Niagara Heritage Alliance – A New Volunteer Group For Protecting Heritage Sites Across Our Region – Takes Flight

By Pamela Minns
 
The formation of a new organization called Niagara Heritage Alliance was announced recently. 

Architect Jill Taylor was keynote speaker at Niagara Heritage Alliance's inaugural conference.

It is a regional alliance of volunteer individuals and organizations from communities across the twelve municipalities in the Regional Municipality of Niagara, who are dedicated to heritage preservation and enhancement, and speak and act with a strong, unified voice when our heritage is threatened.
 
This past Saturday the beautiful setting of Navy Hall in Niagara on the Lake was alive with attendees to a conference organized by Niagara Heritage Alliance, the theme of which was “Our Heritage in Crisis:  Do you Care?”  The joyful sound of a piper echoed throughout the surrounding land and building welcoming the speakers and attendees.
 
Navy Hall was filled to overflowing with people from clear across the Region of Niagara who reported back that they enjoyed the location, the speakers, the discussions, and the buffet dinner.  The event was also attended by some of our regional planners and councillors, several mayors and MPPs, the chair of the Niagara Parks Commission, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, school boards, as well as a notable Canadian author.
 
The day was full of information from experienced and knowledgeable speakers; those attending took full advantage of their expertise through involvement in questions and discussions.
 
Julian Smith, an Architect at Willowbank School of Restoration Arts spoke on “Cultural and Natural Heritage and the Importance of Preserving Both”.  With international experience, Julian is well-known and respected throughout Niagara.
 
Jane Pepino and Eileen Costello, both lawyers with Aird & Berlis, made an informative presentation on “The Ontario Heritage Act:  What it Will and Will not Do”.  Eileen is the author of the “Ontario Heritage Act & Commentary”.
 
Michael Gottheil is Executive Chair of the Environment and Land Tribunals Ontario, and his extremely important subject was “Resolving Heritage Disputes before the OMB and the conservation Review Board”.
 
Jill Taylor, an Architect and partner in the firm Taylor/Hazell Architects, was the Keynote Speaker and she spoke on a very timely subject – “Can Re-development Retain Heritage Character and Feel?”
 
With the vast experience and rich backgrounds of our speakers, the attendees had an opportunity to learn from experts.
 
This new Niagara Heritage Alliance is on its way.  With this totally successful first event and a growing membership, plans are underway for future workshops and conferences, and their ongoing involvement in heritage preservation in Regional Niagara.
 
Congratulations to all for this huge success!
 
 To learn more about the recently formed Niagara Heritage Alliance and the contribution it hopes to make in protecting and preserving heritage sites across our region email niagaraheritagealliance@gmail.com or visit the groups website at www.niagaraheritagealliance.org.

Pamela Minns is a Thorold resident and long-time advocate for heritage site across our region.

(Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary on matters of interest and concern to residents in our greater Niagara region.)