Melancthon man honoured for heritage work

March 11, 2016 · 0 Comments

Robert Shirley, a long-time area activist for conservation and preservation, was honoured last month at Queen’s Park with the Lieutenant-Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award.

Founded to honour those who have dedicated their lives to the Province’s natural and built heritage, the Melancthon resident was among seven individuals who received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Lieutenant-Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell.

“The Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards are an excellent way to honour people and communities who have dedicated themselves to preserving and conserving the cultural and natural heritage of Ontarians,” said Ms. Dowdeswell, the Queen’s representative in Ontario. “I thank each award winner for helping to ensure that Ontario’s rich and diverse legacy endures for future generations.”

Mr. Shirley was recognized for his multifaceted contributions on both heritage fronts, from his support of Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), the CVC foundation, and other heritage organizations and initiatives over the past 40 years.

“As a result of his dedication to local projects, area residents reap hours of enjoyment from the Dufferin County Museum and Archives, the local Corbetton Church, the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail at Island Lake Conservation Area, and the Credit River,” reads Mr. Shirley’s citation.

“In 2005, Mr. Shirley formed the Friends of Island Lake (FOIL), a fundraising committee of the CVC Foundation, which has raised more than $1 million in donations, completed more than 10km of fully accessible trail and contributed over 12,000 volunteer hours.”

The awards are administered, in part, by the Ontario Heritage Trust. In a statement, Thomas H.B. Symons, Chair of the Trust, said they are impressed each year by the “incredibly creative” work being done across the Province to celebrate heritage resources.

“I am honoured to recognize these remarkable individuals, groups and communities,” he said. “Their commitment to conserving Ontario’s heritage and sharing our stories is commendable.”

By Brock Weir