The Town of Collingwood has taken an important step to protect its cultural heritage resources with Council's adoption of the new Cultural Heritage Emergency Management Plan (CHEMP).
The CHEMP positions Collingwood as a leader in cultural heritage emergency management in Ontario and was developed based on extensive research that included consultation with the public and collaboration with heritage experts, including heritage property owners, the Collingwood Heritage Committee, Town staff, and the Canadian Conservation Institute, a leading federal authority in conservation science and heritage preservation. It outlines a framework for preparing, responding to, and recovering from emergencies affecting cultural heritage resources. This includes policy recommendations, operational procedures, and emergency response protocols that can be applied to incidents affecting an individual heritage property or multiple cultural heritage resources, including those within the Town's Heritage Conservation District.
The Plan strengthens the Town's emergency preparedness framework by ensuring cultural heritage considerations are incorporated into emergency planning and response efforts, while maintaining the priority of human safety.
"Proactive planning is one of the most effective ways to build a resilient community that is prepared to respond to emergencies. Protecting the Town’s cultural heritage through the CHEMP is an important step in preserving the places, stories, and landmarks that help define Collingwood,” said Summer Valentine, Director of Growth and Development.
"Collingwood has a rich history with many local heritage buildings and landmarks that are important to our local identity. I’m happy to see a comprehensive plan in place that ensures these heritage assets will be protected if and when an emergency strikes,” said Collingwood Mayor Yvonne Hamlin.
While no emergency management plan can eliminate all risk, the CHEMP helps position the Town to better anticipate, prepare for, and respond to events that may threaten cultural heritage resources. Many recommendations can be implemented immediately through existing processes, while others will be considered in future planning, policy, and budget discussions.
Adopting the CHEMP reinforces the Town's commitment to heritage conservation and responsible community planning, helping ensure that the places, structures, and landscapes that contribute to Collingwood's unique character are safeguarded for future generations.