by Heritage Advisory Committee Members:
Cam Stevenson, Chair,
Michael Whittaker
The Heritage Advisory Committee is pleased that Mayor and Council proclaimed February 2020 Heritage Month for the Municipality of North Grenville. The decree promotes public awareness of our history from pre-colonial times to the present deserving commemoration and preservation.
To bring focus to our distinct heritage, the Heritage Advisory Committee developed a work plan to champion important elements of North Grenville’s heritage. Three items were initiated at the January meeting. The February meeting will bring more into play.
The Committee has recommended that Council proceed with the historical rehabilitation of Maplewood Hall in Oxford Mills, as proposed by Hubbard & Co. Another task is completing the architectural descriptions of many of the 17 Kemptville Campus buildings for possible heritage designation. Also, a sub-committee is drafting public criteria for the annual Heritage Awards. When finalized and published, nominations from the community will be invited. Rather than rush toward an awards’ presentation in February, the 2020 honours will be bestowed later this year.
The Heritage Committee is also encouraged by efforts to secure external funding for the rehabilitation of the old Court House (15 Water St., Kemptville).
Under the Ontario Heritage Act, Council appointed the Heritage Advisory Committee to advise on matters including architectural, material culture, historical and natural heritage. To serve Council, the committee’s work plan includes, but is not limited to, conservation or restoration initiatives, education, and heritage designation of built and natural environments.
The Committee has the collective knowledge and expertise to serve Council as mandated, and as required will not hesitate to call on stakeholders, individuals and organizations with essential skills and experience to foster North Grenville’s heritage. As liaisons with the Municipality and Council, staff from Planning and Development attend the monthly meetings.
The third Monday of February has been Heritage Day in Canada since 1974. This year, the National Trust for Canada designated February 17 as Heritage Day, and Heritage Week from February 17 to 23 with the theme: “2020 Vision: Bringing the Past into the Future”.
