www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, October 27, 2016 | 30 Harry Barrett receives heritage conservation award Former Oakville Mayor Harry Barrett has received the 2016 Lieutenant Governor's Award from the National Trust for Canada. The award recognizes individuals who have made a profound impact on heritage conservation in Canada. Oakville Mayor Rob Burton presented the award alongside National Trust for Canada board representative Michael Seamen at Monday's (Oct. 24) Heritage Oakville Advisory Committee meeting at Town Hall. "Many of Oakville's most treasured public assets are a direct result of former-Mayor Barrett's leadership and vision over the years," said Burton in a press release. "We have Harry to thank for preserving Oakville's tremendous waterfront and harbours for the entire Oakville public to enjoy." Town staff noted, as chair of the Oakville Planning Board in the 1960s, Barrett convinced council to pass a bylaw allowing the Town to take ownership of waterfront lands when they were sold or developed. This served as the foundation of a town-wide policy, which continues to this day and culminated in the creation of the Harry Barrett Waterfront Parks System in 2012. Town staff said as mayor from 1973-85, Barrett was instrumental in the purchase and preservation of Oakville's harbour lands, as well as the Erchless Estate -- now home to the Oakville Museum. In 1981, he also helped establish the Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District, only the third of its kind in Ontario at the time. "Council continues to Oakville Mayor Rob Burton and former mayor Harry Barrett in a 2010 photo. | Metroland file photo draw upon Mayor Barrett's legacy conservation to this day," said Burton. "Harry understood how important it was to help foster a sense of shared identity and civic pride in the community. I can think of no one more deserving of this award." The National Trust for Canada is a national charity that inspires and leads actions to save historic places, and promotes the care and wise use of the historic environment. SAME COVERAGE MORE TO EXPERIENCE Discover more of what the Star uncovers with extra photos, video and links to related web features. DESIGNED FOR TABLETS. FREE EVERY DAY.