Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Town Council members welcomed Oakville’s Ontario Heritage Trust award recipients at a ceremony held at Town Hall on February 18, 2014. Eight individuals were recognized in six categories for their valuable contribution to preserving local heritage.
“Council’s commitment to the preservation of Oakville’s heritage is reflected by the dedication of our outstanding award recipients,” Mayor Rob Burton said.
Ms. Guerin and Ms. Greer are inspirational primary school teachers recognized for their dedication to promoting environmental stewardship within the classroom and in the schoolyard.
Mr. Chisholm has been President of the Oakville Historical Society for fifteen years. His knowledge of history and his admiration for the buildings and characters that shaped the town’s early days has earned him the respect of fellow cultural historians.
Ms. Stewart has been a member of the Oakville Historical Society for over 10 years and served on its Board of Directors for six years. Her interest in built heritage extends to her involvement in the popular Doors Open Oakville event.
These two dedicated students are recognized for their volunteer work with the Oakville Historical Society at Merrick Thomas House. They have participated in the smooth operations of the house and are always eager to interact with visitors to share their interest and knowledge.
Ms. Mogus is a tireless advocate of cultural heritage in the Oakville community. She is a member of the Volunteer Halton Youth Advisory Committee and is a Steering Committee Member of the Community Youth in Action Network. Ms. Mogus, together with her sister Emma, founded Books with No Bounds to improve literacy skills of aboriginal children and youth.
As a member of the youth leadership group Eco-Mentors, Ms. Mogus has facilitated workshops on the environment and has volunteered with Bronte Creek Provincial Park as a Junior Naturalist. Ms. Mogus and her sister Julia, founded Books with No Bounds.
The town also announced on February 18, 2014, a new Heritage Grant Program to assist heritage property owners with the cost of restoring and maintaining their properties. The program is a three-year pilot plan which could cover up to $15,000 of approved restoration projects. For more information visit oakville.ca.
The Town of Oakville has been actively preserving its heritage for more than six decades, beginning with efforts to conserve Oakville's first post office from 1949 to 1951. The Town of Oakville’s 1962 official plan incorporated heritage policies that helped ensure that over 90 per cent of Oakville’s historic buildings continue to exist today. There are four heritage conservation districts in Oakville, ensuring the conservation of historical buildings and managing change of future development in the area.
The Ontario Heritage Trust, the province's lead heritage agency, is dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's rich and varied heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. The Heritage Community Recognition program and Young Heritage Leaders program awards volunteers and youth in all communities across Ontario for their work in preserving, protecting and promoting local heritage.