Now accepting applications for Heritage Conservation Diploma Program
Apply NowCANADA'S PREMIER HERITAGE CONSERVATION SCHOOL
95% Graduate Employment Rate
Internationally Renowned Faculty
Experiential Hands-on Education
Personalized Learning Outcomes
WELCOME TO WILLOWBANK
Willowbank is a unique career college in Canada and has been on the vanguard of heritage conservation and the adaptive reuse of existing buildings since 2006. We are the Canadian headquarters of INTBAU, a global network promoting traditional building, architecture, and urbanism.
The Willowbank Mission: as an innovative institution is to shape new approaches to the stewardship of historic places and sustainable communities through a model balancing the theoretical and practical. Its multi-disciplinary, experiential curriculum educates a new generation of leaders in the field of heritage conservation who are able to understand complex challenges across disciplines, from design firms to skilled trades to community development.
Our unique Three-Year Diploma program provides students with a professional network that can take their career path in many directions. Coursework focuses on developing skills and knowledge related to conserving our built and cultural heritage. Our focus on providing a well-rounded education in heritage conservation and sustainability is made possible by the exceptional faculty practitioners who came from across Canada, the United States, and Denmark.
Willowbank Hosting Virtual Open House - Thursday 18 April, 7.30 PM EST
Anyone interested in heritage conservation & sustainability is welcome to join and learn more about this progressive Diploma in Heritage Conservation.
More details can be found here.
Program Map
Click the link below to view the Heritage Conservation Diploma program map which details the structure for the three year program including courses and the third year requirement (internship or research project).
Program MAP _ Diploma in Heritage Conservation
Heritage Sector Employs All 2024 Willowbank Grads
11 April 2024
Saturday 6 April saw Willowbank’s class of 2024 graduate, with all ten students now working in the heritage sector. The graduates of the Heritage Conservation Program represent a diverse array of backgrounds and experiences. Together they are united through their passion for embracing the connections of our built, natural, and cultural resources.
The graduation took place on Saturday 6 April in the beautiful Bright Parlour at Willowbank. Past Chair and Board Member, Patrick Little, welcomed guests to yet another successful graduation at the esteemed School of Restoration Arts.
Marie Bowering, Indigenous Community Connections Facilitator and Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa gathered with us to honour the achievements of our graduates and to wish them success in their future. Valedictorian Charlie Porter delivered a poignant, reflective speech and his parting words capture the Willowbank philopsophy wholly,
“We leave this institution as stewards of our cultural heritage, caretakers of our built environment, and advocates for the preservation of Canada’s history. Whether we find ourselves physically restoring historic buildings and their materials; planning for the future of Canada’s heritage, or advocating for heritage conservation policy, our experience at Willowbank will be indelible.”
The pride amongst students was palpable.
The Faculty address was delivered by Bianca Verrecchia, CAHP, Intermediate Heritage Planner at the Town of Grimsby and Willowbank Alumni. Bianca reflected on the academic achievements of the graduates and the profound impact they will have on the preservation field, noting,
“As Willowbank graduates you understand that heritage is not static; it evolves, adapts and reflects the diversity and richness of our past and present.”
Bianca also welcomed the graduates to the Willowbank alumni community, noting that their time at Willowbank will be forever known as the ‘good old days.’
The keynote address, delivered by David Adames, CEO of Niagara Parks Commission, highlighted how essential the Heritage Conservation Diploma Program is to our built and cultural heritage, right here in Niagara and beyond. David stressed the importance of cultural stewardship and also shared impressive updates on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the historic hydro-power generating stations in Niagara Falls – further demonstrating the significance and genuine need for skills learnt through Willowbank’s Heritage Conservation Diploma. The Diplomas were awarded by Willowbank President, Dr. Faisal Arain and he congratulated each graduate on their accomplishments. A bustling reception hosted by our event partner 124 on Queen, was then held in the halls.
We commend the Class of 2024 and extend sincere gratitude towards the phenomenal Faculty network at Willowbank who inspire and educate our students, helping to ensure that our cultural and built heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.
We are also pleased to share that we are still accepting applications to our esteemed three-year Heritage Conservation Diploma, for a September 2024 intake. Anyone interested in heritage conservation and sustainability is encouraged to reach out to learn more about this entirely unique Program.
Email willowbank@willowbank.ca or visit www.willowbank.ca Please help us to spread the word!
Willowbank: training the heritage conservators of tomorrow.
Launching the Humeniuk Scholarship at Willowbank: Unleashing minds, transforming lives
We have some very exciting news to share over at Willowbank HQ, and with it being #heritageweek it feels even more timely!
We are delighted to announce that the Humeniuk Foundation signed a five-year agreement to provide a $200,000 bursary for up to four Willowbank students to attend a European summer school annually.
Students will be able to attend either Messors in Italy or the King’s Foundation Summer School, which takes place at Dumfries House in Scotland and in London.
This five-year agreement is a tremendous investment in the School of Restoration Arts, its future, and that of its students. Andrew Humeniuk, executive director of the Humeniuk Foundation and the Brown Homestead in St. Catharines remarked how the summer schools afforded students the following,
“In our experience, the summer schools allow them invaluable access to additional perspectives and knowledge that benefit them in their careers and are also shared with their peers, Willowbank and the heritage sector itself,” he said.
To read more about this progressive partnership that supports the sustainability of Willowbank, please follow this link which covers this exciting news story in full.
We are extremely grateful to the Humeniuk Foundation for their continued investment in our mission, and we look forward to following the students on their journeys to Europe over the next five years.
Willowbank Venue Rental and Weddings
Photographer, Creative Director, Concept Creator & Co-stylist: Lisa Vigliotta Photography lisavigliottaphotography
Land Acknowledgement
Willowbank is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Ojibway/Chippewa and Haudenosaunee peoples. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today this gathering place is home to many First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples and acknowledging reminds us that our great standard of living is directly related to the resources and friendship of Indigenous people. (Source: DSBN)
