Monday, November 1, 2010 was an extremely special date for Neilcorp Homes and the community of Almonte. It was the date that Neilcorp offered an alternative solution to replace the stolen “Welcome to Almonte” sign, first reported missing by the media on June 21 and again on October 12, 2010. Doug McIntosh and Robert Dick, Neilcorp’s co-owners, delivered a cheque to the Mississippi Mills Town Council and CAO Diane Smithson in the amount of $8,800 to fund the purchase of a replacement for the stunning Doug Bernhardt designed and hand-carved sign, formerly located on Country Road 29.
McIntosh and his family have a history in Almonte dating back several generations. Neilcorp has been building homes in the community since the founding of the company more than 18 years ago. “It’s been almost four months since this terrible act of vandalism took place, and we feel a responsibility to help the town replace this beautiful sign. Doug Bernhardt’s handcrafted work certainly portrayed Almonte as the thriving, cultural centre that we are all so proud of,” said McIntosh.
In addition to donating this replacement sign, Neilcorp also sponsored the creation of a second matching Bernhardt sign, which will be placed along March Road/County Road 49 at the southern entrance of the Town to welcome visitors to Almonte as they drive northwest from Highway 417.
Robert Dick mentioned how these signature signs are a vital part of the marketing of Mississippi Mills/Almonte to Ottawa and the world. “These signs represent the immense talents and warm, friendly spirit of those living and working in this community. It’s important to communicate to visitors just how special this community is,” Dick stated.