Barrie Heritage Awards

2025 Winners

• Residential Award | 62 Shirley Ave., Darlene Botman, Owner

  This award is presented to Darlene Botman and recognizes her efforts in conserving a historic building in the city of Barrie. This home once belonged to the Oliver Block, named after Dr. Llewellyn Oliver. Originally comprising 3.5 acres, the site was sold to Rev. Robert Boyle of the Methodist Church in 1873. The existing L-shaped Gothic Revival house was built around 1875. Original features continue to be preserved including the 2x2 segmental wood windows with moulded trim, bay window, double leaf doors, porch and remaining posts and brackets. The residence was designated in 1993 and continues to strengthen the commitment to Heritage in the city of Barrie.

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• Individual Award | Roxanne Shank, President of the Barrie South Simcoe Métis Council

  This award is presented to Roxanne Shank, the President of the Barrie South Simcoe Métis Council and a dedicated community leader. She co-founded the Council in 2020 to preserve Métis culture and foster community for Métis citizens living outside traditional Métis territory. Through initiatives such as the annual Candle Lit Vigil for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, she promotes awareness and honours Indigenous children who never returned home from the residential school system. 

  A talented quilt artist, President Shank also shares and teaches Métis history and culture through her art.

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• Commercial Award | 80 Dunlop St. E, Homestead Artisan Bakery + Café, Owners Lise Ravalli & Cait Patrick

  This award recognizes Lise Ravalli and Cait Patrick, the co-founders of Homestead Artisan Bakery in downtown Barrie. 

  80 Dunlop Street East is part of the historic Bothwell Block. Constructed in 1880 following a devastating fire, the building originally housed J.M. Bothwell, Grocer and Seed Dealer. The block once featured ornate architectural details typical of late 19th-century commercial buildings.

  Today, Homestead Bakery carries this legacy forward. Its interior highlights the beauty and character of historic downtown Barrie, blending contemporary use with respect for the building’s past and ensuring that the story of the Bothwell Block continues to be experienced and appreciated.

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• Group Award | Barrie Curling Club, 175 Essa Rd., Renee Dadswell, Manager

  Curling in Barrie began on the frozen waters of Kempenfelt Bay in 1877. The Barrie Curling Club was established in 1899 and later relocated to its current site through the support of the Barrie Agricultural Society and Town Council. Despite challenges, including significant damage from the 1985 Barrie Tornado, the Club has endured and evolved. Ongoing upgrades have strengthened its role as a vibrant and lasting pillar of the Barrie community.

  This group award recognizes the members of the Barrie Curling Club as an enduring pillar of the community—honouring its past while continuing to serve future generations.

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• Building Nomination Requirements

  Nominations for buildings with at least one (1) of the following attributes will be considered:

  • Reflect a historic architectural style (e.g. Georgian, Victorian, Queen Anne, etc.)
  • The property and buildings are well maintained
  • Are sensitive to the heritage features of the property, especially if the property has been restored, rehabilitated or adaptively re-used
  • Enhances the streetscape
  • Assists in revitalizing the community through heritage conservation
  • Has connection to a historical figure, time period, or specific event 
• Community, Group, or Individual Nomination Requirements

  Nominations for a Community, Group, or Individual with at least one of the following attributes will be considered:

  • Demonstrate a commitment to heritage conservation
  • Built awareness and understanding of local history and heritage
  • Help revitalize the community through building local heritage awareness
  • Works within the field of cultural heritage conservation