Dr. Robert Shipley

Waterloo, ON

2018 Governors' Award

During his more than 30 years of work, Dr. Robert Shipley became widely known as a leading educator, researcher and leader in the field of heritage conservation planning. As a past Director of the Heritage Resource Centre at the University of Waterloo, Dr. Shipley oversaw countless heritage initiatives that built an invaluable body of data and influential research – including research on property values and heritage conservation was ground-breaking and challenged the perception that heritage status results in a negative impact on property values. As an educator, Dr. Shipley inspired enthusiasm in his students, and influenced a new generation of heritage professionals. Through his work, Dr. Shipley has touched the fields of culture, heritage, tourism, and the economic benefits of heritage development. He has helped put heritage conservation on the map as an essential component of progressive urban and regional planning.