Rejuvenation and repurposing of heritage buildings stand out as a clear example of Canadian excellence, with three newly named members of the Order of Canada receiving recognition for their contributions in that field. Governor General Mary Simon announced a slate of 135 new honourees in late December, chosen for their exemplary accomplishments and commitment reflective of the Order’s motto, DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM — translating to: They desire a better country. The Order of Canada is one of the highest civilian honours bestowed to citizens.
Robert Eisenberg, co-founder, Toronto-based York Heritage Properties
Eisenberg’s citation states: “For his commitment to the revitalization of Toronto’s architectural heritage and for his community service benefiting the environment and youth.”
His firm is synonymous with the restoration of several iconic heritage commercial properties, including the Toronto Carpet Factory and the former Canada Bread Factory, and as an early catalyst for the rejuvenation of Toronto’s now dynamic Liberty Village district. York Heritage Properties currently owns and manages a portfolio of 10 buildings comprising about 1.1 million square feet of office space, in keeping with what the company’s website describes as a focus on the “architecturally interesting”.
“York Heritage Properties is demonstrating by example that it is not only socially responsible but also economically profitable to restore historically significant buildings,” it asserts. “Indeed, it has made a philosophy of the practice, much to the benefit of the neighbourhoods in which the company operates.”
Eisenberg and fellow co-founder Michael Cruickshank were joint recipients of NAIOP Toronto’s Real Estate Icon Award in 2019, as well as the Eric Arthur Lifetime Achievement Award from Architectural Conservancy Ontario in the same year. Beyond business, Eisenberg’s community service contributions include a founding role in Sistema Toronto, a musical education program for youth from vulnerable communities, and the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition.
Eric (Rick) Haldenby, professor, School of Architecture, University of Waterloo
Haldenby’s citation states: “For his contributions to the advancement of architectural education in Canada, and for his efforts to preserve industrial and mid-century buildings.”
He served as director of Waterloo’s School of Architecture for 25 years, from 1988 to 2013, and has research interests in: Mediterranean archaeology; design and management of historic landscapes and sites; design in mid-size cities; and community/university partnerships. Reflective of the latter specialties, he uses Kitchener’s building stock and streetscapes as teaching tools — for example, recently tasking his students to envision new uses for the city’s soon-to-be-vacated circa-1958 police headquarters — and shares his insight about local development trends and opportunities with residents through platforms such as a recent online lecture sponsored by the Kitchener public library.
He is a graduate of Waterloo’s School of Architecture and a recipient of the university’s Distinguished Teacher Award.
Pamela Minns, locally known as a heritage hero, Thorold, Niagara Region
Minns’ citation states: “For her contributions as a passionate volunteer and advocate of heritage preservation and revitalization in the Niagara region.”
Now 92, she served on Thorold’s architectural conservation advisory committee for 30 years, during which time the city’s inventory of designated heritage properties grew from fewer than a dozen to more than 50. She has been a champion of rejuvenating properties in St. Catharines’ Port Dalhousie and the Welland Canal districts and in identifying and promoting the role vibrant heritage buildings play in local economic development and tourism throughout the Niagara Region.
She is a recipient of Niagara Region’s annual International Women’s Day Award, recognizing outstanding women.
