Heritage Canada Foundation 2008 Award Winners

Over 200 people attended the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Québec City’s beautifully restored Théâtre Impérial on Friday 26 September. The celebratory mood was set by the by the gypsy Jazz arrangements of The Lost Fingers who took to the stage during the lead-up to the dinner and awards presentation.

The Heritage Canada Foundation congratulates all the recipients of its National Awards which recognize outstanding achievement and excellence in the field of built heritage conservation.

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BACKGROUNDER

JURIED AWARDS

THE PRINCE OF WALES PRIZE for Municipal Heritage Leadership

Town of Aurora, Ontario  
 
In the Greater Toronto area of Ontario, there is growing recognition that the Town of Aurora is a leader in conservation initiatives among developing municipalities, and has managed to maintain its sense of history, character and community spirit like no other in this region. Through much work and support, the Town has demonstrated what a smaller yet developing municipality can do to successfully preserve its heritage.

Despite unprecedented growth rates in recent decades, Aurora has, since the mid-1970s, introduced wide-ranging initiatives to protect its heritage buildings:

• the development of heritage policies and bylaws;
• the acquisition and designation of heritage landmarks;
• the establishment of a Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee;
• the adoption of an inventory and register of heritage properties;
• the introduction of a downtown revival study;
• the initiation of long-term financial support through an Arts and Culture Fund (a private/public partnership since 1973); and
• annual grants for the Aurora Museum.

Since its establishment in 1985, the Planning and Development Department has worked to maintain the heritage character of Aurora. The Town has supported several community-improvement projects including Old Aurora (a $2.5 million rehabilitation project at the Church Street School), the Aurora Farmers Market, and the historic Town Park.

Today, 95% of the building stock in Aurora which exited upon the passing of the Ontario Heritage    Act (1975) remains, demonstrating that the town’s heritage policies have been implemented despite unprecedented urban growth. The town has used tools available under the OHA to strengthen protection for heritage buildings through the designation of landmarks and the establishment of a Heritage Conservation District consisting of 180 properties.

Key to Aurora’s success with preservation has been the work of volunteers committed to educating and celebrating the town’s heritage through an extensive Plaque program, interpretive sign program, a heritage Awards program, and the Young Heritage Leaders program.

The Town of Aurora was nominated by Ms. Valerie Fleck, supported by the Aurora Historical Society.

For the first time in the history of the Prince of Wales Prize, the Heritage Canada Foundation Awards jury has decided to present an Honourable Mention to the municipality of Saint-Raymond de Portneuf, Quebec, for the leadership it has shown in the revitalization and conservation of its historic downtown.

Over the past 10 years municipal officials and business and community representatives have worked to renew and restore the historic buildings of downtown Saint-Raymond de Portneuf. The municipality has demonstrated the driving role that heritage can play in the stimulation of the economic, social and cultural revitalization of the community.

The restoration of downtown commercial building façades—more than 30 restaurants, boutiques and service buildings—was accompanied by diverse cultural events to celebrate Saint-Raymond’s historic sites. The work that has gone into the preservation and celebration of the town’s heritage has reinforced the sense of pride that the residents of Saint-Raymond have towards their community.

Saint-Raymond de Portneuf was nominated by Ms. Brigitte Aussant of the Fondation Rues Principales.

Backgrounder: The Prince of Wales Prize for Municipal Heritage Leadership

In keeping with His Royal Highness’ commitment to architecture, the environment, and inner-city renewal, The Prince of Wales agreed to lend his title to the creation in 1999 of a prize to be awarded annually to the government of a municipality which has demonstrated its strong and sustained commitment to the conservation of its historic places. The local government must have a record of supporting heritage preservation through such means as regulation, policies, funding and exemplary stewardship. The nomination must provide evidence that heritage properties in the given municipality have improved over a period of time. Previous recipients of the Prince of Wales Prize include Markham, Ontario (2000), Victoria, British Columbia (2001), Saint John, New Brunswick (2002), Québec, Quebec (2003), Perth, Ontario (2004), Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (2005), Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia (2006) and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador (2007).

The award consists of a metal plaque and a scroll, as well as a flag or pennant to be flown outside the winning municipality’s headquarters and/or placed on permanent display.

Julian Smith, M.Arch, OAA, Ottawa, Ontario


Scholar, educator, architect and humanist, Julian Smith has, for more than 30 years, been a leader in efforts to ensure the conservation of Canada’s historic places.

As Chief Conservation Architect, National Historic Sites Program at Parks Canada from 1980 to 1987, he coordinated all national historic site design and development projects, and provided conservation advice to federal government departments and agencies. He also advised on the design and implementation of the Federal Heritage Buildings Program, which has led to the designation of 1,300 federal government buildings across the country.

Julian Smith’s contribution to Canada’s conservation field has been enriched by the research and knowledge he acquired through his parallel careers as university professor and practicing architect. In 1989, he established one of the first graduate programs in heritage conservation in Canada, at Carleton University in Ottawa, where he served as Director for 17 years. In this role, he became a mentor to many working in the conservation field today.

As the principal of Julian Smith & Associates, Architects, he has established a national and international reputation for his work in the conservation, restoration and adaptive reuse of historic properties. He is noted for his sensitive designs for contemporary insertions in historic settings, and for the development of master plans, urban design studies and heritage district plans for significant urban and rural places. Noted projects in which he has played a leading role include:

• the restoration of the Vimy Memorial in France;
• the development of master plans for the Ontario Parliament Buildings and Grounds at Queen’s Park in Toronto;
• the landscapes of Parliament Hill and Rideau Hall in Ottawa;
• the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa;
• The Aberdeen Pavillion National Historic Site in Ottawa; and
• the new Canadian Embassy in the historic Villa Graziloli in Rome.

Julian Smith is a member of the board of directors of ICOMOS Canada; coauthored the Appleton Charter, and contributed to the FHBRO Code of Practice and the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. He was recently invited to advise UNESCO on the drafting of a new international convention on the protection of historic urban landscapes. In keeping with a life-long interest in uniting conservation philosophy with restoration skills, Mr. Smith recently accepted the position of Executive Director of the Willowbank School of Restoration Arts in Queenston, Ontario. Julian Smith was nominated by Marc L. Monette, Director, Project Implementation Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Backgrounder: Gabrielle Léger Award
Madame Gabrielle Léger (1916-1998) consented to serve as patron for an award that recognizes individuals for their outstanding service to the country in the cause of heritage conservation. Founded in 1978, the Gabrielle Léger Award is Canada's premier honour for individual achievement in heritage conservation. The award consists of a bronze medal by sculptor John E. Matthews, and an inscribed certificate.

Dinu Bumbaru, Montréal, Québec

This award celebrates Dinu Bumbaru’s lifetime leadership and commitment to heritage conservation in the province of Québec. The Heritage Canada Foundation Awards jury cited the more than 20 years that he has worked as a recognized conservation professional. Mr. Bumbaru is a graduate in Architecture and Conservation from the Université de Montréal, York University and ICCROM. He has worked as Policy Director at Heritage Montréal since 1982, developing strategies, building alliances, ensuring public consultations, and liaising with public authorities as well as volunteer, academic and business networks. His tireless efforts have resulted in the continued preservation of such Montréal landmarks as Mount Royal, Hôtel Dieu Hospital, the Lachine Canal, Habitat 67 and the unique flavour and architecture of the city’s neighbourhoods.

Dinu Bumbaru is one of the co-directors of the Quebec Declaration for Heritage (adopted in 2000) and has served on ICOMOS Canada and ICOMOS International (elected to the executive committee in 1993 and becoming Secretary-General in 2002). Mr. Bumbaru has served on countless heritage conservation commissions, committees, panels, juries and delegations in Montréal and throughout the Province of Québec. He is a lecturer and has authored numerous booklets, pamphlets, monograms, articles and reports ranging from materials conservation and guided tours to heritage and risk preparedness.

Mr. Bumbaru has received a number of awards including:

• the Prix Robert-Lionel Séguin de l’association Amis et propriétaires de maisons anciennes du Québec, 2000;
• Prix Blanche Lemco Van Ginkel de l’Ordre des urbanistes du Québec, 2003;
• Médaille de la Chaire UNESCO en patrimoine de l’Université Laval, 2004;
• the Prix Thomas Baillargé de l’Ordre des architectes du Québec, 2008.

Mr. Bumbaru was nominated by Ian McGillivray, Architect, Montréal.

Backgrounder: Lieutenant Governor’s Award
The Lieutenant Governor’s Award was established in 1979 to recognize outstanding achievement in heritage conservation by an individual or group in a designated province or territory. The award recognizes continuous efforts in the conservation of historic places over many years. In 2008, nominations are being sought for worthy recipients whose work has benefited the province of Quebec. In 2009, the award will recognize efforts in the province of Ontario.

The Lieutenant Governor's Award consists of an engraved medal and an inscribed certificate.

THE GOVERNORS’ AWARD for Extraordinary Achievement by an Individual or Organization in Heritage Conservation in Canada


After nearly ten years of effort, Bill S-215, an Act to Protect Heritage Lighthouses was passed by Parliament last May. The Private Member’s bill empowers communities to help preserve Canada’s heritage lighthouses. A strong supporter of this preservation initiative since 1999, the Heritage Canada Foundation has worked closely with elected officials and local advocates in helping to bring this legislation forward.

In 2008 HCF’s Board of Governors introduced a new award—the Governors’ Award—to celebrate and honour the extraordinary efforts of two key figures who have worked for this legislation since the beginning: Sen. Pat Carney (Ret.) of British Columbia and Mr. Barry MacDonald of Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia. Their ongoing dedication and commitment was key to the successful passage of this legislation.

The Hon. Pat Carney, worked tirelessly to pass Bill S-215 even after her retirement in January. The legislation is intended to protect federally owned lighthouses from being altered, sold, removed, assigned, transferred or otherwise disposed of without public consultation. The first Private Member’s bill to protect lighthouses was introduced in April of 2000 by Sen. Michael Forrestall of Nova Scotia. Sen. Pat Carney worked with him to have this legislation enacted until his death in June of 2006 and reintroduced the bill later that year.

Sen. Carney was first elected to the House of    Commons in 1980 as MP for Vancouver Centre and held a number of senior positions including Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, Minister of International Trade, and President of the Treasury Board. Since her appointment to the Senate in 1990, Senator Carney has also served as a member of several Senate Standing Committees including the Ad Hoc Parliamentary Committee on Lightstations.

Mr. Barry MacDonald is the President of the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society (NSLPS), the most active organization advocating for the preservation of lighthouses in Canada. He has volunteered with NSLPS since its creation in 1994 and throughout his time there has worked to protect Nova Scotia’s historic lighthouses. By 1997, Mr. MacDonald, along with other volunteers of the NSLPS began putting their efforts behind the campaign for a national act that would facilitate the designation of lighthouses as historic sites and ensure their maintenance in a manner consistent with conservation standards.


Barry MacDonald has organized and participated in meetings with Members of Parliament, Senators and public servants and has made public presentations throughout the Maritimes and in B.C. as well as before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.

With the successful passing of the Act, Barry MacDonald is currently working, along with several dozen people across Canada, to form a national society dedicated to lighthouses.

Backgrounder: The Governors’ Award for Extraordinary Achievement by an Individual or Organization in Heritage Conservation in Canada
The Governors’ Award, created in 2008, is a non-juried award that recognizes extraordinary achievement by an individual or organization in heritage conservation in Canada. The award, a framed certificate, is granted upon the instigation of the Chair of the Board and the approval of the Programs Committee.

The Achievement Awards honour individuals or groups for their achievement in heritage advocacy and volunteerism, and for conservation projects that demonstrate a community’s commitment to heritage conservation. Each award is given jointly by the Heritage Canada Foundation and the heritage organization making the nomination. In this way, the Heritage Canada Foundation also recognizes the nominating organizations for their dedication and commitment to excellence in heritage conservation.

L’Auberge Saint-Antoine Restoration Project, Québec City

Situated on the Îlot Hunt in Québec City’s old port, the Auberge Saint-Antoine is a hotel and museum that celebrates the history of Québec. In 1990, the Îlot Hunt consisted of a collection of abandoned warehouses and apartment buildings. The Price family acquired the Îlot Hunt that year and began a massive three-phase rehabilitation project.

The first phase of the project was completed in 1992. The Price family rehabilitated the early 19th century Hunt warehouse (now the Panache restaurant), opening the hotel with 23 rooms and two meeting rooms. The second phase, completed in 1995, saw the restoration and conversion of the Maison Hunt, a historic 18th century dwelling now offering 31 hotel rooms, including historically themed suites.

 Completed in 2003, the third phase involved a 94-room extension of the Auberge Saint-Antoine and the opening of a modern central building to house the reception area, indoor parking and Comporté meeting room. This third phase also involved developing exhibition space for the several hundred artifacts uncovered during earlier archaeological digs on the Îlot Hunt (initiated by Laval University and the City of Québec, the ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec and the Conseil des monuments et sites du Québec). Today, these artifacts, including a 17th-century cannon battery, are displayed throughout the common areas and rooms of the hotel.

The Heritage Canada Foundation Achievement Award, given jointly with the Conseil des monuments et sites du Québec, will be presented at the Heritage Canada Foundation’s annual Gala Awards Ceremony to Mr. Evan Price, owner of the Auberge Saint-Antoine.

2008 Jury Members for the Prince of Wales Prize, the Gabrielle Léger Award, and the Lieutenant Governor Award:

M. Jean-Claude Marsan, professeur titulaire, Faculté de l’aménagement – architecture, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.

Ms. Julia Gersovitz, Partner, Fournier Gersovitz Moss Architects, Montréal, Que.

Mr. David Flemming, President, Heritage Ottawa, Parks Canada (retired), Ottawa, Ont.