The National Trust for Canada names historic places at risk in 2019
OTTAWA, June 18, 2019 /CNW/ - The National Trust for Canada has released its 2019 Top 10 Endangered Places List, which shines a national spotlight on historic places at risk due to neglect, lack of funding, inappropriate development, or weak legislation.
The Top 10 Endangered Places List is compiled from nominations as well as reports and news items the National Trust followed throughout the year. First published in 2005, the annual Top 10 Endangered Places List includes a wide range of places in danger, from beloved community landmarks to architectural and engineering icons, from heritage districts to sacred Indigenous landscapes.
The 2019 List includes (from west to east):
- Glenora Neighbourhood (Edmonton, AB) – One of Edmonton's most historic residential neighbourhoods is quickly being eroded by unchecked development.
- St. Vital Church (Battleford, SK) – Demolition is looming for Saskatchewan's oldest Roman Catholic Church if a new use and rehabilitation funds are not found.
- Birtle Residential School (Birtle, MB) – One of the last remaining Residential Schools in Manitoba is at risk and needs protection while its future is decided.
- Rubin Block (Winnipeg, MB) – Property owner is jeopardizing a key building in Winnipeg's South Osborne Street commercial strip through demolition by neglect.
- Former St. Paul's Anglican Rectory (Southampton, ON) – Local government pushes ahead with demolition of prominent historic building in the face of widespread community opposition.
- All Future Heritage Designations (Province of Ontario) – Ontario's new More Homes, More Choice Act guts municipal ability to protect local heritage and gives final say over designation to appointed tribunals.
- Ile D'Orléans (Quebec) – A controversial new bridge and ongoing development pressures threaten the important cultural landscape of l'Ile D'Orléans.
- Cyclorama of Jerusalem (Sainte-Anne-de Beaupré, QC) – Canada's only monumental painted panorama is at risk of destruction without Quebec heritage classification.
- United Memorial Church (Halifax, NS) – Church erected as a memorial to the victims of the 1917 Halifax Explosion faces demolition for a condo development.
- Grand Banks Downtown and Waterfront (Grand Banks, NL) – Incremental losses erode the potential revitalization of historic waterfront and downtown.
Click here for more about the endangered places.
"The Top 10 Endangered Places List is an important tool that helps draw attention to the diversity of Canada's historic places and the challenges they face," says Natalie Bull, the National Trust for Canada's executive director. "We hope the release of the 2019 List will help support local community groups involved in saving these great historic places."
About the National Trust for Canada
The National Trust for Canada is a national charity that leads and inspires action for places that matter. Our sites, projects and programs engage Canadians, enhance local identity, and bring heritage to life. nationaltrustcanada.ca
SOURCE National Trust for Canada
Vanessa Arseneau, Manager of Communications, National Trust for Canada, [email protected], 613-237-1066 ext. 229
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