Crane removes Kitchener’s iconic Spitfire replica after nearly 30 years in Canada as residents gather to say goodbye
Published on Apr 29, 2026 at 4:23 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Apr 29, 2026 at 4:23 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
An iconic Spitfire replica has been removed from the roof of a store in Kitchener, Canada, after nearly three decades, with the replica set to begin a new lease of life.
The replica had sat on top of the KW Surplus store for nearly 30 years and had become a much-loved landmark in the town since it was placed there.
However, it was recently time for it to come down, but fortunately, the replica aircraft will not be scrapped.
Instead, it is to go to a historic aircraft association, where it will be fully restored and put on display.
Why the iconic Spitfire replica had to come down
Since 1997, the replica of the aircraft has been atop the roof of the KW Surplus store in Kitchener, Canada.
It had become a local landmark, but owner Ray Whittemore had been looking to retire.
With that day finally coming, Whittemore sold the business and decided to remove the Spitfire.
“It’s emotional,” Whittemore said to CTV News.
“I’m older, so I’m ready to retire,” he added.
But the aircraft has not been given away for scrap.
Instead, it has been donated to the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA), where Whittemore is an active member.
“All the rivets and all the imperfections are there as well. The only thing is, there’s no motor,” Whittemore added to CTV News.
This is what will happen to the replica aircraft
The CHAA intends to restore and repaint the Spitfire replica upon its delivery.
Following this, the Supermarine Spitfire will be placed in a newly designed memorial garden at Tillsonburg Regional Airport.
This is the headquarters for the CHAA.
The group intends to repaint the aircraft to honor Second World War RCAF Flight Lieutenant Charley Fox.
Fox was a decorated Spitfire pilot from Guelph, Ontario.
The CHAA itself owns and operates several North American Harvard aircraft.
Harvard was a two-seater training aircraft and was used extensively throughout World War II.
Canada and the United Kingdom were two of the biggest users of these trainers.
The efforts of the CHAA ensure they have the largest fleet of Harvard aircraft in North America.
Soon, they are to be joined by something slightly different, even if that aircraft won’t be able to fly.
Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a heritage steam railway.
