The Heritage Toronto Awards celebrate outstanding contributions by individuals and community organizations, as well as industry professionals and associations, in promoting and conserving Toronto’s history and heritage landmarks. The program was introduced in 1974 to recognize both volunteer and professional individuals, groups or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and promotion of Toronto’s heritage.

Nomination forms for the 2009 Awards are available by mail and online here. The deadline for nominations this year is Monday, June 1, 2009. The Awards will be presented in October 2009.

The public will be invited to submit nominations in four award categories:

1. The William Greer Architectural Conservation and Craftsmanship Award
2. Book Award
3. Media Award
4. Community Heritage Award

Independent juries review the nominations and recommend the award recipients. In each category (except the Community Heritage Award, which is a cash prize) there are two possible levels of award: Award of Excellence (the highest) and Award of Merit. Awards are also presented in two additional categories: the Heritage Toronto Special Achievement Award, and the Members’ Choice.

In 2007, Heritage Toronto presented a Special Achievement Award to one of Toronto's most respected heritage advocates - Mr. Bill Greer - for over 50 years dedicated to heritage conservation. In recognition of Mr. Greer's efforts and passion for our city, Heritage Toronto has renamed the Architectural Conservation and Craftsmanship Awards the William Greer Architectural Conservation and Craftsmanship Awards.

For a list of past Heritage Toronto Award winners, please click here.

The William Kilbourn Memorial Lecture

Academic, writer, politician, mentor and champion of the arts and humanities, William Kilbourn was an individual who personified the richness of life in Toronto. The William Kilbourn Memorial Lecture was launched in 1996 to celebrate his legacy and his commitment to the ideal of Toronto as a humane and livable city that honours its past and plans for its future.

William Kilbourn had a passionate devotion to Toronto, the city of his birth and the city that inspired so many of his accomplishments. Educated at Upper Canada College, with degrees from the University of Toronto, Oxford University and Harvard University, Kilbourn was founding Chairman of the Humanities Division at York University and Professor of Humanities and History.

Toronto’s history – through its politics, personalities and built heritage – figured largely as a theme Kilbourn pursued in many of the 14 books he wrote. Kilbourn’s dedication to the City was demonstrated as an Alderman on Toronto City Council from 1970 to 1976, and, for part of that time, as a representative on Metro Council. He also sat on two Toronto Historical Board Committees between 1977 and 1982. He was founding president of Toronto’s “Word on the Street” book and magazine fair. In 1993, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada.

For the previous speakers and topic list, please click here.