Thank you for supporting Willowbank in the National Trust's Next Great Save competition

Thank You for Supporting Willowbank in the Next Great Save

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported Willowbank in the National Trust for Canada’s Next Great Save competition. While we didn’t take home the top prize, the experience brought our community together and shone a spotlight on a vital project that remains close to our hearts.

Earlier this year, following a successful application, Willowbank was honoured to be one of just 12 community groups across Canada shortlisted for the competition. This national initiative, made possible with support from Ecclesiastical Insurance, provides funding to heritage places in need of preservation, renewal, or adaptation. With public voting determining the winner, we invited our community to help bring our vision to life.

What the Funding Would Have Made Possible

Had we won, the funding would have gone toward installing a third-floor external fire escape at the historic Hamilton/Bright Estate House—unlocking a wealth of opportunities for Willowbank and the broader community:

• New Learning Spaces: The fire escape would have activated the currently inaccessible third floor, creating new classroom space in our historic estate.

• Expanded Programming: We planned to offer hands-on training in carpentry, stained glass, and decorative arts on the newly opened floor.

• Increased Accessibility: The additional teaching space would have helped us qualify for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), making our programs more financially accessible.

• Enhanced Library Resources: The expanded space would also enhance our specialised reference library for students and faculty.

• Stronger Partnerships: We looked forward to hosting Indigenous teachings, ceremonies, and youth programs in collaboration with Indigenous partners.

• Community Engagement: Local schools would have been welcomed for more workshops and heritage education programming.

• Support for the Sector: This project would have helped train the next generation of skilled heritage conservation professionals across Canada.

  
  

This vision remains a priority, and the momentum built during the campaign will continue to drive our efforts forward.

Raising Awareness Through Media and Community Advocates

In the final days of the campaign, our Executive Director Katie Houghton and Willowbank alum Mackenzie Campbell shared our story with YourTV Niagara, highlighting the impact this project could have on our students and community. Katie also joined Walter Sendzik on Newstalk 610 CKTB to further amplify our message and rally local support.

We were especially grateful for the support of Historical Niagara and Morgan Cameron Ross, creator of the Old Toronto and Old Canada series. These dedicated champions of Canadian heritage helped spread our appeal far and wide by sharing it with their extensive and passionate networks—bringing national attention to Willowbank’s mission.

Looking Ahead

Although we didn’t secure funding through the Next Great Save, the campaign reaffirmed how deeply our community believes in Willowbank’s mission. Your votes, shares, and words of encouragement meant the world to us—and they continue to fuel our passion and drive as we explore other avenues to make this project a reality.

Thank you for standing with us. We’re more inspired than ever to preserve our shared heritage and continue building a vibrant future, right here in Niagara.