The following is a list of Heritage Societies across Canada. If you know of one that is not listed here, please send a message to the webmaster at info@mediamatters.ca
National Trust for Canada – A national charity that leads and inspires action for places that matter. Its mission is to protect and celebrate Canada’s diverse heritage buildings and historic places.
Canada’s Historic Places – A collaborative effort led by Parks Canada, the provinces, and territories to register and celebrate historic places across Canada, including those recognized by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
Heritage Canada Foundation (Also known as the National Trust for Canada) – Focuses on national heritage building preservation and awareness.
Provincial and Territorial Heritage Organizations
- Architectural Conservancy of Ontario Inc. – Toronto, ON
- Established to help preserve Ontario’s architecturally-significant structures, including more modern ones.
- Link to Architectural Conservancy of Ontario Inc.
- Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP – ACECP) – Ottawa, ON
- A national membership-based organization serving qualified heritage professionals in various sectors.
- Link to Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP – ACECP)
- Canadian Association for Conservation (CAC) – Ottawa, ON
- Promotes responsible preservation of cultural property that gives Canadians a sense of place, history, and artistic expression.
- Link to Canadian Association for Conservation (CAC)
- ICOMOS Canada – Ottawa, ON
- The Canadian National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
- Link to ICOMOS Canada
- Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) – Montreal, QC
- An international research institution and museum focused on architecture as a public concern.
- Link to Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA)
- Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada (SSAC) – Milton, ON (Temporary location)
- Encourages understanding and development of the study of Canadian architecture.
- Link to Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada (SSAC)
- Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC)
- Offers a module building on the Introduction to the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.
- Link to Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC)
These organizations are involved in various aspects of heritage preservation, including architecture, and offer resources, programs, and services to support the conservation of heritage sites and buildings across Canada.
- Alberta: Alberta Historical Resources Foundation, Heritage Preservation Partnership
- British Columbia: Heritage BC
- Manitoba: Heritage Manitoba, The Manitoba Historical Society
- New Brunswick: New Brunswick Heritage
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories: Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
- Nova Scotia: Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia
- Nunavut: Nunavut Historical Society
- Ontario: Ontario Heritage Trust
- Prince Edward Island: PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation
- Quebec: Conseil du patrimoine culturel du Québec
- Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation
- Yukon: Yukon Historical & Museums Association
Local and Regional Societies
In addition to these, there are numerous local and regional heritage societies across Canada dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of specific communities, buildings, and cultural practices. These can often be found through local directories or municipal websites.
For the most up-to-date and comprehensive information, it might be beneficial to contact the national and provincial organizations directly or explore their online directories of member societies and affiliated organizations.
Vancouver Heritage Foundation:
- Telephone: 604 264 9642
- Fax: 604 264 9643
- Email: mail@vancouverheritagefoundation.org
- Sign up for VHF e-newsletters to stay updated on their programs and initiatives.
More Ontario (Heritage) Organizations to Explore:
- Architectural Conservancy of Ontario
- Archives Association of Ontario
- Chiefs of Ontario Directory of First Nations
- Community Heritage Ontario
- Multicultural History Society of Ontario
- Ontario Ancestors (Ontario Genealogical Society)
- Ontario Archaeological Society
- Ontario Black History Society
- Ontario Library Association
- Ontario Museum Association
- OntarioTravel.net (government tourism agency)