Cultural heritage landscapes in Ontario reflect historic settlement patterns, archaeological resources, cultural influences, architectural styles, and historic events. They are perhaps best understood as geographies that retain cultural and/or historical value to communities, narrowly or broadly conceived. However, these resources are preserved using legislation created by the Ontario Government and exercised by municipalities operating within political, not cultural or natural, boundaries. This paper explores the utility of analyzing, and preserving, cultural heritage landscapes using a regional lens. By doing so, we hope to add to the discussion of how culturally significant spaces are identified, understood, preserved, and celebrated in Ontario.
Paper presented by Rebecca Sciarra