About BCHA

The Bruce County Heritage Association, Inc., is a non-profit corporation of dedicated volunteers that promote the preservation, restoration, and display of antique tractors, antique machinery, equipment, horse-drawn machinery, antique vehicles, and the artifacts, accessories, lore and literature relating to agriculture in Bruce County and the Province of Ontario. Support and become a member here.

The concept for the Bruce County Heritage Association was generated from the 1993 Bruce County International Ploughing Match. It was determined that a wealth of rural, and agricultural heritage artifacts could be potentially lost as farmers retired and farms were sold. BCHA was founded in September 1993, and was incorporated on June 29, 1995, with a mandate to pursue these objects.

The first four Annual Antique Tractor and Steam Shows were held in the Paisley Fairgrounds. This demonstration event has grown, led and staffed by volunteers, and offers a variety of activities and demonstrations including grain threshing, shingle making, log sawing, horse powered equipment operations, crafts, large and small engines, sheep shearing as well as antique cars, trucks and tractors. An Antique Tractor pull and demonstration horse pulling events have been added, as well as a lifestyles program and activities for children and teenagers to ensure that the event attracts not only antique and farm heritage buffs, but includes a well-rounded schedule of activities and heritage based events for families.

In 1997, the Bruce County Heritage Association purchased a property at 89 Concession 2A, in the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie, 2 km south of Paisley, that is appropriate to provide a permanent location for this event, and as a home for the future endeavours of the organization.

 

Since the purchase of the property, BCHA sponsors and volunteers have built:
  • Tractor Pull Track
  • Portable Main Stage
  • The Munroe Barn (40’ x 40’)
  • The Cumming Barn (64’ x 96’)
  • Circa 1880 Sawmill (3000 sq ft)
  • The Mrs. Munroe Barn (40’ x 40’)
  • The Horse Barn (50’ x 96’)
  • Horse Barn Addition 2015 (20′ x 96′)
  • Memorial Building 2007 (60’ x 120’)
  • A heated, insulated Maintenance and Repair building (40’ x 40’)
  • Feature Building 2014 (52′ x 64′)
  • Six Accessible Washrooms and Showers 2015 (16′ x 24′)
  • A cook house, fry shack, and sandwich shop for use by food vendors.
  • An elevated announcer’s tower with updated weigh scales.
  • A permanent public address system and lighting system through the grounds.
  • Two sets of male/female washrooms, plus an attendant washroom with a baby change station, all accessible.
  • Access to municipal water supply for sanitary and fire purposes.
  • Gate houses, ticket booths, entrances, signage.
  • This show covered 25 acres in 2004, and has grown to cover 65 acres (plus demonstration area’s) in 2013.
  • A number of “people movers” are available to ensure that everyone can ride and access the show grounds in comfort.
  • New camping entrance off County Road 3.
  • Improved signage on show grounds

Projects currently underway:

  • Installing 1200′ of track for a new 7 1/4″ Gauge Railroad.