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A crowd stands in a long foyer, bunched in many different groups. The space is lit with wall sconces on the left and continuous wall lighting running along the back and right wall. In the foreground people are seated in a lounge area. Many hold drinks in their hands and food stations are visible.

2025 Heritage Toronto Awards Highlights

In 2025, we marked a milestone celebrating 50 years of heritage work.

Last year, we recognized the heritage projects that over time have helped establish Toronto’s reputation as one of the world’s top cities.

In 1974, the first Heritage Toronto Awards were presented to six recipients at City Hall during the city’s 140th anniversary celebrations. Since then, our Heritage Toronto Awards has become the premier event in the sector celebrating excellence in the field.

This 50th anniversary provided an opportunity to recognize our many achievements while also imagining future possibilities for heritage’s role in city-building—from the restoration and adaptive reuse of historic properties that drive sustainable urban development, to the creation and sharing of films, books, exhibits, art installations, and more that represent our cultural diversity, unite communities, and foster civic pride.

On this special occasion, we highlighted the collective contributions of 623 individuals and groups whose award-winning work over the last five decades has not only shaped the heritage sector, but also the very identity of Toronto.

Growing this legacy, on October 20, 2025, we featured the work of 60 nominees and announced five winners in three categories: Book, Public History, and Built Heritage. In addition, a People’s Choice Award was announced, selected by Heritage Toronto supporters and event attendees from among the Public History nominees. Two special awards were presented by the Heritage Toronto Board: the Special Achievement Award and the Volunteer Service Award.

The event was hosted by broadcaster and actor Joseph Motiki, and attended by over 350 heritage professionals, emerging historians, and leaders from the culture, development, and policy-making sectors, including Councillors Stephen Holyday, Parthi Kandavel, Diane Saxe, and Mayor Olivia Chow.

2025 Annual Report

More of the Annual Report is online!

Read it now

We are proud to have been the presenting sponsor of the 50th annual Heritage Toronto Awards. Last week, Eileen Costello had the pleasure of presenting at the ceremony, which took place at The Carlu in downtown Toronto.

Aird & Berlis LLP
Four people pose with colourful props in front of a gold and white geometric patterned backdrop. The props are graphics of racoons and birds with language reading Black History is Toronto History, Heritage Champion, Heritage Toronto Award
Liza Chalaidopoulos (Chair, Heritage Toronto Board), Councillor Dianne Saxe, Mayor Olivia Chow and Allison Bain (Executive Director, Heritage Toronto), Opening Reception, Heritage Toronto Awards, October 20, 2025. Image by Herman Custodio.
A crowd stands in a large room, bunched in many different groups. The ceiling has a layered round pattern design. In the foreground a sign is visible with the title Legacy Library.
Opening Reception in the Round Room, Heritage Toronto Awards, October 20, 2025. Image by Herman Custodio.
Seven people stand around a table showcasing several stacks of books. Four are signing books.
Book signing at the Opening Reception, Heritage Toronto Awards, October 20, 2025. Image by Herman Custodio.
Image of person standing at a podium on a stage and addressing a crowd which is visible seated at tables in the background.
Host Joseph Motiki, Heritage Toronto Awards, October 20, 2025. Image by Herman Custodio.
Two people in ceremonial attire are seen dancing on a stage. Behind them a graphic appears on a large screen with a stylized 50, image and text.
Opening dance by Red Sky Performance, Heritage Toronto Awards, October 20, 2025. Image by Herman Custodio.
Nine individuals seated at a table. Food and drinks are seen on the table, along with a sign with the number 9.
Attendees from Aird & Berlis, Heritage Toronto Awards, October 20, 2025. Image by Herman Custodio.

Last week, I had the absolute honour of attending the 50th anniversary Heritage Toronto awards as a nominee. 🏆 It was an absolute joy to spend the evening amongst avid historians and learn more about what makes Toronto so special. ✨ I am truly grateful and inspired by the whole evening.

Emma Telizyn

What’s next?

While our golden anniversary may be behind us, we are already looking forward to next 50 years, knowing that heritage work will further help shape our city’s identity. The Heritage Toronto Awards will continue to celebrate this work while providing an important opportunity to connect people in the sector—from museum curators to architects, from filmmakers to urban planners, from community organizers to politicians, and more.

Presenting Sponsor