A part-time contract employment opportunity, as Executive Director of The Ontario Archaeological Society is available. The OAS is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated individual with excellent, administrative, organizational and communication skills. The successful candidate will possess a working knowledge of the practice of archaeology in Ontario. The Executive Director reports to the president of a volunteer board of directors. [Read more]
Even in England, heritage protection is not sufficient to save precious history. Development, economics, vandalism, neglect and time continually encroach on important historical treasures. On July 8th, Lord Bruce-Lockhart, Chairman of English Heritage, announced the completion of the first phase of a Domesday Book of the threatened parts of English cities, towns and countryside entitled Heritage at Risk. [Read more]
Witness the finest dancers from across North America come together to share their intricate dance styles and teachings. All are welcome to attend an array of cultural demonstrations and teaching workshops. Make plans to attend the Wikwemikong 48th Annual Cultural Festival on the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, Manitoulin Island, August 2, 3, 4 – August Civic Holiday Weekend. [Read more]
Whether you're a seasoned family history researcher or just starting to investigate your ancestors, and whether your family has lived in Canada for 20 or 200 years, you'll enjoy this informal day of shared stories and new insights into researching ancestors with African roots. It takes place Saturday, August 9 at North York Central Library Auditorium in Toronto. [Read more]
A $5,000 grant from a new federal programme will support Verulam and FenelonTownships festivities marking 175 years of settlement. They are commemorating the occasion with a series of events that continue until October 13 and include a Heritage Musical Festival and a Family History Day on August 23rd. [Read more]
The big beautiful windows at Eatons were a destination for shoppers and parents and children during the 20th century. Wars, Coronations and Christmas were marked in their expanse. The Archives of Ontario is proud to unveil its newest online exhibit–The Magnificent, the Mundane and the Merry: Eaton’s Store Windows. [Read more]
You have the chance to participate in two very different 19th century pursuits at Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto this summer. On Tuesday, July 22nd, follow a betrothed couple through the village as questions and doubts interfere with their marriage intentions in a suspenseful drama. Then on Sunday August 3rd and 24thPay Ball! as they did in the 1860s. [Read more]
Put on your thinking caps–the Ontario Historical Society is a calling for nominations to honour both individuals and organizations who have made important contributions to the preservation of Ontario’s heritage. This year’s deadline to hand in your nominations is Monday, January 14, 2009. The awards celebrate and make more widely known the dedicated people who fight to preserve Ontario’s history. [Read more]
A fire that started July 1st at Hayhoe Mills in Woodbridge destroyed the last standing flour mill on the Humber River, which was once dotted with 80 such operations. The Hayhoe facility has been churning out flour since 1828 and, up until Tuesday, it was one of the oldest still operating in Canada. [Read more]
Heritage Toronto has launched a new web site aimed at making it easy for you to connect with everything about Toronto’s heritage activities. The purpose is to be an online gathering place for heritage groups and issues around Toronto. Of course it also includes an easy-to-find schedule of walks from now until season’s end in October. [Read more]
On Saturday July 5th, Heritage Toronto invites you to tour Toronto Harbour on the legendary ferry Trillium on your way to the Gibraltar Lighthouse Plaque Presentation & celebration. Toronto Sun Columnist on all things historical, Mike Filey, will give you a unique one hour tour on the water. Mr. Filey has written “The Trillium Ferry and Toronto Island History Book”. [Read more]
Grants of up to $1,000 are available for local history projects from the Hbc Local History Grant Program. Applications are reviewed and awards made four times a year. The next application deadline is August 1st. The Grant Program is a joint initiative of the Hbc History Foundation and Canada’s National History Society. [Read more]
On Saturday, July 26, Friends of La Vase Portages will host their third annual canoe day tracing the historic Voyageur canoe route from Trout Lake to Lake Nipissing. Experience and enjoy this 14-kilometer section where Champlain and Étienne-Brûlé once travelled. The Friends are working to have its historic and heritage importance recognized and protected from urban sprawl and industry. [Read more]
To open its summer season, the Macdonnell-Williamson House will hold an Open House (no charge) on the weekend of July 5 & 6. The Museum will be open for all weekend in July and August. Special events during the season include a Silent Auction, Antique and Appraisal Days and a dance in the ballroom. [Read more]
The Tollkeeper’s Cottage will open officially on July 1st, Canada Day at 2 pm in Toronto. This is one of several interesting events that day around the city on that day, including the annual festivities at Fort York. Montgomery’s Inn will put on a Strawberry Tea and Gibson House will introduce you to old Willow Dale. [Read more]
Fergus celebrates its 175th birthday with a Homecoming party from June 27th to July 1st. On Saturday June 28th come to its first Doors Open and a lively street party. Fergus is well known for its wide variety of older stone houses from the late 1800's. "Little Falls" – later Fergus – was founded in 1833 by Adam Ferguson and James Webster. [Read more]
Development and clearing operations are raging through Eastern Ontario demolishing and destroying both built and natural heritage. The Ottawa Citizen has reported on the attempt of a group of 15 planners who are documenting the special historical places of Eastern Ontario. By characterizing the area’s special features, they hope encourage their preservation. [Read more]
For this summer’s Great Rendezvous (July 10th-14th ), Fort William Historical Park will host some special guests – the 2008 David Thompson Brigade as they arrive from an ambitious 3600 kilometre canoe trek to the Fort commemorating the exploits of one of Canada’s greatest explorers. The Brigade is paddling and portaging its way to FWHP, having embarked from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, May 10th. [Read more]
The Billy Bishop Heritage Museum in Owen Sound has unveiled two special tributes honouring Veterans of the two World Wars, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Two contributions totalling up to $6,200, provided through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund, have been given to Billy Bishop Heritage, a non-profit organization that runs the Museum. [Read more]
The heart of Apple Country holds its first Doors Open on Saturday June 21st. Come and visit Brighton and CramaheTownship (including Colborne) by Lake Ontario. These communities have preserved some beautiful old buildings by continuing to make them useful. Fifteen sites will be opened to the public for tours, demonstrations and festivities. [Read more]
The Canada Agriculture Museum, Ottawa and Upper Canada Village, Morrisburg are hosting the annual meeting and conference of the Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums (ALHFAM), Sunday, June 22–Thursday, June 26. Many Ontario experts and museum representatives are making presentations and leading workshops. [Read more]
The Grey Roots Heritage Village–Moreston in Owen Sound has its grand opening June 28. It will be open to visitors throughout the summer until Labour Day with guided tours available three times daily. Visit the Log Cabin, Blacksmith Shop, Log House, Farmhouse, Bluewater Garage, and see several other buildings being constructed. [Read more]
The Ontario government could have helped prevent the destruction of Alma College in St. Thomas says the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. The ACO, the very active and dedicated defender of Ontario’s built heritage, points out that even though the province has the power to designate buildings of provincial significance it has not done so. [Read more]
The Board of Directors of The Ontario Historical Society (OHS) announce the appointment of Rob Leverty as Executive Director, effective April 21, 2008. He has worked closely with the society in many capacities for 20 years. Founded in 1888, the OHS is dedicated to increasing an appreciation of Ontario's history and preserving its heritage for people of all ages and cultures. [Read more]
Both Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird, and Ontario's Minister of Natural Resources, Donna Cansfield have officially endorsed the nomination of the Ottawa River as a Canadian Heritage River. The next step is for the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board to review the nomination and, if it meets selection guidelines for the System, recommend it to the responsible Ministers. [Read more]
Take advantage of the Internet and Toronto Archives to view the magnificent detail of the earliest known photos of Toronto. You could never do this with the original photographs because they would be too fragile. You can zoom in on the finest detail in these pictures and appreciate the architectural detail from 1856. [Read more]
Details of Ontario shipwrecks can now be searched online thanks to a project of Save Ontario Shipwrecks an Ontario Provincial Heritage Organization dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of Ontario's marine heritage. Years of volunteer work which gathered data from many sources is now available on the Internet in the Marine Heritage Database. [Read more]
Dedicated research by local historians has ascertained the site of Pembroke’s early Roman Catholic cemetery. They are determined to have it recognized for Pembroke’s 180th anniversary. Pembroke’s Daily Observer outlined the hard work that went into this determination. [Read more]
Destruction by neglect did not complete the job, but a fire did. Alma College is ashes as a result of a “suspicious fire”. The roof of the heritage building's iconic tower collapsed at 12:22 p.m. Wednesday May 28th. Alma burned just days after the Ontario Municipal Board issued a final order approving its demolition. The End.
How did bread dough save a famous vaudeville theatre, and who was scraping paint off of Canada's best art deco masterpiece on a Saturday night? These are just some of the questions Parks Canada answers in its new series of thematic self-guided walking tours and accompanying website. [Read more]
London Heritage Council has announced $75,000 in new funding, helping 17 groups and individuals in the city under the City of London's Community Heritage Investment Program (CHIP). For the first time the grants are being administered by the council and the list of recipients has been expanded to include individuals and cultural heritage groups. [Read more]
Recently, protection for federal lighthouses in Canada was approved in Parliament. Now lighthouses are to receive the kind of protection that heritage railway building do under the Heritage Railway Protection Act. But what is the protection afforded? The Kingston Outer Station saga makes one wonder. [Read more]
Ontario Heritage Trust is pleased to offer Trails Open Ontario 2008! Starting June 7, it features a series of events along some of the province's most impressive and inspiring trail systems. Through this initiative, OHT hopes to promote trail use and education, support natural heritage conservation and stewardship, and encourage physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. [Read more]
The Archives Association of Ontario is meeting from Wednesday June 4th to Friday June 6th in Windsor. The theme is “Building Connections: Creating a Stronger Heritage Community”. Lectures will explore working with museums, the community, educational institutions and other entities with common goals. As well a conservation workshop will be available. [Read more]
A small town in England has reached out to Fort William to explore their mutual fur and blanket trading history. Fort William was the North West Company’s trading post from 1804 to 1821 where blankets were exchanged for the Ojibwas’ furs. These blankets came from Witney in the English Cotswolds. [Read more]
On June 9th, 2008, come to a first in a series of meetings to solicit public input on the update of the Don River WatershedPlan. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is the host. The Watershed includes not only heritage wetlands but also such built heritage as Todmorden Mills and the Brickworks. [Read more]
The Office of Francophone Affairs has put together a traveling exhibit entitled “Ontario’s Francophonie: Now and Then”, celebrating Franco-Ontarian history and the 20th anniversary of the French Language Services Act. It is available for free to any organization. Demonstrate and explore the major contribution of the French people to Ontario from the early days of the voyageurs and missionaries to today. [Read more]
Citizens across Ontario are collecting signatures on this petition to Save Alma College in St. Thomas. Join them now. For 129 years, the distinctive high Victorian Gothic Revival architecture of Alma College has stood proudly in St. Thomas, Ontario. On May 16th, the OMB made demolition even easier. Meanwhile, the minister washes her hands of it. [Read more]
Upset residents are petitioning the Provincial Government to stop progress on a proposed 10-storey condo development on Humber River Green Space across from Toronto’s historic Old Mill. The community was shattered when all efforts to save 322 trees and stop this development was dismissed by Toronto City Council on March 4, 2008. [Read more]
Free help is available to municipalities and interested citizens who want to preserve built heritage. The Ontario Ministry of Culture offers The Ontario Heritage Tool Kit, a series of guides that explain different aspects of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Planning Act, the Historic Places Initiative and related programs. [Read more]
Take a wonderful country drive between Amherstview and Trenton on Saturday, May 31st when the area along the Loyalist Parkway celebrates its first Doors Open. Venues along the way include some buildings erected by Loyalists in the 18th century. You will pass through Loyalist Township, Greater Napanee, Prince Edward County and Quinte West. [Read more]
Collingwood has the distinction of being the first town recognized on the list of Canadian Register of Historic Places. See six of its historic homes on May 31st in this its Sesquicentennial year, from 10 am to 4 pm, in the Collingwood and District Historical Society’s tour. [Read more]
Is our architectural heritage worth saving? As far as Donovan D. Rypkema is concerned, the answer is a no-brainer: of course, it is. The Washington, D.C.-based expert in the economics of historic preservation will explain the vital link between heritage preservation and sustainability at the 2008 Heritage Conservation Conference in Collingwood, Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1. [Read more]
You can now Search OHC News stories on this site using the search box found just before the stories start. Both current and archived stories are searchable. It can take up to a week before the most recent stories have been made searchable. This invaluable search engine uses the popular Google search technology. [Read more]
Preservation stories don't always have bleak endings. Individual and community efforts often result in successful outcomes. After nearly 10 years of effort, bill S-215, An Act to Protect Heritage Lighthouses was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, May 7, 2008. The private member's bill empowers communities to help preserve Canada's heritage lighthouses. [Read more]
St. Catharines has stepped in to support its own museum with extra funds. The money was desperately needed to address a huge backlog in items to be curated. Shelves and boxes at the museum are filled to capacity and stacked high. The museum needs more resources for cataloguing, special shelving, acid-free storage materials and staff people to do the work. [Read more]
Come to the 2008 Ontario Genealogical Society Conference, May 30 – June 1st, 2008 at Fanshawe College, London Ontario – the largest genealogy and technology Conference in Canada! The theme is Wired Technology. Learn how to use technology and the Internet to research your family history. [Read more]
When the Frontenac HeritageFoundation inherited a building of shops in Kingston, it thought it had a building from the mid 19th century. But as the building at 62, 64, 66 Brock Street was carefully examined, they found it was actually built in the later 1820s. [Read more]
The Friends of the Macdonell-Williamson House have received a $49,600 Trillium grant for a one-year bilingual genealogy project in Chute-à-Blondeau, near Hawkesbury. The project will promote interaction between seniors and youth who will research and document local history after training in technology that can enhance their work. [Read more]
Fort York is the site of some of the oldest buildings in Toronto and archaeology there has helped to fill in the picture of York’s (now Toronto’s) early days. On Wednesday, May 7, 2008 7:30 p.m. Governor Simcoe Branch of the United Empire Loyalists presents a talk, “Archaeological Excavations at Fort York”, by archaeologist David Spittal. [Read more]
The special focus for 2008’s Museum Month is on the "greening" of our museums. Heritage preservation is all about saving and using the old, to keep vital the past and our history. Special exhibits and events and free or reduced entrance fees means you can enjoy our wealth of museums before heat of the busy summer tourist season. [Read more]
The Heritage Canada Foundation (HCF) has released its Top Ten Endangered Places and Worst Losses lists drawing attention to a total of 20 architectural and heritage sites in Canada either threatened with demolition or already lost. Two of the most endangered places are in Ontario, while four of the worst recent losses occurred here. HCF has started a petition to help stop this destruction. [Read more]
The Ontario Heritage Trust is seeking nominations for its 2008 Heritage Community Recognition Program, which celebrates volunteers for outstanding achievements to preserve, protect and promote Ontario's heritage. The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 4, 2008. [Read more]
In an encouraging move for built heritage lovers, Georgina’s council is moving quickly to stop a threat to one of Georgina’s most historic buildings. Built in 1906, the building was first known as the Ontario Hydro building and was used as a waiting room and ticket depot for the York Radial Railway until 1931. The streetcar made its way north from Toronto and by 1909 reached the Village of Sutton. [Read more]
Here is your chance to design a poster that shows the value of Toronto’s built heritage and inspires people to protect it. Deadline to register is May 7th and to submit the poster, May 12th. The competition is organized by the Toronto Society of Architects, DIAC and Heritage Toronto. [Read more]
Municipality officials have applied yet again to destroy the Paisley Inn and are standing in the way of the owner’s attempts to repair it. This is a twist, governments aren’t usually trying to destroy heritage, rather it’s usually the owner who wants to turn a heritage property into dust for financial reasons. [Read more]
Friends of the Macdonell-Williamson House is pleased to announce that a “Hiking for Health & History”, project is underway. The Friends are working to bring you another unique bilingual map of the Lower Ottawa River Region which will display various historic buildings and highlight activities that people can enjoy while discovering “their own backyard” independently. [Read more]
On April 19 a vintage World War 2 Harvard aircraft landed in Tillsonburg after a four-day trip from its old home in Washington state. The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association now owns seven Harvards. Today there are fewer than 50 Harvards flying in Canada. [Read more]
Dear Heritage Advocate: We have been contacted by a group of concerned citizens, and pass along their plea for your help. The Victorian Red Brick building adjacent to the Lister Block (Balfour Building) has been demolished without saving anything. [Read more]
Come and visit Norfolk County on the weekend of April 26 to 27th. This is Norfolk’s first Doors Open and a great opportunity to explore the Lake Erie fishing villages and the inland towns, which thrived on the tobacco and forest industries. They are home to many lovely 19th buildings. [Read more]
Environmental Responsibility... Sustainable Development… Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. These are key phrases heard daily in our media reports and social conversations. It is only fitting that the 2008 Heritage Conservation Conference will focus on the theme of heritage preservation and environmental sustainability. Come to Collingwood, Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1 to discuss and learn. [Read more]
The Ontario Historical Society is holding its conference and AGM Friday June 13 and Saturday, June 14, 2008, at the University of Guelph. The theme is Ontario’s environmental history: From Nature to Ecology, Landscape to Ecosystems: An Historical View of Ontario Environments. [Read more]
Peel School Board has decided to lease 12 hectares (32 acres) of the 80-hectare (200-acre) Britannia Farm to a developer for 99 years so that up to eight office towers can be built on Hurontario St. in Mississauga. King William IV, Queen Victoria’s uncle, deeded the farm in trust for the benefit of Peel’s school children in 1833. [Read more]
All over Ontario 150th anniversaries are being celebrated in 2008. Bowmanville, Renfrew, Southampton, Stirling and Welland are towns putting on special celebratory events. And don’t forget the 150th anniversary of the North America’s first commercial well in Oil Springs. [Read more]
The U.S. National Trust for Heritage Preservation is now campaigning to save old buildings not just for their historic value but also because preservation helps fend off climate change. [Read more]
Sandra Eadie has been appointed Editor for The Ontario Heritage Connection. She succeeds OHC Chair, Margaret McBurney, who has been Editor since the OHC web site began in early 2004. Ms. Eadie starts immediately. [Read more]
To prepare for an Ontario Heritage Conservation Review Board Hearing scheduled April 22, 2008, Elwood Varty is seeking information about the history of Saint Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Kearney. [Read more]
More Doors Open Ontario events are set to take place in 2008 than ever before. Nine of the 54 events are new. We have put a link to upcoming events on the OHC site to make it easy to enjoy this cornucopia of historical and heritage delights... [Read more]
The Toronto Branch of the United Empire Loyalists will have as its guest Ron Dale, author and project manager for Parks Canada’s War of 1812 Bicentennial in Niagara-on-the-Lake* on Wednesday, April 16, at 8 pm. He will speak on "Rangers in Paradise: the Settlement of Butler's Rangers in Niagara". [Read more]
On Saturday, May 3rd, you will have the unique opportunity to learn how to make an authentic Great Lakes Spoked Ojibway Basket at Timber Village Museum in Blind River. Register by April 25th. [Read more]
A free public symposium will take place on Saturday, May 3rd celebrating the centenary of St. Anne’s Anglican church building in Toronto. It is a big parish church, a model of Hagia Sophia, Saint Sophia, in Istanbul, which was decorated in the 1920s by members of the Group of Seven and associates. [Read more]
Grey Roots Museum & Archives proudly presents “For Home and Country: The Women’s Institutes of Grey County.” This online collection of Tweedsmuir History books compiled by local Women’s Institute branches launches in the Grey Roots Theatre with a musical celebration and demonstration on March 29, 2008 at 4 p.m. Original volumes will also be on display. [Read more]
Another historic train station is in peril. Now that the city of Barrie has announced its intention to redevelop the Allandale train station, Heritage Barrie has stepped in to try to save this link to the past. [Read more]
In a case that looks very much like demolition by neglect the Credit Valley Conservation authority wants to destroy an 1869 log cabin in Georgetown. A dedicated group of local citizens have joined together to prevent this happening. Here is a letter to the editor in the Georgetown Independent and Free Press on the subject by John Carroll. [Read more]
On Saturday, April 12 at 9:30 am, the Etobicoke York Heritage Round Table will take place at Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas St. W. Peggy Mooney, the Executive Director of Heritage Toronto will be exploring opportunities for potential plaque locations and walking tours in the west end. [Read more]
A group of waterfront citizens, architects and city planners have been working on a plan to convert the silos at the foot of Bathurst St. into a museum dedicated to Toronto's history and culture. A "Community Workshop and Design Charrette" is being held on Sunday March 30th from 10a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Harbourfront Community Centre at 627 Queen's Quay West. [Read more]
There’ll be no new homes on an ancient village site discovered on the south shore of Chemong Lake — at least for now.Development is on hold as this 13th-century site is investigated. [Read more]
With the issuance of the Ontario Municipal Board’s Order on January 29, 2008, the City of Waterloo has received formal approval of its first Heritage Conservation District. The MacGregor Albert Neighbourhood, located in the Uptown area of the City, is now officially recognized as one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Waterloo. [Read more]
Owners of heritage properties will now find conservation projects a little easier, thanks to the recent posting of a directory of conservators and restorers online. Richard Longley, of Toronto’s Harbord Village Residents' Association, said the compilation of links to experts, crafts people and suppliers, provides guidance to those planning to conserve and restore heritage homes rather than renovate them. [Read more]
Heritage buffs fear the sale of abandoned train station in Kingston. "It's at the crisis stage," says local historian Peter Hennessy of a plan to sell this unique city landmark. Other local heritage proponents fear that the city is on the brink of losing this civic landmark. [Read more]
The former home of Paul Martin Sr. and the retreat of Canada's 21st prime minister, Paul Martin Jr. is in a “desperate state.” But hope has blossomed again for one of Windsor's most historically significant homes, the Low-Martin House. [Read more]
Where the River Narrows by Kevin Gray — It is 1759. The war has dragged on for 5 years, but it has always seemed remote to Rachelle Ducoin. There are few hints of the struggles afar on the farm below Quebec. Catastrophe strikes. Ruin and starvation loom. Sickness, madness and murder claim those she loves. An invading army makes her a refugee. [Read more]
You’ll learn all about Streetcar Wars during the Festival of Storytelling coming up at Fort York on Sunday, March 30 at 1 p.m. Hear how Fort York, nearly a century after U.S. Forces destroyed it in 1813, was almost overrun again on March 30, and then on April 27, about the first attack. [Read more]
It’s all about money. After debating whether or not they agreed with designating the Brussels library as an historically significant building, Huron East councillors at their Feb. 19 meeting decided to table the issue. “I have a problem with us designating it,” said Deputy Mayor Bernie MacLellan... ”I don't have a problem with heritage but having it not designated may raise more funds when we sell it.” [Read more]
The dream of designating the Ottawa Rivera heritage site could die within days if the federal government does not give its final approval for the project. That grim prognosis comes from Larry Graham, chairman of the Ottawa River Heritage Designation Committee, who shares a growing frustration in the community that the river will not receive its long-overdue recognition as one of the nation's most important physical landmarks. [Read more]
Downtown Kitchener has too few architectural riches to allow it to lose a small but bona fide jewel – the former Toronto-Dominion Bank building at the corner of King and Frederick streets. City staff have correctly identified it as one of Waterloo Region's finest examples of modern-movement design and understandably want it preserved. Yet the building is today threatened by a plan to turn it into a restaurant. [Read more]
On February 21, at a splendid ceremony at Queen's Park, Lieutenant-Governor David Onley and one of his predecessors, Lincoln M. Alexander, chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust, presented the annual Lieutenant-Governor's Ontario Heritage Award to three youth groups and 19 individuals in honour of remarkable achievements in protecting, preserving and promoting the province's heritage. [Read more]
The newly formed London Heritage Council is led by chair Alan Cohen and a team of dedicated community volunteers who are implementing an innovative strategic plan designed to enhance the quality of life and civic commitment of all Londoners. The City of London has charged it to allocate grants to the Heritage and Museum sector. [Read more]
Good news for Guelph! TheHonourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, and Dr. Gary Goodyear, Member of Parliament (Cambridge), announced last week that there would be new funding for the Guelph Civic Museum. The new home is a heritage limestone building in the downtown core that was formerly the Loretto Convent. [Read more]
The Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation will hold the first lecture in a series of four scheduled for 2008. It will take place on March 11, 2008, at Kingston City Hall at 7:30 in Memorial Hall. This year marks CARF's 25th anniversary. To commemorate the event the organization is teaming up with the Frontenac Heritage Foundation to present a special talk on the value of archeological research to heritage restoration projects.
Here’s a story about a distinguished United Empire Loyalist and the house he built in Kingston 175 years ago. Quite a legacy! The Cartwright House was built for Robert David Cartwright, an Oxford graduate who became the assistant minister of St. George's Cathedral in 1831. Cartwright had the house at 191 King Street East built just in time for his marriage to Harriet Dobbs of Ireland in 1833. Few families have had such an extensive impact on Kingston's history. [Read more]
Mississauga's 2008 Designated Heritage Property Grant Program is now accepting applications. "Now in its second year, we've increased the 2008 budget to $75,000, thus enabling us to offer more grant opportunities to eligible properties and ultimately conserving Mississauga's invaluable heritage resources," said Mark Warrack, the city’s heritage coordinator. "In the first year, the program provided more than $43,000 in grants." [Read more]
The Town of Aurora, which was founded in 1827 when the first sawmill was built, recently honoured nine winners of the Ontario Heritage Trust Awards for 2007 in seven categories. In recognition of the Ontario Heritage Week, these awards were presented by Mayor Phyllis Morris at the Council meeting on February 26, 2008. Earlier in the month, Aurora presented 21 heritage designation plaques. [Read more]
Throughout the United Kingdom, individuals are purchasing wilderness to help preserve that precious resource, spending the equivalent of $20,000 - $160,000 to do so. In the process, they sign contracts promising never to construct roads, pipelines, or permanent buildings and not to permit any activities that might jeopardize the land. [Read more]
The recent fire on Queen Street West in Toronto destroyed what City Councillor Adam Vaughan called “the heart of the arts community.” The cultural damage may be irreparable. To see what has been lost, here are photographs taken by heritage enthusiast George Rust D’Eye, just a few days before the blaze destroyed a string of historic buildings between Bathurst Street and Spadina Avenue. [Read more]
The Hudson's Bay store at Yonge and Queen in downtown Toronto has altered its south façade by putting up a vast printed sheet that resembles the structure's south front, which dates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It covers the restoration work going on behind. [Read more]
The 1,400-member Seeds of Diversity Canada, or SODC, is a co-ordinating body for exchanging so-called heritage or heirloom seeds. This year in February and March, enthusiasts are putting on local events to share heirloom-plant seeds along with their knowledge and experiences about growing them. In the Ottawa Valley, Seedy Sunday (March 2) takes place 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Marguerite Centre in Pembroke. [Read more]
Waterloo Regional Municipality has received an achievement award for itsrestoration of the handsome Hartman Bridge in New Hamburg — an award presented bythe Architectural Conservancy of Ontario's North Waterloo Branch and the Heritage Canada Foundation. [Read more]
Beautiful old farmsteads often get flattened along with the rest of the landscape when new subdivisions are created. Writing in Community Heritage Ontario’s CHOnews Michael Seaman, the Community Planner with the Town of Aurora, describes why we should and how we can go about preserving these important buildings. Mr. Seaman and CHO have kindly given us permission to feature this article. CHO was incorporated in 1991 to provide a non-profit provincial umbrella organization in support of municipally-appointed heritage advisory committees. [Read more]
Last autumn, the Friends of Cedar Bay and the municipality of Sioux Lookoutwere hoping to restore the principal cabin in the camp at Cedar Bay. They brought in a group from Summer Beaver, or Nibinamik to do the job.The men were undertaking research on the heritage site there, so they set up the group to do work on contract and collect money for the project — to help pay for interviews and questionnaires. [Read more]
In a recent article in the Toronto Star, columnist Christopher Hume wrote that “Great Cities Recycle Buildings — but the creativity needed for conversion is often lacking in Toronto.” Too true. [Read more]
A new exhibition in the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate — “The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Freedom” — includes a multimedia presentation honouring Black Canadians in Oakville and their heritage. It presents the dramatic story of Perry and Deborah Brown who reached the freedom of Canada in their flight from Maryland and slavery via the 'Underground Railroad'. [Read more]
On Thursday, February 7, a press conference announced that The Bank of Nova Scotia had offered Toronto's Community Heritage Project (CHP) a new home on the second floor of its branch at Queen East and Church streets. The CHP's expansive archive contains artifacts, documents, maps, photos, and other memorabilia from Toronto's past. In January it lost its crowded three rooms in premises at Bloor and Yonge streets to wreckers' hammers. [Read more]
Fort York is a busy place. There will soon be an audio guide, which it hopes to launch this spring. Also coming up are several exhibitions this year, including “The Soldier's Trade.” City of Toronto Culture recently published Fort York: A Short History and Guide, by Dr Carl Benn. Toronto Culture has also invited artists to depict the Lake Ontario shoreline of the 1790s and its historic and natural features. [Read more]
Le Regroupement des organismes du patrimoine franco-ontarien (ROPFO) invites you to the award ceremony for the Roger Bernard Heritage Prize, February 21, 2008 at the Muséoparc de Vanier, 300, avenue des Pères Blancs, Ottawa on Thursday February 21, 2008, from 5 to 7 p.m. [Read more]
In the 150th-anniversary year of the continent's first commercial well in Oil Springs, Lambton County, Charlie Fairbank of that town is receiving the Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement. Fairbank has spent decades working to make the public aware of the county's history... [Read more]
St John's in Peterborough is one of the oldest Gothic stone Anglican churches on the continent. Parishioners oversubscribed to a campaign to raise money to keep the structure operating. In less than four months they donated over $640,000 – well over the $508,000 goal! [Read more]
Grey Roots Museum and Archives in Owen Sound celebrates Black History Month with the re-launching of the exhibition “From Slavery to Freedom: African-Canadians in Grey County.” There’ll also be events for children, documentaries about black heritage, and the launch of the Northern Terminus Journal and Going North: The Story of Geraldine's Great Great Grandfather... [Read more]
The Brampton chapter of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) organized a meeting on Saturday January 19 to inform the public and invite feedback about a possible heritage-hiking trail in the Claireville Conservation Area. The ACO set up the session in the hope that some guests would launch an association to construct and maintain the trail... [Read more]
On Saturday March 29, two storytelling events relate to 1837 rebels William Lyon Mackenzie and David Gibson. At 1:30 p.m., Mackenzie and Gibson will debate at Mackenzie House. Then, that evening at 7, Gibson House Museum will present “The Truth about Navy Island.” In 1850, Mackenzie and Gibson, having returned from U.S. exile, settle down to squabble over various events that followed the failure of the rebellion of 1837... [Read more]
Grey Roots Museum & Archives proudly presents “For Home and Country: The Women’s Institutes of Grey County.” This online collection of Tweedsmuir History books compiled by local Women’s Institute branches launches in the Grey Roots Theatre with a musical celebration and demonstration on March 29, 2008 at 4 p.m. Original volumes will also be on display. 
The newly formed London Heritage Council is led by chair Alan Cohen and a team of dedicated community volunteers who are implementing an innovative strategic plan designed to enhance the quality of life and civic commitment of all Londoners. The City of London has charged it to allocate grants to the Heritage and Museum sector. 
The Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation will hold the first lecture in a series of four scheduled for 2008. It will take place on March 11, 2008, at Kingston City Hall at 7:30 in Memorial Hall. This year marks CARF's 25th anniversary. To commemorate the event the organization is teaming up with the Frontenac Heritage Foundation to present a special talk on the value of archeological research to heritage restoration projects.
Here’s a story about a distinguished United Empire Loyalist and the house he built in Kingston 175 years ago. Quite a legacy! The Cartwright House was built for Robert David Cartwright, an Oxford graduate who became the assistant minister of St. George's Cathedral in 1831. Cartwright had the house at 191 King Street East built just in time for his marriage to Harriet Dobbs of Ireland in 1833. Few families have had such an extensive impact on Kingston's history. 
The Town of Aurora, which was founded in 1827 when the first sawmill was built, recently honoured nine winners of the Ontario Heritage Trust Awards for 2007 in seven categories. In recognition of the Ontario Heritage Week, these awards were presented by Mayor Phyllis Morris at the Council meeting on February 26, 2008. Earlier in the month, Aurora presented 21 heritage designation plaques. 
The 1,400-member Seeds of Diversity Canada, or SODC, is a co-ordinating body for exchanging so-called heritage or heirloom seeds. This year in February and March, enthusiasts are putting on local events to share heirloom-plant seeds along with their knowledge and experiences about growing them. In the Ottawa Valley, Seedy Sunday (March 2) takes place 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Marguerite Centre in Pembroke. 
On Saturday March 29, two storytelling events relate to 1837 rebels William Lyon Mackenzie and David Gibson. At 1:30 p.m., Mackenzie and Gibson will debate at Mackenzie House. Then, that evening at 7, Gibson House Museum will present “The Truth about Navy Island.” In 1850, Mackenzie and Gibson, having returned from U.S. exile, settle down to squabble over various events that followed the failure of the rebellion of 1837...