Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Community Leadership

Who can be nominated?

The successful candidates must meet the following criteria. They must:

• be part of a community (defined as a municipality or regional municipality under the Municipal Act), First Nations band council, Métis community council or a community located in unorganized territory
• have implemented initiatives, programs and/or policies, as well as promoted a culture of conservation that demonstrates:
  • leadership
  • commitment
  • creativity
  • positive impact beyond the community to the region or province
  • heritage conservation best practices

Note: Directors and employees of the Ontario Heritage Trust and members of their immediate families are not eligible.

Who can nominate?

Communities must either nominate themselves or be nominated by Ontario Heritage Trust staff. Communities must also complete a self-assessment form and submit it along with their nomination form. Nominations must be supported by a motion of council.

What projects are eligible?

• demonstrating an integrated approach to conservation of heritage properties and resources; examples of conserved heritage properties include:
  • residential
  • commercial
  • industrial
  • agricultural
  • natural heritage
  • cultural landscapes
• exhibiting leadership by example, including a high level of conservation and stewardship of municipally owned heritage properties
• celebrating and commemorating heritage, including:
  • heritage festivals
  • plaque unveilings
  • parades
  • heritage awards programs
• identifying and protecting heritage resources through bylaws, policies and planning decisions, including:
  • municipal heritage committees
  • heritage inventories
  • designation programs
  • conservation easement programs
  • heritage conservation districts
  • ravine control bylaws
  • tree bylaws
  • cultural plans
  • archaeology master plans
  • official plans
  • tax/financial/planning incentives
• supporting and investing in heritage organizations, institutions and volunteers, including:
  • municipal heritage committees
  • historical/genealogical societies
  • Doors Open Ontario organizing committees
  • architectural conservancies
  • grant programs
  • museums
  • local archives
  • naturalists
  • land trusts
  • conservation authorities
• developing and delivering activities or events that identify, safeguard and promote intangible cultural heritage, including:
  • oral traditions
  • expressions
  • language
  • performing arts – e.g., music, dance or theatre
  • social practices
  • rituals/ceremonies and festive events
  • knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe
  • traditional craftsmanship
• promoting, celebrating and preserving cultural heritage and biological diversity
• promoting, supporting and demonstrating environmental sustainability
• educating, commemorating and interpreting community heritage through:
  • publications
  • websites
  • exhibits
  • brochures
  • public programming