New street signs in Midland celebrate historic Dollartown’s legacy

A piece of Midland’s past is stepping into the present. The Town of Midland has unveiled the first of 77 newly designed street signs that will be installed throughout the historic community of Dollartown, marking a milestone in a decade-long heritage initiative.

Honouring a Community That Built Midland

The Historic Dollartown Street Sign Project, launched in 2015 by the Midland Heritage Committee, aims to preserve and celebrate the legacy of one of Midland’s foundational communities. Each sign is designed to reflect the rich history of Dollartown and will be placed at every intersection within its boundaries.

“This is a proud moment for our community,” said Rene Hackstetter, Chair of the Midland Heritage Committee. “Recognizing historic spaces like Dollartown helps us preserve our shared heritage and reinforces the importance of remembering the people and places that shaped Midland into the town it is today.”

From Lumber Roots to Lasting Legacy

Dollartown traces its origins back to 1875, when the Dollar family arrived from Bracebridge and founded the Ontario Lumber Company (OLC) on the shores of Midland Bay. The settlement quickly grew, attracting families and industry, and was officially absorbed into Midland in 1913. Though its borders changed, Dollartown’s legacy remains woven into the fabric of the town.

A Community-Led Vision Comes to Life

The street sign project is the result of years of collaboration between the Midland Heritage Committee, Town Council, and municipal staff. It’s a testament to the power of community-led initiatives and the importance of keeping local history visible and vibrant.

Learn More

To explore the history of Dollartown and see the new signs as they’re installed, visit midland.ca/Dollartown.