Buttress’ Post

Historic Preservation is a foundational element of the Main Street Approach. A new report from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation proposes revising and updating preservation policy to respond to changing community needs, which would help Main Streets achieve their multi-faceted goals. Learn more about the report: https://bit.ly/4arMSeR

Since becoming The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland almost six months ago, we’ve heard a lot of different feedback. Amid overwhelming support for the space our new name creates for Indigenous perspectives on the history here, we’re also aware of some fear and discomfort around our name change. I recently met with a group of community members who feel strongly that the name Fort Calgary should remain for this site. Their concerns mainly stem from a perception that the name change will serve to erase Fort Calgary’s history and the legacy of the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP). I continuously reflect on the logic and irony of this position. We’re more committed than ever to understanding and sharing credible information about Fort Calgary and the impacts of its presence on this land. Our staff historian is examining historical records through a critical lens. We are learning more about, among other things, how the NWMP jailed women for “lunacy” at Fort Calgary, and how officers here aided in the return of runaway children to residential schools. How can we have truthful conversations about this history under a banner that serves to glorify the NWMP, the systems they upheld and the harm they caused?  I am responsible for stewarding this public land, and I am dedicated to our organization’s contribution to becoming an anti-racist city, as outlined in the City of Calgary Anti-Racist Strategic Plan. As the leader of a cultural institution and nationally designated historic site in Canada, I am committed to meeting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. This is our path, and these commitments are integral to our organization’s journey.  Unfortunately, our direction is difficult for some to accept. People question why we can’t just go back to the way things were. Why not continue delivering the same story? I acknowledge everyone is on their own journey—that some don’t yet know or believe the truth that must come before reconciliation. Conversations about this subject can be incredibly challenging. Although we try to meet people where they are, we can’t go backwards. Community members and visitors who support The Confluence’s journey have shared they are not interested in upholding a version of the past that only frames a fraction of the picture, and nor am I, as uncomfortable as that might feel.  

The historic nature of our main streets is often overlooked and underutilized in the realm of economic development, particularly within the municipal planning world. Historic preservation planning can be a game changer to invigorate rural downtowns and small business communities. And contrary to popular belief, historic preservation planning doesn't mean major restrictions on property redevelopment, down to the paint color of trim. What it is is the creation of a flexible plan to fit the needs of your community, a plan that creates a commitment and belief in the importance of maintaining the character of your community. #mainstreetmatters #downtownplanning #historicpreservation #adaptivereuse #heritagetourism #economicdevelopment #planningiscool

If you're going to UKREiiF, then you'll not want to miss this discussion with leading industry voices on how to recreate urban sites fit for the future, chaired by Peyrouz Modarres. #UKREiiF2024

In today's Preservation Leadership Forum, we delved into "Activating the Power of Place" with the leadership of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The discussion emphasized the significant impact of preservation and the Power of Place. For those deeply engaged in historic preservation, the impact is evident. However, for others who might question the purpose of preservation, it highlights an opportunity to share knowledge. Historic preservation plays a crucial role in various aspects, from affordable housing to climate change mitigation and community revitalization along historic Mainstreets. Kudos to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and its leadership for addressing evolving challenges. The upcoming national conference in New Orleans, celebrating the Trust's 75th anniversary, promises to further this essential dialogue. #PreservationLeadership #HistoricPreservation #CommunityImpact

Join Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), and FRANKLIN REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS on September 27 for Session 2A at the MA Historic Preservation Conference: REGIONAL APPROACHES TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLANNING (Moderated by @Massachusetts Historical Commission) Regional Planning Agencies (RPAs) are an important link between local governments, state agencies, and community-based organizations. On this panel, RPAs in metropolitan and rural regions of the Commonwealth will share how they take different approaches to incorporating historic preservation and cultural planning into the broader objectives of their agencies. Together, they will explain how RPAs function, how local preservation staff and commissioners can build relationships with RPAs, and how RPAs can meaningfully help advance local preservation planning goals. The Local Government Programs Coordinator at the Massachusetts Historical Commission will moderate the subsequent discussion about how RPAs support efforts to integrate historic preservation into local, regional, and state planning. Friday, September 27 MA Historic Preservation Conference Worcester's Hanover Theatre REGISTER: https://buff.ly/3yRbHy4 (registration CLOSES Mon, 9/23) QUESTIONS: conference@preservationmass.org

The vast majority of people care about the Great Barrier Reef. Surveys showed 86% of Australians were proud that the Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage Area, and most agreed that it was the responsibility of all Australians to protect it (81%) (JCU 2016). Did you know people are generally more philanthropic toward the end of their lives, when they tend to have more savings, time, and motivation to help others. (Giving peaks at ages 61-75, when 77 percent of households donate, compared to just over 60 percent among households headed by someone 26-45 years old.). A smart move is to share with peak individuals Jonathan Womersley John Tanzer Lachlan Wilkinson Patrice Brown Paul Hardisty Ove Hoegh-Guldberg Bill Haylock Simon Molesworth AO, KC Tor Hundloe Russell Reichelt and encouraging them to make a gift and encourage others. JCU 2016 Survey shows Aussies’ love and concern for their Great Barrier Reef https://lnkd.in/gZDHRncP. Australian Marine Conservation Society WWF Reef Check Australia Reef Restoration Foundation Reef Life Survey North Queensland Conservation Council Climate Council Great Barrier Reef Foundation Minderoo Foundation James Cook University Paul Hardisty

What do you think when you hear historic preservation? Repairs to an old church or revitalization of a main street block? Historic preservation grants can also document missing pieces of local history, create sustainable revenue for the keepers of our past, and spur the economy. 👉 To learn about projects that go beyond saving old places, read the full story: https://lnkd.in/e7eHAC6g #HistoricPreservation #CommunityImpact #LocalEconomy

Highlighting developments across England’s heritage sector in the last financial year, the Historic Environment Overview for 2023-24 is published today.   The report was produced by the Historic Environment Forum with support from Historic England.   It outlines significant achievements for the sector, showcasing collective efforts to preserve, celebrate, and adapt the historic environment for current and future generations.   Read the new report now: https://lnkd.in/eg8suKr7 #HistoricEnvironmentOverview #HeritageSector

We're looking forward to this upcoming roundtable co-sponsored by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments on housing and historic preservation in the DC region! In October, the Trust was awarded a $65,000 grant from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Housing Affordability Planning Program (HAPP) in support of our rehabilitation of #historic 1220 Maple View Place, SE (Big Green) into multi-unit affordable housing in #HistoricAnacostia. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments awards grants to area local governments or non-profit housing developers engaged in the planning, approval, or development of #affordable housing near transit stations. HAPP grants are funded by the Amazon Housing Equity Fund. #housing #planning #historicpreservation #DC #grant