Heritage Conservation includes efforts made by the municipality, businesses and institutions, and residents to preserve heritage within their community. Priority in evaluation is given to natural heritage, as well as the integration of landscape and streetscapes as it pertains to the built heritage of a community. Overall preservation of traditions and customs through year-round festivals and celebrations, events and parades, heritage foods and the arts, as well as the participation of groups such as the Historical Society are considered.
Winners of the Communities in Bloom
Heritage Conservation Award
2009: Town of Goderich, Ontario
Goderich has a rich heritage of both natural and cultural assets, and an active plan of sustainability. As a result of the involvement with Communities in Bloom, a representative of the CiB committee is appointed to the Goderich Municipal Heritage Committee.
2008: Town of Millet, Alberta
The town of Millet serves as an example to all others in the methods it has used to preserve history. If you take the Millet walking tour you will be able to view plaques on historic buildings and locations, many beautiful historic murals, heritage gardens, memorial gardens, an elementary school that has been designated as a Provincial Heritage Site and an award winning museum.
The Millet and District Museum and Archives preserves a high quality collection of pioneer living in the area in professional climate controlled conditions. The lower floor of the building features a permanent pioneer village display while the themes of the upper floor displays are changed periodically. Childrens’ programming is also provided by the museum.
2007: City of Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Canada’s First Capital, has a long and distinguished history, one which is preserved diligently and thoroughly throughout the Municipality.
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Over 300 years of Military history and presence exists, and Fort Henry stands as a testament to the importance of the military presence in Kingston. A major tourist attraction for the region, it shares the UNESCO World Heritage designation with the Rideau Canal. This designation provides a great opportunity for new & creative programs to promote Kingston and its strong heritage.
A vibrant Heritage Committee as well as the Kingston Historical Society work on a variety of initiatives throughout the year to preserve and nurture a sense of pride in preserving the cultural heritage of the community.
2006: Town of Viking, Alberta
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The citizens of Viking, AB work diligently to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of their community.
The Scandinavian cultural roots are evident everywhere - from the name of the town itself, to a variety of preservation, restoration and reuse programs. The Historical Society has created a museum site with preservation of historic buildings such as the Old Viking hospital (now the museum), school house and other buildings. Signage to mark historical buildings is plentiful on this site, and throughout the town.
The Station Gallery and Arts Centre Guild have restored the CNR station to function as an Arts Centre and a Tea house.
Other conservation and reuse of sites/buildings include: the Hilliker building converted to an antique shop, the Co-op Store purchased by the Regional Health Authority and currently being retrofitted for Community Health needs, the old Bank of Montreal building converted to a Flower shop.
Natural heritage management and preservation initiatives include: Troll Park, with a variety of heritage plants native to Scandinavia; the gardens at the CNR Station & Tea house; the Alberta Centennial Garden; the English Garden in the downtown area; a traditional floral garden at the Anglican Church; and the bible plant garden at Golden Valley Lutheran Church.
Viking is also committed to the preservation and profile of its famous citizens - the Sutter family.