Heritage Awards to Kick Off Heritage Week 2026

CENTRE WELLINGTON – Heritage Week is celebrated annually across Ontario during the third week of February, this year falling on February 16 to 22, with Federal Heritage Day kicking off the event on February 16. Heritage Week is an annual opportunity to celebrate our heritage in its many forms, with its diverse traditions and cultural expressions. We celebrate our heritage this year by recognizing local citizens and honouring the efforts of property owners, professionals and tradespersons who have invested in protecting and enhancing our built and cultural heritage resources for future generations.

Heritage Awards

Heritage Centre Wellington, an Advisory Committee to Township Council, presented the following awards on February 10, 2026:

Heritage Property Conservation Award

139 Garafraxa Street E., Fergus | Paul De Leonardis & Erin Longworth, Owners

This award is to recognize the efforts of the current owners in maintaining the historic character of the home through ongoing maintenance, including the recent repair of the decorative woodwork, ornamentation and wood soffits, which are heritage attributes of the home.

Making Heritage Accessible Award

75 Melville Street, Elora | Elora Centre for the Arts

Elora Centre for the Arts (ECFTA) is a not-for-profit charity providing arts-based programming and community outreach, located in a restored 3-storey limestone former schoolhouse built in 1856. In 2024, to better serve the community, the ECFTA broke ground on a 3,500 square foot expansion project designed to be fully accessible and integrate seamlessly into the existing space. This award recognizes the ECFTA for its excellent work and investment in the building.

Heritage Professionals Award

Edward Thomas, President | SRM Architects + Urban Designers

Heritage Centre Wellington is recognizing and honouring Edward Thomas for his contributions to the conservation of built heritage in Centre Wellington. As a respected architect, he has been involved in innumerable building, renovation, and expansion projects across the Township and more broadly. Recently, Edward has been instrumental in the design of the Elora Centre for the Arts addition, the St. John’s Church addition, and an addition to his own home in Fergus, which has been meticulously maintained and was recently designated as a heritage property.

Heritage Preservation Award

325 St. George Street W., Fergus | St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

The church was built in 1862 of coursed stone and boasts a high gable roof, stained glass windows and a tall steeple that can be seen throughout the Town of Fergus. This award is to recognize the extensive and on-going preservation efforts in protecting an important heritage resource for future generations, including the grounds and iconic cemetery.

Heritage Conservation Award

15 Tobe Terrace – James McQueen House | Wrighthaven Homes

The dwelling, known as the “James McQueen House” or “Cherry Hill”, was meticulously restored by local builder Steven Wright, founder of Wrighthaven Homes Limited, in 2007. The dwelling was historically home to the community’s first teacher and school namesake, James McQueen. This award is to recognize the efforts of Wrighthaven Homes for restoration of the dwelling and its incorporation into the development of the surrounding residential subdivision.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 Award Recipients!

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 Applications are now being accepted for the Community Heritage Grant Program!

 The program is designed to assist designated property owners in their heritage conservation efforts by providing financial assistance, under certain terms and conditions. Designated property owners may qualify for up to $10,000 in matching grants. Please visit www.centrewellington.ca/heritage for more information, and to fill out an application. Applications are due by March 31, 2026, to be considered for a grant in 2026.

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For more information:

Hannah Barclay

Communications and Engagement Coordinator

Township of Centre Wellington | 1 MacDonald Square, Elora, ON N0B 1S0

519.846.9691 x221