Heritage committee to launch awards program

Prince Edward County Council and its Heritage Advisory Committee are celebrating Heritage Week (Feb. 20-24) by highlighting recent achievements and plans to launch an annual recognition award program in 2013.
Council, with the assistance of the volunteers of the Heritage Advisory Committee, had a record year for individual property designations with 12 additions in 2011. These included a number of “high profile” properties including the Royal Hotel, Mariners Museum, Hayward Long Reach Lookout and The White Chapel.
“Perhaps the most significant accomplishment in heritage conservation in 2011 was the initiation of the County’s first Heritage Conservation District Study for downtown Picton,” says Ryan Leary  County Senior Planner and Heritage Staff Liaison. “Under the expertise of ERA Architects Inc., staff and a team of volunteers have been hard at work researching the 192 properties included in the study area to determine the merits and appropriateness of a Heritage Conservation District in Picton.”

Council also amended the process for adding non-designated heritage properties to the Prince Edward
County Heritage Properties Register. This led to the inclusion, in 2011, of more than 60 new properties to the County’s inventory listing for a total of almost 200 properties.

Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee is preparing the framework and criteria for an annual recognition award program proposed to commence in 2013.
“The history, architecture, natural beauty and traditions of Prince Edward County is what makes this place a destination for tourist, attracts businesses and instills a sense of pride for its residents,” said Mayor Peter Mertens. “The recent accomplishments in heritage conservation in 2011 show the dedication of the volunteers of the Heritage Committee and represents council’s commitment to promoting and preserving the County’s cultural heritage.”