Niagara Foundation chooses Jim Alexander as Living Landmark

he Niagara Foundation has recognized Jim Alexander as its 2022 Living Landmark, an award given annually to a person who demonstrates an outstanding contribution to the quality of life in Niagara. 

At the foundation’s Navy Hall event Saturday, past-president Janice Thomson spoke of Alexander’s accomplishments. His “commitment to supporting Niagara-on-the-Lake’s heritage runs deep,” she said. “A few of the organizations, projects and celebrations that have benefitted from his leadership include the War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee, Friends of Niagara National Historic Sites, the Rotary Club, various Canada Day celebrations, and the Citizens Committee for Ontario Heritage Years. We are very pleased to give this award to Jim.” 

Alexander’s role as president of Old Niagara Workshops, and his expertise, have led to many commissions to restore architectural elements for historical properties in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Further afield, he has been engaged for projects for Parks Canada sites across Ontario, and the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. 

“The Niagara Foundation believes that honouring residents who make this town a special place to live should be one of our priorities. As development and density pressures continue to challenge the heritage and built form here in Niagara-on-the-Lake, we will continue to be a voice that promotes the history, traditions and culture of the Niagara area,” said Lyle Hall, foundation president. 

Established in 1962, the Niagara Foundation is a charitable organization with a mission to preserve the built and natural heritage of NOTL and surrounding communities.

Quietly and effectively, the foundation has advocated for preservation, undertaken innovative partnerships, fostered knowledge and appreciation, and been responsible for securing and advancing the very qualities that are now so strongly associated with historic NOTL. 

Each year since 2006, the Niagara Foundation has chosen a recipient of the foundation’s prestigious Living Landmark Award, giving it to an individual foundation members feel have made an outstanding contribution to the quality of life in Niagara. Past honourees are: 2021: Penny Coles; 2020: The Citizens of Niagara-on-the-Lake; 2019: Gracia Janes; 2018: Judy MacLachlan; 2017: Dr. Richard Merritt; 2016: Norma Jane Lowrey and Blair Harber; 2015: Gary Burroughs; 2014: Debi Pratt; 2013: Jim Smith; 2012: Peter Stokes; 2011: Christopher Newton; 2010: Joy Ormsby; 2009: John Walker; 2008: Calvin Rand; 2007: Donald Combe; 2006: Norm Howe and Gerry Wooll.

Cutline: Lyle Hall, Patty Alexander, Erika Alexander, Jim Alexander, Anna Lee Benjamin and Janice Thomson at the Niagara Foundation Living Landmark Dinner at Navy Hall Saturday. Jim was being honoured, with his sisters Patty and Anna Lee there to celebrate with him. Notice the flag behind them — that’s Erica and Jim. (Ben Taylor)