Heritage Matters: Conversations in Heritage Conservation (3 of 3)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW SUMMARY

Get ready to explore hands-on heritage conservation with our three-part Heritage Matters series! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the principles of heritage conservation from industry professionals and learn how you can play an active role in protecting our built heritage.

Session #1 – Understanding Heritage: Your Guide to Conservation – Tuesday, Oct. 24 | 6:30pm-8:30pm

Join us for an introduction to the principles of heritage conservation with Marina Smirnova, Heritage Planner for the Town of Cobourg. This session has broad relevance for owners of heritage properties, real estate and construction professionals, and the interested public. Important topics include the importance of heritage conservation and its positive impact on communities, and the designation process and what it means for owners of heritage properties.

Session #2 – Heritage Building Blocks (Part 1): Stones, Bricks, and Mortar – Tuesday, Nov. 7 | 6:30pm-8:30pm

Learn about the art and science of heritage masonry with Chris Boot from Historic Brick Company and Daniel Arellano from Arcana Restoration.

Many historic buildings are constructed with limestone, clay brick, stone, and similar materials. Understanding their unique properties is essential for the preservation of these valuable heritage resources. In this session, you’ll gain valuable insights into the world of heritage masonry restoration and learn about the particular needs of historic masonry and best practices for restoration, including appropriate materials and methods.

Session #3 – Heritage Building Blocks (Part 2): A Hands-on Guide to Heritage Materials – Tuesday, Nov. 21 | 6:30pm-8:30pm

Dive into the world of heritage materials with Tom Plue from SkyHigh Restoration. In this interactive session, you’ll gain an understanding of traditional building materials, including wood, stone, brick, and mortars. Learn how to assess their condition, select compatible materials for repairs, and ensure their longevity while preserving their historical value. Join us for hands-on experiences and the chance to interact with material samples, bringing heritage conservation to life.

Speaker Bios

About Marina Smirnova

“Marina Smirnova is the Heritage Planner for the Town of Cobourg. Shortly after graduating with a Masters in Planning (MPl) from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2021, Marina landed her dream job with the Town. In this role, she brings a fresh perspective and a deep enthusiasm for heritage conservation to the community.

Marina has had a long-standing interest in history, how this is reflected in the places we inhabit, and the vital role that it plays in planning for the future of communities. Within heritage planning, her research interests include applying adaptive reuse (of both structures and materials) as a means of developing more sustainable and resilient communities, as well as outreach and education about the benefits of heritage conservation.”

About Daniel Arellano

“Daniel Arellano has owned and operated Arcana Restoration since 2019 and has worked as a heritage mason in Toronto on various prominent residential and commercial restoration projects since 2014. Daniel is a passionate heritage professional with a BA in History and an Architectural Preservation & Conservation focused Certificate in Architecture from TMU.

With Arcana Restoration, Daniel works to provide the highest level of heritage conservation & restoration masonry through adherence to internationally recognized best practices and a dedicated care and respect for material and built heritage. Curious and collaborative in nature, he seeks to constantly improve the quality of their work by communicating and problem solving with other heritage professionals locally and internationally.”

About Tom Plue

“Born into a farming family, Tom Plue thought he would follow in the footsteps of his relatives to become a dairy farmer. However, when the family farm was sold in the late 1980s, Tom’s passion for history and old buildings opened the door to a new career in conservation & restoration. What started out as a small residential renovation and painting company in 1990 evolved over the decades into Sky-High Restoration and Consulting. Along with commercial and residential projects, Sky-High specializes in the assessment, restoration & preservation of church buildings, leading to the affectionate title of “the Church Doctors”.

In addition to consulting and hands-on restoration, Tom is the co-author, along with prominent historian and pioneer in the field of architectural conservation Peter J. Stokes, of “Moisture the Menace”, which examines the effects of internal moisture on older buildings. He is currently working on a sequel.