DAVID FLEMMING COMMUNITY HERITAGE AWARD

Heritage Ottawa is honoured to share the news that the work of our former president and outstanding volunteer, David Flemming, was recognized by the City of Ottawa with the renaming of its Community Heritage Award in his memory. The presentation to the first recipient of the renamed David Flemming Community Heritage Award, Kevin Ballantyne, took place during the Heritage and Urban Design Awards Ceremony at City Hall on November 6, 2025. 

David would have been delighted with the decision to award Kevin Ballentyne for creating two online platforms dedicated to the history and heritage of Ottawa. The first, includes interactive maps showing Ottawa's Bygone Buildings, Railways, Through the Years, Street Name Origins, and Fire Insurance Plans. The interactive maps show the expansion and contraction of railway lines starting in 1854 and continuing to the present, a road map that identifies street names with links to the origins and explanation of those names, and a map showing the footprints of demolished buildings with photographs and information about the lost structure. Kevin also created a YouTube channel, Forgotten Ottawa, that provides a glimpse into some of the lesser-known events and milestones in the city's history. 

Links to Kevin's platforms are listed in the EXPLORE section of our website.

We congratulate the City on creating a lasting legacy of David Flemming's contributions with this important award in his name. David was the voice for heritage in Ottawa for many decades. he was a deeply committed and respected leader in the heritage conservation field who played a significant role in shaping the heritage landscape of the city. His influence will be felt for years to come. 

CLICK HERE for a more fulsome remembrance of David Flemming who died on April 25, 2025. 

CLICK HERE to view Mayor Mark Sutcliffe's heartfelt tribute to David Flemming.