HERITAGE
Currently the Chair of the Municipal Heritage Committee, on which she has been active for the past 13 years, Janice originally came to prominence in the community for her volunteer initiatives in preserving our heritage.
Fifteen years ago, Janice’s one-woman petition campaign spearheaded the preservation of important War of 1812 battlefield lands. As others flocked to the cause, the Friends of the Lundy’s Lane Battlefield was founded. When the initial goal was achieved, Janice transformed the group into a service organization, dedicated to preserving and beautifying the battlefield lands. She quickly built the organization into a registered public foundation with a multinational and transcontinental membership.
Janice led the Friends into and through their Canada Millennium Partnership Project, centering on the restoration of the 19th century Fralick’s Tavern (now operated as the Battle Ground Hotel Museum), a part of the late Ruth Redmond’s gift to Niagara Falls. The Friends raised over a quarter-million dollars for the Project, and brought an additional $200,000 in matching federal funds to the city.
The Annual Heritage Week Showcase at Niagara Square was Janice’s brainchild. She has served as the lead or a supporting organizer from its origin to 2000 to present.
Janice was a founder of the Niagara Military Museum. She was a strong, vocal advocate for the Armoury’s preservation in honour of the sacrifices made by those who enrolled and trained there to serve in defence of freedom and democracy. She was later a Chairman of the City of Niagara Falls Armoury Ad-hoc Committee.
Recently, Janice and fellow Councillor Wayne Thomson remained steadfast advocates against the proposed destruction of the beautiful and historic Oswald House Fence, a cherished part of the landscape of old Stamford Village. The community outcry against demolition eventually resulted in this unique landmark being preserved.
One of Janice’s reasons for voting against the three high-rise towers planned for the Loretto site was that one tower will be built extremely close to the historic Our Lady of Peace Cemetery. Janice was a leader in previous attempts to have the Loretto site designated under The Ontario Heritage Act. More information can be found at http://www.friendsofniagarafalls.org/
Janice believes in the importance of putting her money where her mouth is. She purchased an 1885 house listed in the Municipal Register of Heritage Properties to ensure its preservation. This 125-year old Italianate building is where she now makes her home.
Janice realizes that we live in one of the earliest settled areas of Ontario, and that our rich built, natural and cultural heritage is a treasure. She recognizes the importance of preserving touchstones to the past for future generations, and that a community’s built, natural and cultural heritage is what gives it a unique character and a sense of self.
Environment |Transportation | Animal Welfare | Heritage | Helping Local Business| Protecting Seniors | 
