Cultural Landscapes in Ontario
(reprinted courtesy of the Ministry of Culture-to be redirected to their website click on the link above) Since the Ontario Heritage Act was proclaimed in 1975. LACACs and municipalities have developed considerable experience in identifying and designating individual heritage properties and districts. Now, in the conservation field, we are expanding our interest from individual buildings as landmarks to an appreciation of cultural landscapes. People have always altered their surroundings to meet their needs. However, the natural landscape should not be considered as merely a setting for buildings but as an influence upon them and human activities. While there are various definitions of cultural landscapes, all emphasize the interrelationship of people and the natural environment. Cultural landscapes are characterized by the activities and processes which have shaped them. It is our shared sense of the values they represent that make them significant. We should not confuse cultural with...