Since 1984 the Heritage Resources Centre (HRC) has conducted research and offered education related to heritage themes and worked with all levels of government on heritage initiatives. The HRC has been a consistent source of empirical studies and a training ground for new generations of heritage professionals. It has supported the activities of legions of tireless community volunteers dedicated to the conservation and celebration of our collective past that provides guidance for our future.
The Many Faces of Heritage: An Interdisciplinary Colloquium
We invite you to an Interdisciplinary Colloquium Convened by the University of Waterloo Heritage Resources Centre! Join us at Federation Hall on April 29th to explore the many faces of heritage. Click here for more details!
The Culture of Cities Centre
Located in downtown Toronto, The Culture of Cities Centre facilitates global collaboration among individuals dedicated to exploring and cultivating urban culture. Through a rich program of publications, workshops and curatorial events, The Culture of Cities Centre has spent nearly two decades studying and shaping narratives of urban culture. Its origins can be traced back to the SSHRC-funded Culture of Cities Project launched in 1999. In the spirit of international collaboration, the Center serves as a nexus for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts, inviting them to delve into urban life's complexities through various mediums, including book series, journals, and film screenings.
Sample Initiatives
Blog - OHA+M
Ontario Heritage Act + More
The award-winning OHA+M blog focuses on cultural heritage policy issues in Ontario. With new posts every month, blogger Dan Schneider writes on a wide range of topics, especially the historical development of the province’s heritage policy and programs, and provides cogent analysis and commentary on current heritage issues.
Township Cultural Heritage Landscape Project
The HRC in cooperation with the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario and the Region of Waterloo has undertaken a study to identify candidate Cultural Heritage Landscapes in the Townships of Woolwich and Wellesley.
Lake Huron Coastline Workshop for Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation
The Coastal Action Plan for the Southeastern Shoreline of Lake Huron is a project intended to lead to a comprehensive action plan for conservation, restoration and stewardship of the coastal area stretching from Tobermory to Sarnia. In this context, the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation asked the HRC to design and lead the first in a series of three planned workshops.
Stratford Heritage Inventory
In the fall of 2016 the Stratford Heritage Committee asked the Heritage Resources Centre to help them start a Register of Non-Designated Properties. This project was partially completed in 2017.
Ayr Conservation District Survey
During 2017 the Heritage Resources Centre conducted a study for the Township of North Dumfries. The study was to determine the level of interest among property owners in the business section of Ayr towards establishing a Heritage Conservation District.
Blog
The Origins of Heritage Preservation Law in Ontario
This year, 2025, marks the fiftieth anniversary of the passage of Ontario's first comprehensive heritage protection legislation, the Ontario Heritage Act.
Coming to a Designation Near You: Pseudo-Legal Objections
Dr. Marcus Letourneau, MCIP, RPP, CAHP, CIPM I is President of M. R. Letourneau and Associates Inc., a specialized heritage and strategic planning firm focused on creative solutions for the management of cultural heritage resources.
The Provincial Planning Statement: Going Beyond on Heritage Policies
Last month the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced that the new Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 had been issued. The new PPS, replacing the current Provincial Policy Statement, 2020, will take effect on October 30. [1]
News
🎄❄️ Season's Greetings from the HRC Team ❄️🎄
As winter settles in and many cultures around the world celebrate the winter solstice or Christmas, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, reflection, and cherished moments.
Remembering Distinguished Professor Emeritus Gordon Nelson
Dr. James Gordon Nelson, founder and first Director of the Heritage Resources Centre, renowned environmental scholar, and second Dean of the Faculty of Environment, passed away on May 11.
Celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Loong
This Saturday heralds the commencement of the Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Loong. On behalf of all of us at HRC, we wish everyone a joyous and prosperous New Year.
In traditional Chinese culture, the Loong, known as the "Chinese dragon," embodies power, nobility, and honour. It is revered as a symbol of luck and success, holding profound significance in Chinese mythology and folklore. The Loong serves as a beacon of hope and prosperity, symbolizing the aspirations of the Chinese people for a bright future.
In the spirit of this festive season, we invite all to embrace cultural understanding across the globe. From all of us at HRC, we extend our warmest wishes for a beautiful New Year season. Happy Chinese New Year!