Certificates honour champions of County heritage

Prince Edward Heritage Advisory Committee certificates honouring champions of local heritage were presented Wednesday. From left, York Lethbridge, Robert Mitchell, Janice Gibbins, Mayor Robert Quaiff, Ian Robertson, Terry Sprague and Liz Driver.

The Prince Edward Heritage Advisory Committee celebrated Heritage Week presenting certificates to County residents who have preserved, educated, advocated or brought awareness to the County’s built or natural heritage.

HPEHAC chair Janice Gibbins welcomed the honorees, committee members, and guests noting heritage encompasses cultural, historical and natural resources.

“The national Heritage Trust vision statement for the future says culture, tourism and heritage are the elements for the future and for a sustainable economy,” said Gibbins. “Fortunuately, Prince Edward County has culture, tourism and heritage in spades, but more importantly, it has people who are willing to spend their own resources – time and money – in promoting and preserving the heritage of the place that we love.”

Mayor Robert Quiaff said some aspects of the County’s heritage were being igonored and overlooked for far too long.

“Change is coming in new terms of reference for our Heritage Advistory Committee and we have some excellent candidates that will be serving on it,” he said. “We need to take a more proactive approach in our history and heritage and that comes with funding. Lack of funding in the past, is in the past.”

He described the efforts of the five recipients of PEHAC certificates:

York Lethbridge and Robert Mitchell were selected to receive the Build Heritage Award for exemplary preservation of the exterior, and sympathetic restoration of the interior of the 1837 Gorsline House near Demorestville. The home is one of the most notable historic houses in the County.

Ian Robertson, was honoured for Heritage Education and Awareness through his work as an associate editor with County Magazine, an author on various local topics, most recently, Camp Picton and The Regent Theatre and a researcher.

Liz Driver was selected for Awareness and Advocacy through her efforts to identify and protect the culture and built heritage of South Marysburgh in the face of proposed industrial wind turbine developments.

Terry Sprague, was honoured for Education and Awareness of Natural Heritage.  The retired columnist and is an advocate for the preservation of the County’s natural history. He has worked with the Glenora Fisheries Research as a resource technician, Sandbanks Provincial Park as a park interpreter and Quinte Conservation as a naturalist and outdoor events coordinator.