Celebrating heritage: 21 homes adorned with plaques to recognize heritage status

Last week, 21 beautifully crafted heritage property markers were installed across Kingston, proudly recognizing properties of historical and cultural significance. 

Each 15-centimetre cast bronze plaque – expertly produced by Ontario’s Riverside Foundry Inc. – features the City of Kingston’s coat of arms, the year of construction, and either the property’s address or its commonly known name, along with the phrase “Designated Heritage Property.” 

The plaques were installed in collaboration with property owners and can be found at homes and buildings in the Sydenham, King’s Town, Portsmouth, Lakeside, Collins-Bayridge and Loyalist-Cataraqui districts of Kingston. 

"These heritage property designation markers are an important and effective tool in highlighting the historical and architectural significance of our structures. I am very happy to have been able to participate in the project this year and I appreciate the City's continuation of this program," says Marc Shaw, property owner of 221 King St. E. – also known as the J.S. Cartwright House – which received a plaque this past week. 

This initiative is envisioned as an annual program that celebrates and promotes Kingston’s built heritage resources and fosters community pride in our shared heritage. The City is currently developing an online application system for owners of designated or listed heritage properties to request a heritage property marker. 

“These markers serve as a visible symbol of heritage property designation, celebrating the unique stories embedded in our built environment, and recognizing the historical and cultural significance of heritage properties for all residents of Kingston,” says Melissa Cruise, City Curator.