and heated water washing, followed by micro-abrasive techniques using recycled glass media to avoid damage to the stonework. The team also removed a grey coating from the coping stones without using chemicals, out of respect for the sensitive environmental setting. Repairs included removal of non-original mortar bowl infills to restore the original appearance, repointing fieldstone and rubble masonry, and conservation of Queenston limestone and Vermont marble details. Original metal spray heads, long non-functional, were cleaned and preserved with rust-resistant coatings. New stones were sourced and shaped to replace lost or damaged coping elements. The pool’s internal and external masonry linings were removed, bush-hammered, and repaired with traditional mortar and concrete, preparing it for future waterproofing.
This restoration re-established the visual and structural integrity of one of Belfountain Park’s central features. It significantly enhances the visitor experience, restores an important landscape feature, and deepens community appreciation of the park’s heritage.
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