Peterborough was the second municipality in Ontario to form a LACAC.  The Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC) was established in 1975 following the creation of the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) by the province.  2025 represents the 50th year since the creation of PACAC. Over the years PACAC has played a vital role in programs such as Doors Open Peterborough, Heritage Week, The Heritage Hunt as well providing educational events, workshops for heritage homeowners, and other events celebrating our local built heritage. PACAC continues to advise city council regarding properties that are eligible for designation under the OHA. Stewart Hamilton will be presenting on the early days of PACAC, the committee’s current work and why today it is important to recognize that heritage preservation plays a role in fighting climate change.

At the February meeting Stewart will also be displaying information, publications, and other documents from PACAC and its past members.

Stewart Hamilton was appointed by city council to PACAC in 2010 and has been on the committee since then, serving as committee chair since 2011. Stewart and his wife, Joanna, purchased the “Dixon House” from the city of Peterborough in 2008. They undertook a restoration of the property with the utmost care and appreciation of the history, while creating a workable professional office. The restoration was recognized by the Peterborough Historical Society in 2010 with the presentation of the George A Cox Award. Stewart has a keen interest in heritage and a desire to see it preserved so that stories of the community are readily available for future generations.

PHS Speaker Series to be held Tuesday February 18, 7:30 p.m. at the Peterborough Lions’ Centre on Burnham Street. Admission is free and so are the light refreshments.