Heritage Preservation in Windermere Panel Discussion

The Muskoka Branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario is coordinating a small panel of speakers for a brief and varied overview of the merits of heritage preservation.

Topic and points of interest to be covered are:

• the merits, challenges, misinformation, etc about renovating old buildings
• what are the advantages of heritage designation/preservation from a property value and community stability perspective?
• why it is important within our communities?
• what qualifies a building, landmark, area, for heritage conservation or district conservation?

Speakers for this event are:

• Catherine Nasmith, Architect – Toronto and Muskoka – specializes in heritage rehabilitation, planning, advocacy and research. She has helped coordinate the Windermere History Project and MuskokaBuilt (an on-line registry of built heritage in the District of Muskoka). She also has the only heritage designated building in Windermere – the Old Post Office and General Store – she practices what she preaches!
• Wayne Judges, Judges Contracting, Muskoka – a respected and very experienced builder in Muskoka, Judges Contracting has many years of experience working on heritage buildings. Restoration projects may arguably be his favourite type of project.
• Susan Daglish – a long time resident of Port Carling and heritage advocate, heads up the Township of Muskoka Lakes Heritage Plaque Program which is being run in partnership with the Muskoka Lakes Museum. She has many years of experience within the Township, including serving on the Township’s Heritage Committee.

Three interesting perspectives on the topic of heritage preservation – raising awareness of what it all means, and what might be possible.