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2026 Ontario Heritage Conference Impact Summary

Updated: 1 day ago


Forged in Steel, Steeped in History highlighted Hamilton’s industrial legacy and our evolving identity. The conference program focused on the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage properties and landscapes; with an emphasis on sustainability, conservation, cultural continuity and innovative design.


The event brought together volunteer members of municipal heritage committees, heritage professionals, municipal representatives, architects, planners, conservation specialists and heritage advocates


Conference Data

  • 3 Days (June 18 – 20, 2026)

  • 253 Registrants from across the province

  • 10 Heritage Sites & Venues

    • Magnolia Hall

    • Empire Times Bld.

    • LIUNA Station

    • Workers Arts and Heritage Centre

    • The Coppley Buildings

    • Playhouse Cinema

    • The Cotton Factory

    • Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology

    • Beach Canal Lighthouse and Lightkeeper’s Cottage

    • Hamilton Craft Studios


  • 65 Moderators, Guest Speakers and Presenters who shared their knowledge and expertise.

  • 19 Sessions and Tours offered

  • 14 Guided Walking & Bus Tours

    • James St. N. and the Coppley Buildings

    • Workers Arts & Heritage and the North-End Industrial Trail

    • Central Neighbourhood: Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Properties

    • The Cotton Factory

    • Hamilton’s Waterfront & the 1859 Waterworks


  • 22 Vendors & Organizations in our Friday Marketplace at Liuna Station

  • 10 Trades in our Saturday Traditional Trades Fair at the Cotton Factory

  • 8 Civic Museums available for attendees to visit for free during the conference – Thank you to Hamilton Civic Museums!


  • 8 Local food vendors who kept everyone well fed with their delicious offerings. Food Service quantities included:

    • 288 – Friday Breakfast, Lunch & Breaks

    • 200 – Friday Gala Dinner

    • 190 – Saturday Breakfast & Lunch

    • 54 unclaimed meals from the conference were shared with those in need in our community.


  • 40+ Volunteers who made the conference a success!

  • 25 Conference Sponsors. Without their support, this conference would not have been possible.


Thank you to everyone who came out!



 
 
 

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