View - The Municipality of Lambton Shores

2012 Evaluation Form
HERITAGE CONSERVATION
Observations:
Cultural and natural heritage conservation and promotion is a very strong component of the way of life in
Lambton Shores. The draft Official Plan recognizes and promotes heritage conservation. The community has
many heritage facilities and initiatives including: Forest Museum and travelling road show; several heritage
walking tours; historic streetscape policies and design guidelines; inventory of heritage buildings; Lambton
Heritage Museum, Century Farm program; Forest Kineto theatre (& museum) ; Forest train station and caboose;
and Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre.
Congratulations on being a strong participant in Doors Open: this is an excellent way to showcase and educate
the public and visitors about local heritage and significant buildings.
All components of the community (businesses, community groups, clubs, service groups, individuals, the
municipality) are greatly involved in many activities that highlight the culture and heritage of all aspects of the
community including: Homemade Jam Festival (music not the kind you eat); Winter Carnivals, Thedford Funion
Days; Aquafest; Canada Day; Arkona Funtastic Days; Blossom Tour; Forest Fair; and various charity events, etc.
Recommendations:
The draft Official Plan recognizes heritage conservation; the completion of a comprehensive Heritage Policy and
Action Plan will help ensure the effective management and preservation of the cultural and natural heritage of
the municipality. In the policy, consider initiating a grant scheme (dollar grant or funds matching, reduction in
taxes, and interest free loans, etc.) to provide incentives to ensure the rehabilitation and preservation of
heritage buildings.
Kettle Point and the Kettle Rocks are a very important aspect of the natural heritage of the community. Erection
of interpretive signage at these locations would contribute to sharing these treasures with visitors and locals.
The Kettle Point Veterans Memorial is an important aspect of the cultural heritage of the local aboriginals and
has very strong symbolism; interpretative signage at this location could facilitate telling this fascinating story to
all visitors to the site.
Complete the significant heritage building inventory and subsequent plaguing and expand and promote
walking/driving tours of these treasures in order to share with all. Add heritage trees to the inventory and
tours.
Continue to explore the possibility of murals throughout the community – a wonderful way to depict and
promote the history and culture of the municipality and to also add diversity to the streetscape and landscape.
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