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2023 recipients of the Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Awards
"These individuals and organizations have made outstanding contributions to heritage conservation. They also serve as role models to inspire others who will follow in their footsteps. It is through their active and vigilant efforts that Ontario’s built, natural and cultural heritage will be preserved, protected and promoted for future generations.” — John Ecker, Chair, Board of Directors, Ontario Heritage Trust
Heritage builds an appreciation for our past and a sense of belonging within our communities. In our ever-changing world, Ontarians share a need to feel anchored in the places and traditions that connect the past with the present. Through heritage conservation, we enrich and safeguard our history for future generations.
In 2023, recipients of these awards upheld a high standard of heritage conservation. From architectural conservation and performance to festivals and science, these recipients have shown how heritage remains relevant. This year, we honour their creative and diligent contributions. Together, they enhance Ontario's dynamic communities and enrich our history.
We are delighted to introduce you to the 2023 recipients:
Lifetime Achievement:
Youth Achievement:
Excellence in Conservation:
- The Metropolitan United Church Restoration Project, London
- The Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project, London
- Buxton's 100th anniversary of Homecoming, North Buxton
- Shadowpath Theatre Productions, York Region
Thomas Symons Award for Commitment to Conservation:
Lifetime Achievement
Jane Watt
Jane Watt is an exemplary volunteer who has selflessly shared her time and energy to the cause of preserving local heritage in Oakville, Halton Region and beyond for over 40 years. Her efforts are many and showcase a passion for research and dedication to local history. She was a founding member of the Trafalgar Township Historical Society, a board member of the Mississauga South Historical Society and has notably served on the Halton-Peel Branch Council of the Ontario Genealogical Society since 1982. Watt's impact is felt widely in her community and is evident in her fellow volunteers' acknowledgment of her passion for heritage. She embodies a strong volunteer spirit and helps to share the distinct community histories of Ontario.
Youth Achievement
Maude Rose Craig
Maude Rose Craig is a passionate young performer who shares Canadian cultural heritage through historical dramas at 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook. She has a profound love and respect for history, reflected in her meticulously crafted and deeply respectful character portrayals. For example, she played a pivotal role in the innovative production of "Les Soeurs," ingeniously integrating interviews with nuns into a multidisciplinary performance. She has portrayed over 15 historical characters in other performances that span over more than a decade. Craig’s extraordinary work ethic, charismatic performances and leadership show her commitment to inspiring interest in heritage through artistic performance.
Adam Selalmatzidis
Adam Selalmatzidis is propelled by an unwavering commitment to natural heritage conservation and protecting biodiversity. His dedication to the natural environment is seen in his many hands-on conservation efforts, including litter clean-ups, invasive species removal and the reintroduction of biodiversity. His creativity and dedication to environmental health shine through in his study of microplastic contamination in Junction Creek in Greater Sudbury — begun in 2020, when he was only 13. In 2023, he presented his findings at the Ontario Nature Gathering, sparking a renewed conversation about the health of the creek and surrounding community. Selalmatzidis has also organized educational campaigns to lead by example, such as a Youth Council that he initiated in 2022. He has led engaging presentations for local stakeholders in his community and beyond. His efforts demonstrate the meaningful role that youth can play in environmental stewardship.
Excellence in Conservation:
The Metropolitan United Church Restoration Project, London
The Metropolitan United Church in London, a historical Romanesque-revival landmark built in 1896, recently underwent a transformative restoration project that preserves its heritage features while adapting it into a flexible, multipurpose community environment. The reimagined chancel, featuring moveable components (for example, an organ and stage elements), now accommodates worship as well as serving as the new home for London Symphonia. Stakeholder engagement played a pivotal role in the two-year project, with 27 design meetings and virtual townhalls during the COVID-19 pandemic that involved church committees, choir representatives and the London Symphonia. The inclusive approach ensured that diverse perspectives were heard and facilitated collaboration between many different kinds of organizations. The project has built lasting connections between community organizations that extend beyond the building itself. The restoration project highlights the continuing relevance of our historical places of worship to inspire and adapt to a variety of new and imaginative uses in the communities they serve today.
Project partners:
- Architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson Inc.
- Chorley + Bisset, electrical engineer
- VanBoxmeer & Stranges Engineering, structural engineer
The Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project, London
The Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project successfully preserved the oldest surviving building representing London's Black history. Constructed in 1848, the African Methodist Episcopal Church building, once facing demolition, was relocated to Fanshawe Pioneer Village and fully restored to its 1850s-era appearance. The chapel was restored to its original open floor plan, using period-appropriate materials and finishes, preserving original timber frames and reclaiming lumber. Led by a dedicated Steering Committee, the project demonstrates commitment to conservation through its extensive stakeholder engagement. The London and Middlesex Heritage Museum, which orchestrated the relocation, engaged with London's Black communities, heritage planners and city councillors to secure community support. A capital campaign then raised over $450,000 from grants, organizations, foundations and individual donors. The restored chapel now contributes to regional tourism initiatives combined with other Black history sites in this part of Ontario and is fostering new collaborative relationships.
Project partners:
- London and Middlesex Heritage Museum — Fanshawe Pioneer Village
- London Black History Coordinating Committee
- Congress of Black Women of Canada — London Chapter
- Black Lives Matter — London
- The Chapel Committee
- John Rutledge — heritage architect
- Tradition Construction Inc.
Buxton's 100th anniversary of Homecoming, North Buxton
The 100th Buxton Homecoming, a four-day celebration, attracted over 4,000 residents and tourists, showcasing a commitment to heritage conservation and demonstration of community leadership. Originating in 1924 and initiated by the Sunshine Club of the British Methodist Episcopal Church, the Homecoming is a celebration of this historical Black community in Ontario that has evolved into a cherished local tradition and heritage tourism initiative with international reach. Both the descendants of the historical Black community and the youth of today are involved with initiatives like Buxton’s Next Generations, which emphasize intergenerational knowledge-sharing. The Homecoming also includes historical re-enactments to bring to life true stories from the settlement and to foster new connections among descendants. The impact of the community’s work is notable, with increasing visitation each year, generating a strong and positive impact on local tourism and economic development, all for the purpose of sharing knowledge, tradition and history. The community hopes that this strong foundation will endure for at least another hundred years.
Project partners:
- Buxton National Historic Site & Museum
- Buxton’s Next Generation
- North Buxton Community Club
- North Buxton Community Church
- History Conference Committee
Shadowpath Theatre Productions, York Region
Shadowpath Theatre Productions, founded by Alex Karolyi in 2002, celebrates cultural heritage through bringing performance to public spaces. Partnering with underused venues, the organization brings historical and contemporary stories to life. Initiatives like Plays in Cafés and Readings in Wineries provide site-specific experiences, while Hotel Solstice creates jobs for local artists during the summer. The performances are recognized as drivers of local economic activity. The organization evolved from a youth collective to an award-winning charitable entity and has raised over $1.3 million through grants since 2005. Recognizing the lack of women in leadership roles, Shadowpath instituted a paid apprenticeship program from 2016-19 dedicated to empowering women in theatre. Shadowpath’s commitment to community engagement involves unique partnerships with venues like the Newmarket Public Library, fostering immersive experiences and adapting to challenges like COVID with virtual plays. They have been a cultural conservator in York Region for over two decades.
Thomas Symons Award for Commitment to Conservation:
Dr. Ron Williamson
Dr. Ron Williamson is a distinguished figure in Canadian archaeology with over 40 years of impactful contributions to the field. Williamson is a committed mentor and educator and has been influential in shaping Cultural Resource Management (CRM) practices and emphasizing Indigenous participation in archaeology. His PhD studies at McGill University focused on pre-contact Iroquoian settlement patterns. He is the founder of Archaeological Services Inc., a leading CRM firm in Ontario. Williamson participated in the Canadian Archaeological Association’s development of the Statement of Principles for Ethical Conduct Pertain to Aboriginal Heritage in 1996 and co-directed the development of the Master Plan of Archaeological Resources for the City of Toronto in 2004. He served as Chair of the Board of Directors at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology at Western University from 2018-22, and as Vice-Chair of the Shared Path Consultation Initiative, a charitable organization dedicated to promoting reconciliation in land-use planning, from 2018-23.
Williamson has authored and edited numerous books, articles and monographs, the most recent being his 2023 co-edited book, The History and Archaeology of the Iroquois du Nord. His groundbreaking archaeological research on such sites as the Jean Baptiste Lainé Huron-Wendat village in Whitchurch-Stouffville and the Moatfield Ossuary in North York is complemented by his dedication to public education through the film documentaries and museum exhibitions. Through his leadership and mentorship roles in organizations like the Ontario Archaeological Society, Williamson continues to champion heritage conservation, leaving a lasting impact on the field in Ontario and beyond.
