Niagara-on-the-Lake recognized by Communities in Bloom for its work in heritage conservation area

Niagara-onthe-Lake’s commitment to heritage preservation has earned it recognition by Communities in Bloom.

The town was awarded the outstanding achievement award for the Home Hardware BeautiTone heritage conservation category at the recent national awards ceremony held in Strathcona County, Alta. The category falls under the Circle of Excellence group, a non-evaluated category. The town was taking a break from the evaluated category after a successful three years, winning the international challenge in the medium town category in 2017.

“Guided, celebrated and supported by public policies and programs, as well as through private residences’ and groups’ efforts, heritage conservation is a primary focus,” Communities in Bloom said in a news release. “Town council is proactive in upholding standards for conservation and preservation of its numerous heritage properties, villages and attributes. Within the municipality is Canada’s first federally-recognized conservation district.”

According to the organization, heritage conservation includes efforts to preserve natural heritage within the community. The focus is on integration of landscapes and streetscapes in built heritage, preservation of natural heritage pertaining to monuments, memorials, artifacts, museums and history, archives, traditions, customs, festivals and celebrations in relation to parks and green spaces in the community.

“This award validates all of the hard work our community does to preserve our natural and built heritage,” said Kevin Turcotte, manager of parks and recreation for the town. “The Communities in Bloom committee is very proud that we can showcase our town on a national and international platform.”

The award plaque will be on display at town hall.