Prince of Wales Prize

The Prince of Wales Prize was awarded from 2000 to 2020 to a Canadian municipality that demonstrated commitment to the conservation of its historic built environment. The prize was established under the patronage of King Charles, then Prince of Wales, due to his interest in architecture.  

The list of winners can be found here.

Award recipients demonstrated excellence in the community’s approach to: 

• Heritage conservation. 

• Keeping heritage relevant today through activating heritage areas and finding new uses for heritage assets. 

• Sensitively integrating new construction into historic areas, reflecting continuity and context over time. 

• The economic, environmental sustainability, social and quality of life benefits resulting from the community’s investment and commitment to the conservation of its heritage assets should be emphasized. 

Special consideration was given to places with a long track record and demonstrated results in bringing heritage to life through a combination of political will, good policy-making and effective citizen engagement. 

Award and Presentation 

Recipients were recognized at a reception during the National Trust Conference. The presentation of the Prize was sometimes made by HRH the Prince of Wales, another member of the Royal Family, or another representative acceptable to the Prince of Wales, such as the Governor General, or a Lieutenant Governor. 

The award consisted of a framed certificate as well as a flag with the Prince of Wales Prize logo to be flown outside the recipient’s headquarters and/or placed on permanent display. Prince of Wales flags continue to fly in winning communities today.