Town of Oakville Council and Heritage Committee

Nominee for the Carlos Ventin Award for Municipal Heritage Leadership

The Town of Oakville deserves the Carlos Ventin Award for its strong, long‑term commitment to protecting local heritage. Carlos Ventin believed that old buildings thrive when municipalities step up to support them, and Oakville is a clear example of that philosophy in action.

Council recently approved $190,175 in funding through the 2026 Heritage Grant Program. By combining the town’s regular $180,000 budget with $10,175 left over from 2021, they were able to fund every recommended application. This support will help preserve 28 designated heritage properties across Oakville. The grants cover important work such as cemetery monument repairs at Knox Presbyterian Church Sixteen, masonry restoration at St. John’s United Church, and structural and window repairs for historic homes. Three newly designated heritage properties were added right away so their conservation work could begin without delay.

This level of support is part of a much larger pattern. Since 2014, Oakville has invested more than $1.4 million in heritage grants, helping restore over 315 properties. These grants encourage owners to take on additional conservation work, strengthening the town’s historic character and contributing to the local economy. Town leaders have emphasized that preserving heritage sites helps maintain Oakville’s appeal for residents and visitors alike.

Oakville also treats heritage as a practical environmental strategy. Restoring existing buildings keeps materials out of landfills and extends the life of structures that already serve the community well, showing how sustainability and preservation can work together.

Through steady funding, careful planning, and close collaboration with property owners, Oakville has become a model for municipal heritage leadership in Ontario.