Strategic Plan

In 2024, the Board of Directors established a Strategic Planning Committee to lead a province-wide consultation process and gather input from members, stakeholders, and sector partners. The goal was to better understand the challenges facing Ontario’s heritage community and identify where the OHS could most effectively support its members. Surveys, community meetings, and individual interviews were conducted.

Regional meetings (in-person and virtual) brought together representatives from organizations across the province. The OHS also collected information from meetings with stakeholders, peer organizations, heritage professionals, funders, and government staff.

The OHS has identified three distinct pillars of focus for 2026–2030: 1: Capacity Building for Members, 2: Modernizing and Strengthening OHS Communications, and 3. Organizational Strength & Sustainability.

The core objective of this plan is to better support and empower the hundreds of local historical organizations and institutions across the province that we serve as they work to preserve and promote the unique local history that defines their community. Their work creates jobs, spurs local tourism, animates historic spaces with programming and events, and provides valuable opportunities for people to connect.

In order to support these volunteer-run groups, the OHS will undertake professional fundraising efforts to establish new programs and resources that will focus on supporting our members’ capacity to undertake key initiatives.

The OHS Board and Staff are extremely grateful to everyone who participated in the surveys, consultations, and public meetings. Thank you!