By Pamela Minns
In 1974 Heritage Canada Foundation first established the third Monday in February each year as Heritage Day.
A gateway to Queenston Height and Brock's Monument. Photo by Doug Draper
In fact, the entire third week in February has traditionally been set aside as “Heritage Week”in celebration of what has been defined as“the sum total of our inheritance – built, cultural and natural”.
The War of 1812 s was an extremely significant event and defining time in our Canadian history. Many of our communities in Niagara have been busy planning for the recognition of this battle as one of the major conflicts in our history.
“The sense of unity experienced in the period following the war of 1812 inspired an important period of nation-building through the first half of the 19th century, eventually resulting in Canadian Confederation in 1867″ -Ontario Heritage Trust
At one time tourists were looking for world class tourist attractions. Yet studies are now telling us that they are more often seeking out a “cultural heritage experience”. The history of Regional Niagara has become of great interest to tourists and visitors to our area; we need to continue with our commitment to preserve our built, cultural and natural heritage, and realize how important it has become to our region, as an economic motor.
Smarter Niagara has named four pillars for a complete Niagara, and they are: 1) environment, 2) economic, 3)social and 4)culture (culture includes, arts, culture and heritage). Regional Niagara has been named the Cultural Capital of Canada for the year 2012; with this title comes a feeling of pride in our Region and a challenge for all of us.
Preservation of our heritage gives us pride in our municipality, our region and indeed our country. It helps to improve our quality of life and gives us a sense of connection to the past. Spend some time during Heritage Week appreciating the rich history which is ours in our unique Region of Niagara.
Pamela Minns is a Niagara, Ontario resident and a long-time advocate for protecting and preserving the heritage features of this region.
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Niagara At Large 
Pam is nothing less than a treasure, trying, often alone, to further heritage issues for many years. Would it be that any Niagara city councils would listen to her wise advice.
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