Survey Results Now Available on the State of Heritage in Canada

Ottawa, ON, April 5, 2012 – The results are in for Heritage Canada Foundation’s (HCF) brief February survey on the State of Heritage in Canada. Prepare to be surprised by many of the views expressed as hundreds of Canadians – from small town to big city residents – weighed in on what is working and what is not. Illuminating written comments from respondents have been included in the survey report.

While better access to funds and incentives for heritage rehabilitation emerged as the top challenge, there was also the clear message that more work needs to be done on building public buy-in on heritage, galvanizing political will, and ensuring it becomes a priority alongside other community needs.

Another important insight is that the heritage community is larger than what is often assumed.  Over 40% of survey respondents were not members of heritage organizations and include teachers, insurance agents, factory workers and lawyers.

Survey results will be incorporated into a Discussion Paper that will be nationally circulated for comment. This, along with ongoing cross-Canada consultation, will help determine the program for the National Heritage Summit, which HCF and cooperating organizations are mounting in Montreal October 11-13, 2012 (mark your calendars!). This Summit will be a time for the heritage community to take stock, foster connections, and set priorities for putting heritage on the local and national agenda.

The Heritage Canada Foundation is a national, membership-based, non profit organization with a mandate to promote the preservation of Canada’s historic buildings and places. Please join or make a tax-deductible donation today.

For further information:

Carolyn Quinn, Director of Communications, cquinn@heritagecanada.org

Telephone: 613-237-1066 ext. 229; Cell: 613-797-7206