Program's Philosophy
In 1990, the Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Family Foundation asked the Canadian Centre for Architecture to organize a workshop on the future of heritage conservation, which was at that time, one of the Foundation's fields of interest. Gathering for three days in North Hatley, Quebec, the 20 workshop participants, all specialists in associated fields, discussed and debated the principles, concepts and role of heritage conservation. Environmental, political, economic, social and physical perspectives were critically examined and debated, with the result that new definitions of heritage and conservation emerged, challenging participants to undertake a much broader discussion of the urban environment in which these issues are prominent.
The North Hatley Group report, which summarizes the workshop discussions, is reproduced in its entirety below because it continues to serve as the philosophical underpinning of the Urban Issues Program. The need for local community involvement in the future direction and development of sustainable cities is as important today as it was a decade ago. Now, more than ever, the desire for change can be felt in our cities, where citizens are awakening to the need for concerted action, organization and institutional change. Groups across Canada are searching for new ways to build stronger, healthier communities.
As sponsor of the original North Hatley Group report, the Foundation hopes the ideas contained in the report will promote continuing dialogue and give birth to new actions that will create and maintain lively cities which preserve and build on the riches of the past for future generations.
Phyllis Lambert,
OC, CQ, OAL, FRAIC
Honorary President
The Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Family Foundation
Montreal, 2001
