Each February, the Trust invites Ontarians to celebrate Heritage Week in Ontario – to celebrate heritage in all its forms (cultural and natural, architectural, archaeological and collections), its diverse traditions and cultural expressions. Heritage Week provides a wonderful opportunity for individuals and communities to reflect on their contributions to Ontario and how they might shape the future.

Since 1974, the National Trust for Canada – a national, member-based organization and registered charity established in 1973 – has designated the third Monday every February as Heritage Day in Canada.

In 1985, the Ontario government designated the third week in February as Ontario Heritage Week, with the federal Heritage Day kicking off the week.

In September 2005, the Ontario Heritage Trust assumed responsibility for the planning and leading of Heritage Week on behalf of the Ontario government.

Other provinces – for instance, British Columbia and New Brunswick – also offer a full week of heritage-related activities.

Many heritage-based organizations and municipalities have used Heritage Day and Ontario Heritage Week as vehicles to stimulate awareness of heritage resources and heritage-related issues within their communities, and to honour the organizations and volunteers who have worked to protect Ontario’s irreplaceable heritage resources.