Ontario Heritage Conference Program 2024

Community Embracing Heritage

June 13–15, 2024 OAHP

Program at a Glance Thursday, June 13 2 – 7 pm

Registration

Residence Inn by Marriott, Lobby

7 – 9 pm

Welcome Reception, Networking and Trivia Trivia Host: Adam Crockatt – Big Dumb Face Trivia

Sawdust City Brewing Co. (397 Muskoka Rd N)

Friday, June 14 8 – Noon

Registration

Opera House (Trillium Court)

8:30 – 9:15 am

Grab & Go Breakfast Items

Opera House

9:30 – 11:00 am

Welcome, Land Acknowledgement & Opening Keynote (p. 5)

Opera House (Theatre)

11:00 – 11:30 am

LAMP (Lost Airmen of Muskoka) Film (p. 5)

Opera House (Theatre)

11:30 – 1:30 pm

Lunch, Shopping and Shuttles from Opera House

see map on Page 20

1:30 – 3 pm

1A Bus tour (p. 6)

Bus departs from the Opera House

1:30 – 3 pm

1B Heritage Property Ownership and Restoration (p. 7)

Residence Inn by Marriott

1:30 – 3 pm

1C Building for the future… what are we thinking? (p. 8)

Muskoka Discovery Centre (The Great Hall)

Nutrition Break

Residence Inn by Marriott (Greavette Room) & Muskoka Discovery Centre

3:30 – 5 pm

2A CHO: Municipal Strategies for Designations (p. 9)

Muskoka Discovery Centre (New Wing)

3:30 – 5 pm

2B Walking Tour: History of Muskoka Wharf (p. 10)

Meet in front of Muskoka Discovery Centre

3:30 – 5 pm

2C Heritage Tourism (p. 11)

Residence Inn by Marriott

5:00 – 6 pm

CHO AGM

Residence Inn by Marriott

Celebratory Dinner Experience (p. 11)

Muskoka Discovery Centre (The Great Hall)

3:00 – 3:30 pm

6:00 pm

Saturday, June 15 7:45 – 8:15 am

Grab & Go Breakfast Items

Muskoka Discovery Centre (Greavette Room)

8 – Noon

Registration

Muskoka Discovery Centre

8 – 8:30 am

OAHP AGM

Residence Inn by Marriott

8:30 – 10 am

3A Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures (p. 12)

Muskoka Discovery Centre (Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures exhibit)

8:30 – 10 am

3B Preserving Potential (p. 13)

Residence Inn by Marriott

8:30 – 10 am

3C Telling our stories through technology (p. 14)

Muskoka Discovery Centre (The Great Hall)

10 – 10:30 am

Nutrition Break

Muskoka Discovery Centre (Greavette Room)

10:30 – 11:30 am

4A OAHP Working Session (p. 15)

Muskoka Discovery Centre (The Great Hall)

10:30 – 11:30 am

4B ACO: MUSKOKABuilt (p. 15)

Residence Inn by Marriott

10:30 – 11:30 am

4C Tour of Grace and Speed Boathouse and Wanda III (p. 16)

Muskoka Discovery Centre (New Wing)

12 - 3:00 pm

5 Navigating the Heritage Waters (LUNCH CRUISE) (p. 17)

Cockburn Square and Wenonah II

3:30 – 5 pm

6A Sawdust City Brewery Tour and More (p. 18)

Sawdust City Brewing Co. (397 Muskoka Rd N)

3:30 – 5 pm

6B Bethune Memorial House Tour (p. 18)

Bethune House (297 John St N)

Closing Remarks

Sawdust City Brewing Co. (397 Muskoka Rd N)

5:15 pm

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Community Embracing Heritage

Welcome from the Mayor “Community Embracing Heritage” Hello delegates and welcome to Gravenhurst!

We are thrilled to have you here in our community at the Ontario Heritage Conference where you can be educated, inspired and entertained. Gravenhurst is home to numerous heritage assets and resources; not only are we the home port of the oldest operating steamship in North America, and the largest inwater Antique and Classic Boat Show, but also stunning scenery of the Canadian Sheild, the Torrance Barrens National Dark Sky Preserve, Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site and community rooted in celebrating its heritage.

We have so many stories to share and hope to take you on a journey into our past while also showing how the future can impact us. We are a community that blends together with our visitors and welcomes all to find their own unique experiences with which to make memories.

We are stewards of the lands and in honour of this commitment, we have taken many steps to limit our environmental impacts. You will find water coolers to help reduce single use plastics, compostable and reuseable dishes, QR codes to find digital information and cut down on single use paper items and other climate change mitigation actions in our planning. We love our community and hope you will too!

On behalf of Council, town staff, residents, and local businesses, enjoy the next few days in Gravenhurst and we hope to see you again soon!

Heidi Lorenz, Mayor | Town of Gravenhurst

Ontario Heritage Conference 2024 | Gravenhurst, Muskoka

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Welcome to the Ontario Heritage Conference June 2024 | Gravenhurst, Muskoka Hello delegates and welcome to Gravenhurst, the Gateway to Muskoka and the gateway to this year’s Ontario Heritage Conference memories!

The theme for this year’s conference is “Community Embracing Heritage” and this has been demonstrated in every step of our conference planning. We are pleased to have over 30 volunteers from across the our small community helping out as ambassadors, moderators, greeters, tour guides, shuttle drivers and runners for this event!

Here in Gravenhurst, we have always faced hardship by pulling together and rebuilding.

This conference will showcase many of our unique sites and stories that demonstrate how our community is rooted in our heritage. We acknowledge our multifaceted past and embrace growth with a passion for preservation.

We hope that this conference gives you a chance to connect with other heritage champions and with the natural beauty of Gravenhurst. From all of us, enjoy the conference and your time here!

Your local organizing committee members, Amy Taylor, Angela Ghikadis, Carole Anne Simpson, Michael Wayling, Randy Jorgensen

Matthew Gregor, President – Community Heritage Ontario Greetings on behalf of Community Heritage Ontario/Patrimoine communautaire de l’Ontario (CHO/PCO) to the 2024 Ontario Heritage Conference in Gravenhurst. It’s been a busy year for us in the heritage field and I’m happy that you found time in your busy schedules to attend.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our partners who have been involved in planning this conference: the local organizing committee in Gravenhurst, ACO, and OHAP. The annual Heritage Conference is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together to learn, network, and to experience the local heritage of the hosting community. May everyone have a wonderful weekend in the Gateway to Muskoka!

Diane Chin, Chair – Architectural Conservancy of Ontario On behalf of Architectural Conservancy Ontario I want to take this opportunity to welcome all of you to the conference organized by the Town of Gravenhurst. 2024 saw even more legislation that threatens heritage landscapes. I hope you will feel reignited in your passion for the work that is even more essential today as heritage continues to confront even more of an onslaught. I hope you will have the opportunity to network and learn. I am excited by the sessions that the Program Committee has put together and I am excited to learn more about the Muskoka area. I am pleased that our Indigenous partners are presenting at this conference. I want to thank the Program Committee for the hard work that I know they had to do to put this together.

Colin Yu, President – Ontario Association of Heritage Professionals Hello to everyone attending this year’s Ontario Heritage Conference in Gravenhurst. The Ontario Association of Heritage Professionals (OAHP), a chapter of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP) is a member organization that is dedicated to identification, conservation, preservation, interpretation, and sustainable use of cultural and natural heritage. We have over 500 professionals working in all fields, including architecture, engineering, the trades, education, policy makers, and serve both the public and private sectors. OAHP is run by its members who dedicate their time and resources to make this wonderful organization function and welcome interested individuals in applying. Whether you are a professional, advocate, or just curious about Ontario’s heritage, we at OAHP would like to welcome you to this year’s Ontario Heritage Conference.

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Community Embracing Heritage

Insider Tips & Info How do I Identify Staff or Volunteers?

Staff will have blue Town of Gravenhurst lanyards and volunteers will have purple t shirts with VOLUNTEER on the back. Please don’t hesitate to stop any of us if you have questions or need assistance.

Shuttle information and Getting Around Shuttle services will be available during peak times, circulating between main accommodators and venues or on demand by calling 705 394-8950. Look for the Ontario Heritage Conference Logo in the shuttle vehicles.

Parking is available at all venues.

SHUTTLE SCHEDULE

DAY

TIME

Thursday

6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Friday

7:30 am – 9:30 am 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm 2:45 pm – 3:30 pm 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Saturday

7:30 am – 8:30 am 9:30 am – 10:30 am 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Map of Gravenhurst Check out the map on page 20

Gift Cards Yes, you get a gift card! Learn more on page 19

Things to See and Do! Visit our website for conference information, FAQs, and other attractions in Gravenhurst.

Gravenhurst.ca/HeritageConference THANK YOU to our Heritage Conference volunteer team for all you do to champion Gravenhurst heritage and community!

Ontario Heritage Conference 2024 | Gravenhurst, Muskoka

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Opening Ceremonies (Friday 9:30 to 11:30 am | Opera House Theatre)

Welcome

Canadian Heritage Sites—a Celebration Lynn Holden, Retired Educator, Professional Photographer, Author.

Lynn spent 40 years visiting and photographing all 20 UNESCO Sites across Canada. Later she wrote about them and self-published her book, Canadian World Heritage Sites, so that others could learn about Canada’s special places. All the pictures in her book are her own.

Lynn Holden was raised on a farm in Clarkson, Ontario now part of Mississauga. This location sparked Lynn’s love of adventure and her lifelong journey of exploring began in her rural roots.

In 1965 Lynn began her career as an educator and continued teaching for 25 years until her passion for photography sparked her entrepreneurial spirit and she started her own photography business.

In 1982, while Whitewater Rafting on the Nahanni River, Lynn noticed the UNESCO World Heritage Site sign; her interest was piqued and her mission to seek out and visit all 20 UNESCO Sites in Canada was born.

Over the next 40 years, Lynn visited and documented all of these locations.

During the pandemic, Lynn compiled all of her information and decided it was time to write a book about these important locations. Her book Canadian World Heritage Sites quickly sold out. Lynn now resides in Horseshoe Valley and has set her goal to visit the new sites added last year and republish her book.

LAMP (Lost Airmen of Muskoka) Film Carole Anne Simpson SEE BIO ON PAGE 6 This often overlooked tragic story captures how two countries, galvanized by a tragic team loss, led to a seven-decade long search and recovery to bring our lost airmen the spotlight they deserved.

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Program Descriptions & Abstracts 1A Bus Tour Little Norway Memorial, Muskoka Airport and Camp Calydor (Friday 1:30 | Airport & Bus)

Carole Anne Simpson, Judy Humphries See firsthand how world conflicts impacted Gravenhurst, from training camps and relationship building, to Prisoners of War and community building, our little corner of Ontario had a major role to play.

Carole Anne Simpson has followed a variety of pathways in her journey called life.

She is an active volunteer with the Gravenhurst Municipal Heritage Committee, who passionately encourages embracing our natural heritage, promotes architectural preservation, and brings a lens for environmental stewardship to all she does.

As a student of World War II, Carole Anne is affectionately known as Simpson around our table and brings with her a caring and empathetic heart. In her previous endeavours, Simpson has been a teacher at Sick Kids Hospital, a registered nurse at Wellesley Hospital, and has been a life long educator in private and public schools across Ontario.

Judy Humphries came to Gravenhurst in 1973 to teach high school; then, married and raised a family here. She was a research librarian for the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal for twenty years before retiring to her third career as head of Gravenhurst Archives founded in 1978. When Judy is not elbow deep in the archives she can be found volunteering for the Gravenhurst Municipal Heritage Committee as well as providing a wealth of community knowledge and support to the numerous inquiries she receives about our heritage. Judy is also a regular speaker in the community providing illustrated talks on local history and is working on books about Gravenhurst soldiers in the First World War.

Ontario Heritage Conference 2024 | Gravenhurst, Muskoka

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1B Heritage Property Ownership and Restoration—The Good, Bad and Ugly (Friday 1:30 | Residence Inn by Marriott)

Deanna Adams, Jessica and Nicholas Starecky This panel highlights the importance of conservation and adaptation despite the many challenges an owner may encounter. Deanna Adams will review the journey she embarked on when restoring the heritage mansion of a former Gravenhurst Mayor and converting it into multiple dwelling units. Nicholas and Jessica Starecky will share their restoration story of turning a small rural church and Sunday school, into a repurposed events venue and Bed & Breakfast.

Deanna Adams is a designer who often partners with property owners interested in reimagining older buildings to better suit today’s need for quality housing in a tight rental market. Having just finished rehabbing an older home for sale, her latest endeavor is designing the conversion of a decommissioned church into 18 new apartments in Saint John, New Brunswick. Ever curious about how a building came into being, she has great respect for the longevity of old structures as well as for those that built them. In between projects she enjoys being active and engaging her artist side.

Jessica Starecky began her career in architectural heritage conservation as an entrepreneur. Her experience began in owning and adaptively repurposing a decommissioned historical church building that was designated a national historical landmark in 2020. Jessica managed and directed the conservation scope of work from feasibility to the end of construction. She began her career in business development for an architectural firm that specializes in Heritage Conservation in 2021 and was elected to the Community Heritage Ontario Board of Directors in 2023. She continues to serve on the Grey Highlands Heritage Working Committee and is focused on issues of conservation, municipal economic development and sustainability.

Nicholas Starecky has been working in project management for the past 5 years in both the Heritage and Building Restoration sectors. As part of the repurposing of the church reimaging, Nicholas’ work ranged from the hands-on demolition and reconstruction of the building’s elements to coordination of the necessary trades to complete the work. In 2022 he became a project manager at DJ McRae Contractors Ltd—a general contractor with over 50 years of experience in the Heritage building and restoration sector. Currently, he is working as a project manager at SRS Restoration Limited a general contractor specializing in structural concrete and building envelope restoration in the GTA.

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1C Building for the Future… What are We Thinking?

(Friday 1:30 | Muskoka Discovery Centre - The Great Hall)

Jeff Lehman, Antonio Gómez-Palacio, Henry Krans A panel of professional planners and architects looks at urban design guidelines, the fine art of balancing heritage preservation with zoning bylaws and modern design, and how we can address climate change while still embracing influences from our past.

Jeff Lehman is Chair of The District Municipality of Muskoka, elected by Council in December 2022. Previously, he was the 46th Mayor of the City of Barrie, serving from 2010-2022, and was twice Chair of the Ontario Big City Mayors’ Caucus, representing Ontario’s 28 largest cities.

Chair Lehman holds a Chartered Director (C.Dir) designation and has served on the Boards of Directors of nine separate organizations over his 17-year career in public service, including the Board of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Board of Directors.

Antonio Gómez-Palacio is internationally recognized for transforming cities into vibrant urban places that respond to their social, economic, and environmental context. As DIALOG Chair, his mission is to deliver design solutions to the many challenges we face globally—from climate change and equity to social wellbeing.

Antonio is a sought-after speaker, inspiring public and private sector leaders, to leverage the power of cities and communities towards achieving meaningful impact.

He is frequently called upon to lead conversations on how the built environment can contribute to community wellbeing. Antonio inspires leaders to achieve meaningful impact through various topics: housing affordability, city livability, climate adaptation, social equity and wellbeing, heritage, and sustainability.

Antonio’s project work has spanned communities from Halifax to Victoria, from Iqaluit to Mérida. Antonio is active on several research and advocacy groups, including CMHC-SCHL’s Rethinking Rental Roundtable and Planning Research Advisory Committee and the Advisory Committee for Healthy Design. He became a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada College in 2018, recognized for his outstanding contributions to the design community. Antonio has an Architecture and Urbanism Degree from Universidad Iberoamericana, and a Masters in Environmental Studies, Urban Planning from York University.

Henry Krans is the Co-Founder and Vice President of Timmerman Timberworks Inc. In the early years of his career, Henry’s focus was on high-end, traditional timber framing. His love for the craft springing from the pure simplicity of joining wood using traditional tools and techniques. As time and the industry evolved, Henry was able to utilize the knowledge and experience gained through timber framing to help push the boundaries of Mass Timber Construction in Ontario and Eastern Canada. Advocating for mass timber, and the diversity and scale of projects maintains Henry’s interest and fosters his ingenuity.

Ontario Heritage Conference 2024 | Gravenhurst, Muskoka

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2A CHO: Municipal Strategies for Designations (Friday 3:30 | Muskoka Discovery Centre - the New Wing)

Carolyn Van Sligtenhorst, Evan Manning, Nancy Matthews A. How to cope with the Bill 23 requirement to designate listed properties—what works, what’s a problem; protecting and preserving properties going forward.

B. How to foster positive interactions with heritage property owners—ensuring public awareness and interest; educating owners on policies, programs, bylaws, permit applications; instilling a sense of control.

Carolyn Van Sligtenhorst is a Heritage Planner at the Town of Oakville where she works within the Planning Department to protect cultural heritage resources in Oakville.

This work includes undertaking historical research, assessing heritage properties, processing heritage permits, reviewing planning applications, preparing studies and policy reports on heritage planning, and working with numerous stakeholders to assess and protect heritage resources. Carolyn is also a professional member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and the Canadian Institute of Planners.

Evan Manning is an urban planner with experience in both the public and private sectors. He has contributed to the production of a wide range of heritage-related deliverables as required by municipal, provincial, and federal governments including Cultural Heritage Evaluation Reports (CHERs), Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs), Conservation Plans, and Strategic Conservation Plans. He also has experience in policy development through Official Plan review and the development of Heritage Conservation District Plans and has managed a City-wide initiative to evaluate and designate significant cultural heritage resources in response to Bill 23. He holds a Masters of Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University, and undergraduate degrees from York University and the University of Guelph.

Nancy Matthews, CHO Vice President, manages CHO communications including the newsletter and has been heritage chair in the rural municipality of Grey Highlands since 2012. Her educational background is in architecture, she is a 6th generation colonial descendant with a keen interest in history, and recently published a collection of articles on Grey County heritage circa 1867. Given that many smaller municipalities have been unable to cope with massive designations, partly due to a designation policy of needing owner consent, Matthews will share a variety of strategies to communicate, educate & interact with heritage owners and the community to create a positive public attitude to heritage.

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2B Walking Tour: History of Muskoka Wharf—Heritage in Action (Friday 3:30 | Muskoka Wharf) See how one location has gone from untamed natural beauty to an industrial hub, to a reclaimed tourism vision and ask where might it evolve to next? Local historians, community champions and members of Town Council will take you on a journey around Muskoka Wharf dating back to the early beginnings in the 1800s to the structures you see today and a view to the future.

Tour Curator and Lead Guide: Mary Storey Mary Storey has been involved with Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre since 2002 and is the volunteer archivist at Muskoka Discovery Centre. During the summer months you will find her volunteering as a commentator on RMS Segwun and Wenonah II ships. She is also involved with antique and classic boat clubs and writes for several publications about boating. Having lived in Muskoka for many years assists her in being a member of the Town of Gravenhurst Municipal Heritage Committee.

Tour Guides: Sandy Cairns, Randy Jorgensen, Jeremy Rand Sandy Cairns—Sandy is a passionate volunteer and tireless Gravenhurst promoter. With strong community roots, Sandy’s love for her surroundings shows! Sandy has been a member of Town and District Council for over 20 years, spent most of her life in Gravenhurst and can be found on the lake, in the garden, attending events, and helping to organize the Gravenhurst Winter Carnival.

Randy Jorgensen—Randy brings a calm energy and intentional direction to the Municipal Heritage Committee as their Council representative. With an eye for built heritage and a passion for preserving natural heritage, Randy brings an environmental lens to all projects. In addition to his community work in rural Gravenhurst, Randy is also Deputy Mayor and an active volunteer.

Jeremy Rand—Jeremy is the Manager of Planning for the Town of Parry Sound, but got his start in planning and in heritage with the Town of Gravenhurst. With a passion for urban planning and a true joy for heritage preservation, Jeremy is a tenured volunteer in Gravenhurst. From Winter Carnival, Doors Open, and Rowing Regattas, to workshops and seminars, Jeremy enjoys bringing people together to share stories, ideas and inspiration.

Ontario Heritage Conference 2024 | Gravenhurst, Muskoka

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2C Heritage Tourism—Promote the Past and Reap the Economic Benefits (Friday 3:30 | Residence Inn by Marriott)

Janet Merkley, Scott Davidson This session features speakers sharing information on how to stimulate heritage tourism using vital links to the past, including tours, visuals and local lore. Examples to include the Ryde Barn Quilt Tour.

Scott Davidson will also discuss the importance of Dr. Norman Bethune, a battlefront surgeon, medical pioneer, advocate for Canada’s universal health care and Chinese cultural icon.

Janet Merkley is a fourth-generation resident of Ryde Township. Her GreatGrandfather William Merkley came from Dundas County, Ontario and was living in Ryde by 1879. The Merkley family continues to farm in Ryde and Janet’s roots run deep as does her love of the land and respect for our history. Janet is passionate about history and actively preserves important information through interviews, photos and narratives and most recently completed a Merkley family history booklet. Janet is also an active volunteer at the Gravenhurst Archives and Ryde Community Centre, where there is a small museum.

Scott Davidson graduated with a degree in History and Cultural Studies from Trent University and has worked for Parks Canada since then, interpreting at historic sites, developing and advising on programs and communication products, and managing Bethune Memorial House, “The birthplace of a hero,” right here in Gravenhurst.

His work at this site has led to several trips to China, to promote the site, and to share and learn each other’s approach to history. After gaining support to fund the $2.5M expansion of the Bethune visitor centre, he led consultations with stakeholders to develop a site which strives to be a place of inspiration.

Celebratory Dinner Experience (Friday 6:00 pm | Muskoka Discovery Centre – The Great Hall)

Speakers: Jack Payette and Christopher Stock SEE BIOS ON PAGE 12 6:00 pm: Networking & Appetizers 6:30 pm: Welcome, Dinner & Entertainment

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3A Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures (Saturday 8:30 am | Muskoka Discovery Centre - Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures exhibit)

Ann Curley, Jack Payette, Christopher Stock This session invites you to learn from more than 10,000 years of Indigenous history and highlights in the newly expanded exhibits of the Muskoka Discovery Centre. Explore the seven stop metaphoric canoe route and experience the journey through time.

Ann Curley was born and raised in Windsor and has always felt comfortable being near water. Ann began her career in Tourism after her graduation from St. Clair College. After 17 years working for the Ministry of Tourism, Ann moved to Muskoka to begin a new chapter accepting the position of Executive Director with the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce. During her 13-plus years with the Chamber, Ann worked with many community and business organizations addressing the economic needs of Gravenhurst and providing a solid events base for the area. After her time with the Chamber, Ann became the Operations Curator for the Muskoka Discovery Centre where she would spend the next 17 years building exhibits, promoting our heritage and history, fostering and enhancing community relationships. Ann has continued with her passion for water and the heritage it creates by accepting a position as the Executive Director with the Canadian Race Boat Hall of Fame and will once again bring her enthusiasm, passion, and dynamic personality to help build this venue into another iconic heritage asset for Muskoka.

Jack Payette is a member of the Odawa Nation who shares his incredible cultural knowledge with people of all ages, weaving stories, traditions, learning opportunities and vibrant oral histories together in his presentations. As a storyteller, educator and published author, Jack continually finds ways to connect people to important moments of our past and inspires them to share their knowledge for the future.

Jack is a lifelong student who is passionate about continuous learning. Jack played an important role in the creation of the Misko-Aki exhibit along with many other indigenous leaders, to ensure education about all nations in Muskoka is shared with as many visitors as possible.

Christopher Stock is a fifth-generation member of Wáhta Mohawk Territory near Bala, Ontario. Christopher’s ancestors relocated from Kanehsatà:ke-Oka Quebec to Muskoka, Ontario, Canada in 1881. He is a graduate of the Mohawk Immersion Adult Language Program at Wáhta Mohawk Territory, as well as a graduate of Queen’s University’s Indigenous Teacher Education Program and holds a Primary/ Junior Certification from the Ontario College of Teachers. In 2018, Christopher was diagnosed with Aggressive Stage 4 Diffuse, Large B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and has been six years cancer free. All of his unique experiences, coupled with Christopher’s lifechanging journey through cancer—which has resulted in permanent nerve damage in both legs, have highlighted what truly matters in life: time.

Christopher’s Interactive Indigenous Cultural Experiences, A Journey Begins, offers an introduction to North America’s Indigenous People and their culture, creating a welcoming, engaging, positive experience, and an opportunity to build a bridge towards active and sustaining Truth and Reconciliation.

Ontario Heritage Conference 2024 | Gravenhurst, Muskoka

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3B Preserving Potential through Understanding and Maintenance (Saturday 8:30 am | Residence Inn by Marriott)

Mitchell May, Daniel Arellano, Gerry Zegerius Heritage buildings often find themselves on the brink of demolition, due to neglect, decay, inadequate maintenance, and a pervasive underestimation of their potential. This session explores the challenges facing these structures and the transformative possibilities obtained through enhanced understanding and proactive maintenance strategies for preservation. Drawing upon case studies and best practices, this session delves into the safeguarding of our heritage assets, offering insights from diverse heritage specialists’ perspectives.

Mitchell May is an architect and heritage professional with a decade of experience in design and conservation projects across Ontario. Over the course of his design career, his work has focused on exploring the relationships between new and existing architectures. As an associate at Giaimo, his current work focuses on adaptive reuse, maintenance, embodied carbon, and sustainable alternatives to demolition. At Giaimo, where he has led a number of research initiatives, presenting his findings at conferences for the Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada, the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals and the National Trust. Mitchell is currently a member of the Ontario Association of Architects, the Toronto Preservation Board, and The Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals.

Daniel Arellano is the founding partner of Arcana Restoration Group, a Torontobased heritage restoration masonry company. Since 2019 Arcana has built a reputation based on craftsmanship, drive and strong relationships. Daniel is a passionate heritage professional with over ten years experience in the field, a BA in History from Concordia University and a Certificate in Architecture with a focus on Heritage Conservation from Toronto Metropolitan University. Daniel’s respect for material, labour and the environment has inspired his next startup venture: Arcana Materials Co—a circular-economy based supply company focusing on the salvage and re-sale of heritage masonry products such as brick, stone, terra cotta and slate.

Gerry Zegerius is a structural engineer with Tacoma Engineers, located in the Guelph office, specializing in heritage buildings, materials, and construction methods. He graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2008 and has been a professional member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP) for the past 15 years, including a term on the board and serving as the President. Gerry brings his years of work in construction and carpentry to his current work in consulting and engineering work. He has worked on hundreds of historic buildings throughout Southern Ontario, including designated buildings, listed buildings, and National Historic Sites. When he isn’t crawling around dusty attics and basements, he can’t think of anything better than spending time at the ballpark on a summer evening.

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3C Telling our Stories Through Technology (Saturday 8:30 am | Muskoka Discovery Centre – The Great Hall )

Catherine McCarroll, Lori Hutcheson, Greg Poole Learn how photography plays an important role in documenting, preserving, and promoting all things heritage and see mapping in action as a tool for tourism and cultural experiences.

Catherine McCarroll (BA(Hons), MA, MA, RPP) is the Senior Planner with the Township of Oro-Medonte and the staff liaison for the Township’s Heritage Committee. She was involved in the creation of the Township’s interactive Heritage Story Map that illustrates the Township’s heritage listed and designated properties, plaques, monuments, cairns, churches and cemeteries. This session will look at the software used (ArcGIS Desktop & ArcGIS StoryMaps), the process involved in creating the interactive map, the types of information presented on the map and the pros and cons of using this software to illustrate the Township’s heritage sites.

Lori Hutcheson has a strong business acumen developed over 30 years as a banking executive, community volunteer, advocate for women in leadership and an ally of diversity and inclusion. Lori possesses the knowledge and skill to navigate complex business proposals, make sound financial decisions and develop projects. During Lori’s extensive banking career, she built a personal brand as a collaborative partner, negotiator and a person who gets things done. A lifelong learner, Lori is currently completing her Executive MBA. Lori currently serves as Ward 1 Councillor in OroMedonte and will take on the responsibility of Deputy Mayor at the end of this year. Lori is also Chair of the Oro-Medonte HR Committee, Co-Chair of the Heritage Committee and Co-chair of the Traffic Safety Committee. Lori is also a board member of the Severn Sound Environmental Association.

Greg Poole is a local Gravenhurst professional photographer. He spent 40 years in the photographic industry and is a retired executive of Fujifilm Canada. He is the fourth generation in his family to be in the business and has a passion for all things photographic, including the history. An exciting presenter, he brings his extensive knowledge to the crowd in an interesting and easy to understand fashion. Delegates are sure to learn a lot as he shows physical examples along with his presentations and relates all of his information to his and his family’s real-life experiences.

Ontario Heritage Conference 2024 | Gravenhurst, Muskoka

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4A OAHP: Municipal Heritage Registers—Working Session (Saturday 10:30 am | Muskoka Discovery Centre – Great Hall)

Tamara Anson-Cartwright 1-hour working session of small groups exploring next steps for Heritage Registers with Heritage Professionals.

Tamara Anson-Cartwright has focused on heritage conservation with the City of Toronto and the Province during her 35 year career. As the Program Manager of the City of Toronto’s Policy & Research team in Heritage Planning/Urban Design, Tamara leads the survey and evaluation of properties for inclusion on the Heritage Register, Part IV designations, heritage conservation districts and administering the Heritage Property Tax Rebate. She provides direction for the Toronto Heritage Survey and the Indigenous Heritage Engagement Strategy. She enjoys volunteering on the OAHP Board’s Social and Education Committee. Tamara fondly remembers discovering Muskoka while enjoying her family’s Arts & Crafts cottage on Lake Rosseau for nearly 40 years.

4B ACO: MUSKOKABuilt—a Vital Resource (Saturday 10:30 am | Residence Inn by Marriott)

Karen Lang, Tori Robertson An introduction to the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, Muskoka Branch’s crowd sourced data base for built heritage across all six municipalities of the District of Muskoka—an important and timely platform for all architecture, history and heritage enthusiasts.

Karen Lang is by original profession, an Occupational Therapist, a practicing artist, filmmaker, and author/illustrator of 4 childrens’ books (marthathemouse.ca). She summers in a 100-plus year old cottage on an island outside of Windermere, Ontario and that is the “why and where” of becoming involved with ACO Muskoka. For many years, an enthusiast and advocate of history and heritage, the ACO is a good fit!

She helped launch The Windermere History Project, a collaborative initiative with Muskoka Chautauqua and the Archives of the Windermere Women’s Institute, to help preserve the stories, history, and heritage of the village of Windermere.

Tori Robertson has a longstanding love for architectural history fostered from undergraduate studies in urban planning, environmental studies and architectural history. Further propelled by a 12 year family building project in Muskoka and subsequent years of enjoyment in and appreciation of the region, getting involved in ACO Muskoka was compelling, especially given current development and legislative pressures on local heritage. She’s hopeful that her career background in strategic planning and development will help raise awareness of and interest in the importance of Muskoka’s extraordinary architectural heritage.

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Community Embracing Heritage

4C Tour of Grace and Speed Boathouse and Wanda III (Saturday 10:30 am | Muskoka Discovery Centre – Boathouse)

Tour Guide: John Storey The Murray Walker Grace and Speed Boathouse houses North America’s largest collection of in-water classic antique wooden boats. The collection is always changing. All the boats are privately owned and are on display due to the generosity of their owners.

Wanda III: Steam to Green is a new exhibit featuring one of the few surviving steam yachts. Wanda III is a sterling example of the bygone steam era. However, with the transition to electric power she has also now become a symbol of sustainability and our need to make our world a more environmentally friendly place.

Ontario Heritage Conference 2024 | Gravenhurst, Muskoka

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5 Lunch Cruise: Navigating Heritage Waters (Saturday 11:30 | Wenonah II)

Speakers: Richard S. Tatley, David Gillett, Judy Humphries 11:30 pm – Noon: Pick up Box Lunches in Cockburn Square and Proceed to Steamship 12:00 pm: Steamship Boarding 2:30 pm: Cruise Ends

Richard S. Tatley is a member of the Steamboat Historical Society of America and in 1973 helped to found the Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society, which now owns the R.M.S. Segwun. He is the author of Steamboating in Muskoka, Steamboating on the Trent-Severn, The Story of the Segwun, The Steamboat Era in the Muskokas (Volumes 1 & 2) and The Life and Times of AP Cockburn. Richard is an active heritage preservation and education enthusiast and can be found on board the Steamships as a regular tour guide and commentator.

David Gillett graduated from the University of Toronto School of Architecture in 1983, but his design education began long before that, building houses in his summer holidays and travelling with a sketchbook, studying the architecture of country houses in Canada, the US and Great Britain. He entered the world of Muskoka architecture with the restoration and renovation of the historic Windermere House resort in 1986 and his firm David Gillett Design has gone on to design some of Muskoka’s most iconic cottages and boathouses for an international clientele. In addition to design he has written on architecture and travel for various local, national and international publications, sketches buildings wherever he finds them, and travels as often as he can.

Judy Humphries came to Gravenhurst in 1973 to teach high school; then, married and raised a family here. She was a research librarian for the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal for twenty years before retiring to her third career as head of Gravenhurst Archives founded in 1978. When Judy is not elbow deep in the archives she can be found volunteering for the Gravenhurst Municipal Heritage Committee as well as providing a wealth of community knowledge and support to the numerous inquiries she receives about our heritage. Judy is also a regular speaker in the community providing illustrated talks on local history and is working on books about Gravenhurst soldiers in the First World War.

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Community Embracing Heritage

6A Sawdust City From Sawdust to Suds; a Brewery Tour and More (Saturday 3:30 pm | Sawdust City Brewing Co., 397 Muskoka Rd N)

Join us at Sawdust City to enjoy a brew, a tour, and more as you see heritage adaptation in action.

Founded, owned and operated by Rob & Karla Engman and co-founded with Sam Corbeil, Sawdust City Brewing Company is a 20,000 square foot facility. Proud to call Gravenhurst home, ‘Sawdust City’ was the nickname of the town in the days when mills and lumberyards lined the shores of Lake Muskoka in Gravenhurst.

6B Complimentary Tours of Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site (Saturday 3:30 | Bethune House, 297 John St N)

Tour Guide: Scott Davidson Welcome to Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site in Gravenhurst, the place to discover Dr. Norman Bethune, a battlefront surgeon, medical pioneer, advocate for Canada’s universal health care, and Chinese cultural icon.

The property features a 3,500 square foot visitor centre with exhibits, activity spaces, and the original family home where Dr. Bethune was born.

Ontario Heritage Conference 2024 | Gravenhurst, Muskoka

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DYK? Your lanyards have special meaning...

Aaniin Anne Morrow, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Deer Clan. My Grandmother taught my father the love of tinkering and keeping busy. What I got from this was an urge to learn our crafts.

My daughter and I learned to bead back before Covid hit while I was off work with a broken hip. This gave us something to do while the world was at a standstill and it kept our minds from overthinking the stresses of the time.

My daughter and I differ in our interests. She took up ribbon skirt making and graphic art while I moved on to leather. I later became interested in shaker making and leather work.

We have a small market booth for our business (Kigons Creations) during the nice months at various places around Muskoka including the Black River Campground in Washago on Saturday mornings. This is a great place to find indigenous crafts.

The main themes behind the colours that I have chosen represent key elements from my culture. Fire is life...represented by black, red, orange, yellow. Mother earth is green, blue, white, and sage. Orange for the children, grey for the ashes from my smudge. These lanyards, like sweet grass, are braided to represent strength and resilience. All made with love, and appreciation for your interest in coming to Gravenhurst, Muskoka to see how we do tourism through our constructive time.

Anne Morrow (Kigons Creations)

Looking for lunch options?

In lieu of swag bags, each delegate will receive a pre-loaded gift card for $50. We encourage you to use the gift card for lunch on Friday anywhere in Gravenhurst. Several locations will be offering a lunch special or menu items that align with our $25 lunch budget.

For lunch ideas, shopping options, and other ways to spend your gift card...check out our website or ask a conference volunteer.

Gravenhurst.ca/HeritageConference Gift cards may only be used within Gravenhurst and are valid for 15 months. If you don’t spend all your money, consider visiting us again to redeem your card!

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Community Embracing Heritage

Explore Gravenhurst!

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Gravenhurst Community Sites and Services

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Municipal Parking Lots Public Washrooms Town Hall Trails

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Sawdust City Brewing Co. Opera House Muskoka Discovery Centre Marriott Residence Inn Cockburn Square Muskoka Steamships Bethune Memorial House

HWY 11 N

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Thank you to our generous partners & sponsors!

Anne Morrow (Kigons Creations) Audio Visual by Martyn Green & Peter Gallagher Bethune Memorial House Christopher Stock Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce Gravenhurst Opera House Jack Payette James Bowler Long & McQuade Mr. Sub Muskoka Airport Muskoka Bay Resort Muskoka Signs Muskoka Springs Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre Muskoka Wharf Association North Catering (by the Oar & Paddle) Pure Elegance Wedding & Event Décor Residence Inn by Marriott, Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf Sawdust City Brewing Co Taboo Muskoka Town of Gravenhurst Well Fed

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Community Embracing Heritage

Ontario Heritage Conference 2024 | Gravenhurst, Muskoka

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