BARRHEAD - The Barrhead Centennial Museum may soon have a new mobile exhibit.
On June 10, Town of Barrhead councillors unanimously approved a recommendation from administration to donate a historic "Maple Leaf" truck in "as-is condition" to the Barrhead and District Historical Society, which operates the museum.
Chief administrative officer Collin Steffes said that over the years, the historical society has submitted several requests to repair the truck, hoping to feature the vehicle in one of its displays and take it out in the summer to participate in community events, such as parades.
"The truck's brakes require attention, and sourcing out the necessary parts and, just as importantly, the expertise has been difficult," he said, adding to complete the repairs, a custom-made part may be needed.
Steffes said the truck also lacks a functioning parking brake and requires significant transmission work.
Specifically, he said, the truck's "transmission is loose and unreliable," making it unsafe to operate.
"At some point in time, we did have a relationship with someone who specialized in this type of work, but he is no longer with us, and it hasn't been a priority for the town to restore the truck to make it roadworthy, " Steffes said.
He added restoring the vehicle would likely continue to be a low priority for the town, which is why it makes sense for the municipality to make it available to the historical society.
"They have a strong desire to see it restored, and it is already in historical society's possession and, as part of engaging the historical society in general conversation, it was brought up that the town could donate the truck to the museum. They are willing to take the cost and responsibility on, but ultimately, it is council's decision," Steffes said.
The vehicle's estimated value is approximately $35,000.
Coun. Dave Sawatzky agreed with the admin's recommendation.
"Let's get it in the hands of someone who can do something with it instead of letting it rot away," he said, adding it was also a way council could help the society without having a direct impact on the municipal budget.
Historical Society president Henry Stel was pleased to learn the truck would officially become part of the museum's collection.
"[Besides the mechanical issues with the truck], it is in beautiful condition. It's evident that sometime in its history, the truck was restored," he said, adding the society is looking forward to being able to add the truck to its collection officially so they can introduce it to the community.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
