Transforming Canada’s Heritage Sector – Highlights from the 2025 National Trust Governor’s Awards

Echoes of celebration mingled with the salty sea air in Halifax on Friday evening, October 24, as nine projects were honoured for their exceptional contributions to preserving and revitalizing Canada’s heritage.

Each year, the National Trust for Canada Governors’ Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose projects and initiatives have made a meaningful impact in the heritage sector. These efforts demonstrate how heritage can continue to shape a better future for Canadians—serving as a catalyst for community building, cultural identity, diversity, inclusion, Reconciliation, environmental stewardship, and well-being.

The awards ceremony took place during the Trust’s annual conference, where this year more than 500 heritage professionals, volunteers, emerging leaders, and students gathered in Kjipuktuk |Halifax, to inspire, learn, and collaborate in tackling the unprecedented pressures facing the heritage community. Under the theme Heritage Now! the conference highlighted the importance of connecting the full spectrum of the “heritage ecosystem” — a range vividly reflected in the recipients of the 2025 Governors’ Awards.

Dr Shabnam Inanloo Dailoo, Chair of the National Trust Board of Governors, reflected on the scope and impact of these initiatives as she opened the celebratory event. “It has been truly inspiring to discover the remarkable projects taking place from coast to coast to coast — initiatives that are reimagining what heritage means in the 21st century. It’s an honour to share their stories with you today.”

Continuing this spirit of national engagement, the Governors’ Awards themselves were presented by the National Trust’s Governors, who come from communities across Canada, from Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia—a testament to the wide-spread roots of Canada’s heritage movement.

 

Association Ste Marie Héritage et Développement

Among the first recipients from the Atlantic Coast, the Association Ste Marie Héritage et Développement (ASMHD) was recognized for its steadfast dedication and innovative approach to saving the Église Sainte-Marie, a cherished Acadian landmark in Church Point, Nova Scotia.

Founded in December 2024 and incorporated just one month later, the Association was created by local citizens Stéphanie St. Pierre and Gabrielle Bardall, who sprang into action when the historic church—built between 1903 and 1905 by more than 15,000 Acadian volunteers following the 1755 Expulsion—faced demolition in winter 2024. They quickly mobilized community support, drawing national attention to the threatened site by engaging the media, rallying local and national partners, and developing a creative, piece-by-piece approach to raising the funds needed to save it—efforts that were further amplified by a Heritage Alert issued by ICOMOS Canada.

The award was presented by National Trust Governors Margo Sheppard (NB) and Nancy Dunton (a former Governor who, while a member of the Board, played a key role in the selection of this year’s recipients). Stéphanie and Gabrielle accepted the award on behalf of the ASMHD Board and community. Earlier that morning at the conference, they shared the exciting news that the province of Nova Scotia had decided to uphold the church’s heritage designation, effectively preventing the current owners from demolishing it.

 

Birchtown School House

Next to the stage, the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre was honoured for its restoration of the Old School House Museum (also known as the Birchtown School House). The restoration of the school was accompanied by the creation of a new interpretive and immersive exhibition celebrating the legacy of Black education in Nova Scotia. Completed in 2024, the project restored the 1835 schoolhouse—believed to be among the first integrated schools in the province—and reconnected the community to a powerful story of resilience, learning, and identity. The initiative honours generations of Black Nova Scotians whose pursuit of education shaped both their communities and the province.

The National Trust Board of Governors selected this project as an exceptional example of how historic places can preserve collective memory, foster understanding, and strengthen cultural identity. The award was presented by National Trust Governor Harsh Padhya (ON) and accepted by Andrea Davis, Executive Director of the Centre and Laurie Jacklyn, member of the BLHC Board of Directors.

 

The Gathering Place

In St. John’s, Newfoundland, The Gathering Place was recognized for its exemplary adaptive reuse of the former Sisters of Mercy Convent, transforming it into emergency, transitional, and supportive housing for vulnerable members of the community. Founded in 1994 by the Sisters of Mercy, The Gathering Place is a volunteer-driven community health centre and charity dedicated to serving individuals experiencing homelessness, hunger, and social isolation.

The National Trust Board of Governors chose to highlight this project as a powerful example of how heritage buildings can be adaptively reused to meet urgent social needs and promote community well-being. The award was presented by National Trust Governor Luke Quinton and accepted by Paul Davis, Executive Director of The Gathering Place.

 

Victoria High School

On the West Coast, the Greater Victoria School District and the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care were recognized for their collaborative conservation of Victoria High School. Built in 1914, it is the oldest public high school in Western Canada and a defining landmark in Victoria’s urban landscape. Facing potential demolition in 2018 due to seismic concerns, the school was saved through a partnership that balanced preservation with innovation, incorporating design elements developed in consultation with the Songhees Nation, Esquimalt Nation, Métis Nation of Greater Victoria, and the Urban Peoples House Indigenous Advisory.

The National Trust Board of Governors selected to highlight this project as a powerful example of how a community building once on the Endangered Places List can be given a new future through thoughtful rehabilitation—preserving identity, embracing contemporary values, and creating a more resilient, inclusive community. The award was presented by National Trust Governor Frank Finley.

 

Renewal Development

The British Columbia-based business, Renewal Development received a Governors’ Award for its work in rescuing and repurposing heritage buildings. Over the years, the organization has revitalized a diverse range of structures, many with significant heritage value. One notable example is the relocation and transformation of the Little Yellow School House, a 1912 building now serving as an early childhood language immersion Learning Nest in partnership with the Squamish Nation.

The National Trust Governors chose to highlight Renewal Development’s work as an excellent example of how saving existing buildings, including heritage buildings, is worth the investment. The award was presented by National Trust Governor Vivian Manasc and accepted by Glyn Lewis, CEO of Renewal Development.

 

MHS InSite App

The Manitoba Historical Society was recognized for its development of the MHS InSite App, which brings Manitoba’s heritage places into the digital age. Launched in July 2024 during the National Trust’s annual Historic Places Days, the app invites residents, students, tourists, and history enthusiasts to explore heritage sites—from buildings and museums to cemeteries—through an interactive map and user-friendly search tools. Within its first week, the MHS InSite app was downloaded over 5,000 times, reflecting the public’s strong enthusiasm for accessible and engaging ways to experience local history.

The National Trust Governors chose to highlight this project as a creative and forward-looking example of how digital innovation can make heritage information more accessible and inspiring for all. The award was presented by National Trust Governor Ingrid Cazakoff to the app’s developer, Kyle Tichon, who accepted the award on behalf of the Society.

 

 

Advancing Heritage Skills Training

Sometimes heritage awards are not about the past but about the future. Parks Canada, along with Algonquin College, Holland College, and Willowbank School of Restoration Arts, received a Governors’ Award for their collaborative approach to advancing heritage skills training and addressing the sector’s pressing labour force needs. Their joint project focused on the hands-on restoration of historic shutters at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.

The Governors chose to highlight this project as a powerful example of how collaboration between educational institutions and site managers can create meaningful learning opportunities, while ensuring the continued care of Canada’s heritage. The award was presented by National Trust Governor Grant Jameson and accepted by Ryan MacNeil (Parks Canada, Cape Breton Field Unit), Mark Savenkoff (Vice President of Advancement and Strategy, Algonquin College), Sandy MacDonald (President and CEO, Holland College), and Katie Houghton (Executive Director, Willowbank School of Restoration Arts) who was accompanied by six of the students from Willowbank who participated in the project.

 

Eaton’s Le 9e

In Quebec, Ivanhoé Cambridge and EVOQ Architecture were honoured for their meticulous restoration of the iconic 1930s restaurant Le 9e. Designed by French architect Jacques Carlu during the 1930–1931 expansion of the Eaton department store, Le 9e was inspired by the opulent dining rooms of ocean liners of the era. Following Eaton’s closure in 1997, Ivanhoé Cambridge—now part of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec—acquired the building and took decisive steps to preserve this architectural gem. Under the leadership of Jimmy Lévesque, Project Manager for Ivanhoé Cambridge / La Caisse, and Georges Drolet, Architect with EVOQ Architecture, the space was carefully restored and sensitively adapted for contemporary use.

The Governors of the National Trust chose to honour this project as an inspiring example of perseverance, collaboration and passion for heritage. Georges Drolet and Jimmy Levesque accepted the award from National Trust Governor Jacques Archambault .

 

Relationship Building and Reconciliation through Living Heritage

Finally, the City of Humboldt, together with its Indigenous Advisory Circle, and Heritage Saskatchewan received a Governors’ Award for their leadership in the pilot project Relationship Building and Reconciliation through Living Heritage. Launched in January 2023, this initiative explored how Humboldt’s living heritage could serve as a foundation for reconciliation and meaningful connection between Indigenous and settler communities. Guided by the principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the project fostered dialogue and shared cultural experiences rooted in respect and understanding.

The National Trust Board of Governors selected this project for a Governors’ Award for being a powerful example of how heritage can advance reconciliation, foster dialogue, and strengthen connections between communities. The award was presented by Governor John Thompson and accepted by David Seibert of Heritage Saskatchewan on behalf of the project partners.

 

Uplifting for all

In addition to the Governors’ Awards, other honours were celebrated that evening in Halifax. The Stovel Scholarship and the Edwards Bursary recipients were acknowledged. Together these awards enabled volunteers and students from across Canada to participate in the National Trust Conference. Patrick Henderson, from Ecclesiastical Insurance, sponsor of the Next Great Save competition, was on hand to congratulate Joanne Rose from Our Lady of Mercy Church, the 2024 winner of the competition. In an evening of good news, Ecclesiastical’s renewed support for next year’s competition was announced.

With the final award presented, the ceremony transitioned into a moment of reflection and celebration. The atmosphere in the Halifax Convention Centre was both emotional and uplifting—filled with pride in what had been accomplished and excitement for what comes next. Familiar faces from across the heritage sector mingled with newcomers from adjacent fields, united by a shared passion for protecting and sharing Canada’s past.

Recipients congratulated one another, students exchanged stories with long-time professionals, and the sense of connection in the room was palpable. The 2025 Governors’ Awards not only celebrated remarkable achievements but also reaffirmed the resilience of Canada’s heritage community.