By Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
A downtown parkette named in honour of one of Tilbury’s most dedicated entrepreneurial families now features a striking new artwork celebrating their legacy.
A large wood sculpture — designed as a combination piano and chair — has been installed at Carrick’s Corners, the Queen Street parkette located where the Carrick family once operated their well‑known piano store. Over the years, the family also ran a car dealership, gas station, and gift and appliance shop, helping shape the commercial heart of Tilbury.
Larry Carrick, son of the late Chuck and Evelyn Carrick, said the tribute carries deep meaning for the family. “The carving at Carrick Corners is a tremendous honour, recognizing the contributions our parents made to Tilbury — not only as business owners, but as people committed to community service,” he said.
Larry also noted that his brother, Dan Carrick, managed the piano business from the mid‑1970s, tuning, repairing, and refinishing pianos throughout Kent and Essex counties. Dan is now retired and continues to live in Tilbury.
The project was led by the Tilbury Downtown Business Improvement Association, supported through Hydro One’s community benefit fund, which assists local arts, culture, heritage, and recreation initiatives. Executive director Gloria Mailloux said the idea emerged after seeing similar carvings in other communities and recognizing the opportunity to celebrate Tilbury’s history.
Mailloux said the sculpture is more than a decorative feature. “It reflects our community’s story and the people whose dedication and hard work helped build downtown Tilbury,” she said.
She noted that the Carrick family’s piano business earned a strong reputation across Southwestern Ontario for its craftsmanship and service. Their instruments found homes in schools, churches, and community organizations from Sarnia to Windsor, creating a musical legacy that extended far beyond Tilbury, Mailloux added.
Chuck Carrick also played a significant role in local public life, serving as Tilbury’s mayor for 17 years after many years on council. Larry said his father was deeply committed to the town and remained active in the local Legion and Rotary Club. “Tilbury was always close to his heart,” he said.
Funding for the project came through allocations provided to councillors as part of Hydro One’s support for communities hosting new transmission line projects. Each Chatham‑Kent councillor receives $25,000 annually to invest in ward‑specific initiatives.
Ward One Councillor Melissa Harrigan said the BIA continues to prioritize improvements that make the downtown more welcoming. “The Tilbury BIA is focused on beautifying the core and encouraging residents and visitors to explore local businesses. Enhancing our public spaces remains a key priority,” Harrigan said.
The carving, created by professional wood artists Mike Winia and Joerg Jung, serves as both an artistic landmark and a nod to Tilbury’s heritage. A QR code placed beside the sculpture directs visitors to nearby businesses offering special promotions.