What old buildings teach us about the value of architecture.

• Date: 01 January 2019
• Author: Stephenson, John

When you ask most people to identify a building that has impacted them, more often than not they will name an older heritage building. This is true no matter where you are. In Thunder Bay, they may point to the Whalen Building, the Tourist Pagoda or the Royal Edward Arms. In Toronto, they might point to Toronto City Hall, Queen's Park, or even the Toronto-Dominion Centre.

Why do heritage buildings capture our attention so?

I think there are many reasons. Often, the buildings that manage to survive through time are the ones we believe are significant and worthy of protection. They are usually the most impressive and timeless buildings within our communities.

Its also true that old buildings, because of their history, evoke a sense of the uniqueness of our community that resonates with us. Grand buildings of the past are time capsules in plain sight, reflecting the very particular ambitions of the people of that time for the future. In doing so, they connect us to...