In recent years, the concept of cultural landscapes has emerged as a dominant theme in the heritage conservation field. This approach to protect heritage expands beyond buildings, monuments and sites to include the relationship of human activity and the natural environment. From places associated with historic buildings, industries and traditional use, the diversity and resources of cultural landscapes presents preservation and management challenges.

Although geographers began to study the concept of cultural landscapes at the beginning of the 20th century, the heritage community continues to debate and define its actual meaning and implement strategies to identify, protect and monitor cultural assets.

The cultural landscapes theme will be delivered through presentations and panel discussions. Professionals from international, national and regional governments or organizations will present topics to:

• identify meaning and significance within cultural landscapes
• balance conflicting uses and objectives
• recognize evolving interactions of human activity and continuing land use
• explore issues of reuse
• use existing legislative tools to provide protection
• plan and monitor Heritage Conservation Districts
• discuss themes in Aboriginal Cultural Landscapes.

DAY 2

Tours at Willowbank in Queenston and industrial facilities in St. Catharines feature the process of documentation and evaluation of designed and industrial landscapes. The schedule includes an informal lunch (at your own expense) at the Keg - once the Independent Rubber Company building.

EVENING EVENT (optional)

Guided by five generations of winegrowing experience, the Strewn Winery has been committed to developing the best possible wines that have become recognized as benchmarks in the Ontario wine industry. Sample the family’s fine wines and enjoy a special menu created for our evening.