How can we engage a more diverse and representative sample of the community in the creation of the historical context statements while being mindful of the restrictions and barriers with COVID-19 and beyond?
Project Description:
Hamilton is a city of communities (Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, Hamilton, and Stoney Creek). The Built Heritage Inventory Strategy involves the study of historic neighbourhoods, settlement areas, and communities across the City, and the identification of buildings that embody what makes those places special. This work involves historical research, property surveying, architectural evaluation, and community engagement. The City of Hamilton’s Tourism and Culture Division is looking for assistance in its proactive heritage inventory and evaluation work to help document and conserve Hamilton’s historic buildings
Challenge Summary:
The current challenge with community engagement in the creation of the historical context statements is that they do not seem to be representative of everyone in the community. Only people who are highly interested in the built heritage of their communities seem to come out and share their perspectives in public engagement events. How can we engage a more diverse and representative sample of the community while being mindful of the restrictions and barriers with COVID-19 and beyond?
Goals:
Interview and collaborate with CityLAB SIR alum, current CityLAB Hamilton Students, OPIRG, City of Hamilton staff, other McMaster Faculty, Vancouver CityStudio, and the Student Mentorship Initiative Fellowship to develop a framework and network of support that future independent projects can utilize.
Where the work will go and what it will be used for:
This work will be used by the City of Hamilton in the engagement of Dundas residents in the development of a Historic Context Statement for the area as part of the Downtown Dundas Built Heritage Inventory project.
Faculty, Course & Students: Shahad Al-Saqqar & Jen Pearson, McMaster University, Course: HTHSCI 4D06, 4D09, 4D12
City Staff: Alissa Golden, Heritage Project Specialist, City of Hamilton
