Charlottetown Celebrates Heritage with Awards Ceremony
Posted on 11/21/2025
The City of Charlottetown celebrated its annual Heritage Awards on Nov. 19 with a ceremony to honour individuals and organizations in the community who have worked diligently to preserve and uncover the City’s heritage.
“Our City is always growing and changing, but events like this remind us how important it is to honour the stories, places and people that brought us to where we are today,” said Mayor Philip Brown. “I want to thank this year’s Heritage Award recipients for their dedication to protecting Charlottetown’s character and keeping our history alive for future generations.”
The Heritage Awards were presented to the following individuals and groups:
D. Scott MacDonald – For his book, Walk with Me: Charlottetown, Then and Now (2nd Edition) that compares and tells the story of the city’s-built heritage.
Michael and Laura O’Grady – For the careful preservation of their home at 8 Ambrose Street. The home was built in 1912 for pharmacist, Wilfred Taylor.
Dyne Holdings – For the promotion of heritage and culture in the city.
Heather Harris - For the promotion of heritage homes and advocacy for heritage preservation through her Instagram, Old Island Homes, as well as research and education.
Rodd Hotels and Resorts – For the restoration of the 1931 Rodd Charlottetown, a landmark in the city.
Historian and author, Harry T. Holman received the Catherine G. Hennessey Award for his many years of work in the research, documentation and promotion of the City’s history, as well as his generosity in sharing his vast knowledge with the public via published works, lectures, exhibits and career in public service.
The award was established in 2011 to honour the long-time historian, author and heritage activist, and is presented annually to an individual or group whose efforts have increased the appreciation of Charlottetown, stimulated love for the community, or helped shape the city.
“On behalf of Mayor and Council, I want to congratulate Harry T. Holman on this much-deserved recognition,” said Deputy Mayor Alanna Jankov, Chair of the Planning and Heritage Committee. “Through his research, writing, and public outreach, Harry has helped so many people see Charlottetown with fresh eyes. His work, much like Catherine Hennessey’s, reminds us that our buildings, streets, and stories are living pieces of heritage that deserve care and protection.”
As part of the ceremony, two historical presentations were delivered this year. The first illustrated talk, by Captain Greg Gallant, was entitled, How It All Began. It explored the 150-year history of The Prince Edward Island Regiment. The second lecture, by Dr. Edward MacDonald, was entitled The Last of Charlottetown’s Privateers: The Broughton/Selman Raid, November 1775.
For more information about the annual Heritage Awards, contact the Planning and Heritage Department at 902-629-4158.