In 2008, the Ontario Heritage Trust launched the Community Leadership Program to recognize communities for exemplary leadership in heritage conservation and promotion.
The Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Community Leadership is awarded through the program. The first awards were presented in 2009.
Any community that has demonstrated leadership in built, cultural, natural heritage conservation and promotion can nominate itself. Nominees must be communities (a city, municipality, regional municipality, town, township, village, etc.). Institutions and community organizations (museums, historical societies, etc.) are not eligible for nomination. Communities that have previously submitted nominations can re-submit in subsequent years.
Nominations are submitted in the appropriate population sub-categories:
Demonstration of an integrated approach to conservation of heritage properties and resources (Municipal Heritage Committee, heritage inventory, research projects, tax incentives, grants, broad range of heritage properties conserved – residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, natural, cultural landscapes – etc.)
Protection of heritage resources through heritage bylaws and policies (designation program, easement program, heritage conservation districts, tree bylaws, archaeology master plans, official plans, etc.)
Support for heritage organizations and institutions (historical societies, Doors Open committees, architectural conservancies, museums, archives, naturalists, etc.)
Support for heritage volunteers (awards, volunteer recognition, providing educational opportunities, etc.)
Support for heritage festivals and events (Heritage Week, Doors Open, heritage fairs, walking tours, Canada Day activities, Hiking Week events, guided hikes, etc.)
Demonstrated stewardship of municipally-owned heritage properties and streetscapes
Commemorative and interpretive activities (plaques, publications, websites, exhibits, brochures, etc.)
Nominations must be endorsed by a motion of a municipal council, regional council, First Nation band council or Métis community council. Nominations must also include two letters of support from the community.
The nomination package should include the nomination form giving a detailed description of the community’s leadership and achievements in built, cultural, natural heritage conservation and promotion. Supporting material (publications, media stories, photographs, letters of reference, policy documents) should be provided. Photographs of community projects or activities are helpful. Please do not send originals of important or official documents, as they will not be returned.
Nominations must be submitted using the program nomination form. Please send completed forms and supporting material to the Trust by mail.
In each of the four population sub-categories, one community will be selected to receive the award. The recipient communities will be selected at the discretion of the Ontario Heritage Trust and awards will be presented to the communities whose leadership and achievements in heritage conservation are deemed to be the most exceptional.
The Trust will notify the council of the status of the nominations before the end of December.
Who makes the presentations to recipient communities?
A representative of each recipient community will be invited to a presentation reception hosted by the Lieutenant Governor at Queen's Park. They will receive framed certificates.
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