YEAR IN REVIEW: This article was originally published on February 2.
Thorold’s very own 'Heritage Hero' Pamela Minns has passed away at age 94.
For over three decades, Minns worked tirelessly to preserve Thorold’s rich history.
When she first became involved with the city's Heritage Committee, there were only seven or eight Thorold buildings designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Today, there are 54 designated properties, and it is Minns who was instrumental in achieving this result.
Her efforts did no go unnoticed. In 2021, Minns was inducted into the Order of Canada for her heritage efforts.
“We were involved in attempting to bring awareness to the city of Thorold and the heritage that was here," she told ThoroldToday at the time. “We worked very hard to do that and I think we accomplished a lot in that area. We have over 50 sites in Thorold which are recognized by the Ontario heritage act. That’s what we worked on and I think we were successful.”
Minns is fondly remembered by the city's Heritage Committee, that is continuing the course set out by Minns all those years ago.
During Monday's meeting of the Heritage Committee, Chair Anna O’Hare paid tribute to Minns’ legacy.
“She dedicated over 40 years to public work and in particular the preservation and revitalization of Niagara’s heritage,” O’Hare told committee members. “For her tireless advocacy and passionate devotion she was honoured with numerous prestigious awards. Thorold, and particularly this committee, have been truly fortunate and privileged to have had her as our champion.”
