2008 Heritage Conservation Award

13/01/2009 04:25 PM

(L) Mayor Mike Smith & Chair Joyce Johnston present 2008 Heritage Award to Brian Cleaver (C)

The Heritage Conservation Award is presented each year to an individual who has contributed to fostering architectural heritage in the municipality of Saugeen Shores.

This year's award was presented by Joyce Johnston, Chair of the Heritage Committee, to Brian Cleaver and the Southampton Arts Society Restoration Committee, who were nominated by Robert Johnson for the completion of the Southampton Art School renovation.

Cleaver was recognized for his work as project manager on the Art School undertaking that was completed in the spring with the official opening in May.  With a budget of only $125,000 for the complete restoration, he oversaw and organized the many volunteers and contractors who, in turn, contributed over 1,000 hours of work.

Earlier in the renovation, Cleaver alluded to the fact that, "... the craftsmanship, when the building was originally constructed, was so skilled that many of the contractors agreed to be part of the project merely for the priviledge of knowing that they, too, were adding their skills to those who had gone before."

The integrity of every interior historical detail, such as the original window sashes, was maintained while, at the same time, many added modern amenities brought it up to today's standards.

Cleaver pointed out that, "It was a team effort and the contractors from the local area contributed hundreds of hours of their skills and time as did the Restoration Committee."

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Brian Cleaver & Nancy Wyonch listen as Chair Joyce Johnston explains the Heritage Award criteri

Trillium representative (L), Nancy Wyonch, MPP Carol Mitchell, Mayor Mike Smith & Board President, Gordon Boyd at official opening ceremony

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