Heritage Now: Willowbank and Partners Recognised with National Trust Governors’ Award in Halifax
- katiehoughton4
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
On Friday 24th October, in Halifax, NS, Parks Canada, Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology, Holland College, and Willowbank School of Restoration Arts were presented with a Governors’ Award by the National Trust for Canada, at its annual conference, aptly named 'Heritage Now'. The National Trust for Canada partnered with Canadian Assoc. of Heritage Professionals | Assoc. canadienne d'experts-conseils en patrimonie and the Indigenous Heritage Circle, to co-host the 2025 National Trust Conference.
The Governors’ Award recognised the collaborative efforts of all four partners to advance heritage skills training and empower the next generation of heritage professionals — particularly through the shutter restoration project at the Louisbourg Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.
Katie Houghton, Executive Director and Keith Blades, Co-Dean of Faculty, joined Willowbank students in Halifax to celebrate this recognition, which highlights how hands-on training in heritage conservation connects craft, community, and sustainability. The project not only restored historic fabric, but also built critical skills and confidence among emerging practitioners in Canada’s heritage field.
Throughout the conference, Willowbank students seized the opportunity to engage deeply in the national dialogue on conservation: networking with professionals, exploring career opportunities, and meeting Willowbank alumni. During the closing plenary session, Willowbank students shared their insights from the conference seminars with an audience of more than 500 heritage leaders. Their reflections were met with enthusiastic applause — the audience was clearly impressed by the depth of understanding and confidence shown by the students.
'Heritage Now' reinforced that heritage is about people, stories, and community — not just buildings or objects. Discussions centred on community ownership, inclusivity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and rethinking how we preserve marginalized histories and cultural knowledge. Sustainability and climate adaptation emerged as major themes, as did mentorship, advocacy, and the importance of fostering the next generation of heritage professionals.
At Willowbank, these ideas are at the heart of our mission. Heritage conservation is not a constraint — it’s an opportunity to honour past stewardship, embrace creativity, and build resilient, welcoming communities.
Congratulations to the entire project team and our incredible partners for demonstrating exceptional teamwork and leadership in heritage conservation across Canada. Together, we’re helping preserve the country’s rich history — and inspiring future generations to do the same.
The Governors’ Award recognised the collaborative efforts of all four partners to advance heritage skills training and empower the next generation of heritage professionals — particularly through the shutter restoration project at the Louisbourg Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.
Katie Houghton, Executive Director and Keith Blades, Co-Dean of Faculty, joined Willowbank students in Halifax to celebrate this recognition, which highlights how hands-on training in heritage conservation connects craft, community, and sustainability. The project not only restored historic fabric, but also built critical skills and confidence among emerging practitioners in Canada’s heritage field.
Throughout the conference, Willowbank students seized the opportunity to engage deeply in the national dialogue on conservation: networking with professionals, exploring career opportunities, and meeting Willowbank alumni. During the closing plenary session, Willowbank students shared their insights from the conference seminars with an audience of more than 500 heritage leaders. Their reflections were met with enthusiastic applause — the audience was clearly impressed by the depth of understanding and confidence shown by the students.
'Heritage Now' reinforced that heritage is about people, stories, and community — not just buildings or objects. Discussions centred on community ownership, inclusivity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and rethinking how we preserve marginalized histories and cultural knowledge. Sustainability and climate adaptation emerged as major themes, as did mentorship, advocacy, and the importance of fostering the next generation of heritage professionals.
At Willowbank, these ideas are at the heart of our mission. Heritage conservation is not a constraint — it’s an opportunity to honour past stewardship, embrace creativity, and build resilient, welcoming communities.
Congratulations to the entire project team and our incredible partners for demonstrating exceptional teamwork and leadership in heritage conservation across Canada. Together, we’re helping preserve the country’s rich history — and inspiring future generations to do the same.
