NEWS RELEASE
ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVANCY ONTARIO
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The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario has awarded Mary-Jean Page of North Dumfries one of its highest honours, the Eric Arthur Lifetime Achievement Award, at the ACO’s 18th annual Heritage Awards ceremony. The awards program celebrates leaders, projects, and initiatives for outstanding contributions to heritage conservation throughout Ontario.
“I am truly inspired by the dedication and passion of everyone involved in this organization,” Mary Jean says. “Thank you ACO for this recognition and for the vital work you do.”
Mary-Jean’s dedication to preserving our common heritage is both personal and community-wide. It ranges from the stewardship of her own family home, built in the 1830s, to volunteering her time, talent and services on her local ACO branch’s board of directors; the North Dumfries Township Heritage Advisory Committee; and Waterloo Region's Heritage Planning Advisory Committee.
She was instrumental in securing Ontario Heritage Act designation of the Ayr Icehouse and Creamery, built in 1860, one of only four such structures remaining in Canada. Her singular commitment and driving force also resulted in the unique Village of Greenfield securing the first Part V, Heritage Conservation District designation in North Dumfries.
“With no fanfare, Mary-Jean has worked for decades to preserve and honour our best heritage.” says Karen Scott Booth, Vice President of local branch ACO Cambridge and North Dumfries.
“We thank the jurors for agreeing with us that Mary-Jean is highly deserving of this province-wide recognition. She is a treasured volunteer who has had a positive and enduring impact on our community.”
To learn more about the recipients, visit www.acoheritageawards.ca
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