Collingwood took an opportunity to step into the Heritage spotlight once again by hosting the three day 2008 Provincial Heritage Conservation Conference in historic downtown Collingwood, Canada's first Federally recognized heritage district. The conference was held Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 30th, 31st and June 1st. " The Landmarks not Landfill " conference brought together leaders in Heritage building management and preservation. The conference focused on conservation and preservation of heritage buildings, and highlighted environmental benefits of heritage preservation.

Conference keynote speaker Donovan Rypkema, president of Heritage Strategies International, spoke on "The Role of Historic Preservation in Sustainable Development." Rypkema said historic preservation can be referred to as "smart growth" and he talked about why preserving historic neighbourhoods throughout Southern Ontario is critical.

Mr. Rypkema is the author of numerous articles and publications as well as a book entitled "The Economics of Historic Preservation: A Community Leader’s Guide." He holds a Master of Science degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University, served on the Board of Advisors of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is currently on the Board of Directors of Global Urban Development, and teaches a graduate course on the economics of historic preservation at the University of Pennsylvania

He said historic neighbourhood preservation is also the "green thing to do," because by demolishing old buildings thousands of dollars of "embodied energy" are simply tossed away and replaced with material that demands more energy to produce. Rypkema said that you are either "a fool or a fraud" if you assume the role of an environmentalist and then turn around and destroy or eliminate heritage buildings.

Other keynote speakers included former Toronto Mayor John Sewell. Mr. Sewell has written widely for many publications and has delivered speeches on planning, local governance, city and social issues across Canada and in the United States. Mr. Sewell took a leadership role in a failed attempt to keep Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto alive as an active ice rink. He was also a leader in the movemenet to protect Toronto's Union Station as a key transportation facility. He spoke on "Strategies to Respect Ontario Towns. Writer Dan Needles spoke on "The History of Persephone Township - An Amusing Look at Rural Ontario History."

Barrie area MPP Aileen Carroll announced at the Heritage Conference that 50 thousand dollars in provincial funding will be directed to the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario.

The Ministry of Culture began the conference on Friday May 30th with a morning filled with presentations and workshops. The Ontario Heritage Trust will continue to explore the role of heritage and the environment as well as discussion on the Trust’s role in protecting our natural heritage.

Saturday focused on many important issues including “Re-Development Within Heritage Districts,” “Adaptive Re-use of Historic Buildings,” “Environmental Effects on Historic Structures,” and “Heritage Preservation and Sustainable Development.”

The Collingwood and District Historical Society held a tour of historic homes and buildings including the "Peter C. Heuser" Home built in 1888. Participants of the tour visited five other locations including the "Henderson/Emo" home, the "Savage Home," a 21st Century Home and others.

In the fall, Collingwood will host Doors Open Collingwood, when residents and weekend visitors will be invited to explore some of the town's heritage treasures.

Learn more about Collingwood's Heritage District by visiting www.heritagecollingwood.com