A Sense Of Place
Canada's historic places capture the spirit of the nation, providing the connecting fabric that links us together as Canadians. However, our historic places are at risk - over 20% of the nation's historic buildings have been destroyed in one generation. This video presents the efforts made by the different levels of government to promote a culture of conservation within our communities.
The federal, provincial and territorial collaboration allows Canadians to have access to tools to preserve the different places illustrating their history. Visit http://www.historicplaces.ca to search the Canadian Register of Historic Places or to get a copy of the Standards & Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.
At various stages of our lives, we all make legacy choices. From lasting memories to cherished objects and places, we choose our keepsakes. The unique treasures of our past that remind us of who we are, where we come from and illuminate our stories for future generations. Just like you, all levels of government - municipal, provincial, territorial and federal – face legacy choices; determining how best to conserve historic places that speak of our rich heritage and cultural diversity. Just look around in your community or city. You’ll find historic places that range from stately buildings, to modest structures each symbolizing an irreplaceable chapter of our past. Handed down by our ancestors, these places that capture the soul and spirit of our great country include: bridges, schools, churches, private homes, ceremonial places, theatres, government buildings, and fortifications, to name a few – with some remnants of their former glory, but all valuable links to the Canadian experience.
Tragically, since the 1970’s, Canada has lost forever more than 20% of its pre-1920 buildings. This alarming loss represents a growing trend in Canadian cities and towns, and threatens the very core of their identity, personality, and their social and cultural quality of life. Not only does this affect their appeal as tourist destinations, but also their economic sustainability.
Through collaborations and partnerships, jurisdictions, municipalities, heritage conservation specialists, and stakeholders are all pursuing the same common heritage goals and creating opportunities for others to get involved. Citizens can work with local governments, or heritage organizations, to enhance the documentation for existing historic places. And, they can identify historic places that they feel could be recognized and included on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. With inclusion comes a sense of pride and the opportunity to share their local heritage with all Canadians. Businesses and individuals can rehabilitate historic places by giving them new economic life that benefits not only themselves but their community. The best form of conservation for a historic property is finding a practical, contemporary use for it; a second chance. Communities can use the Standards and Guidelines for the conservation of historic places in Canada, to ensure that our past is integrated well into our future. Home owners can use the Guidelines in conserving their own historical gems. The hope of this collaborative effort is to build on the existing work of governments and citizens and create a Canadian culture of heritage conservation that safeguards our historic places, honours the imagination and innovation of the people who shaped our country, and finds innovative ways for ensuring a future for our historic places. Get involved in preserving your community’s heritage before we lose another piece of our story. Join us in making legacy choices and become an invaluable partner in the protection, promotion, and celebration of Canada’s historic places.
