For most kids, the Ottawa Public Library and National Gallery are far from enchanting. But for a curious kid like David Jeanes, they represented a world of discovery of Ottawa’s architectural history.
“As far as I’m concerned, my childhood memories of Ottawa are entirely the downtown experience,” he says. “Centretown is where the greatest clustering of heritage buildings are.”
Jeanes is now a recognized member of Heritage Ottawa. On April 2, he received a special certificate and pin from Ontario Heritage Trust for his work in Ottawa over the years.
Currently, Jeanes is studying Ottawa’s former Union Station and the history of Ottawa-based railways.
The station has been a project of his for the last 20 years – he’s even travelled to Montreal to see master-copy blueprints of the first Union station and Chateau Laurier, printed on linen with India ink.
“Recognizing local volunteers encourages community involvement and honours those who are taking an active role in preserving Ontario’s heritage,” says Catrina Colme, communications co-ordinator for Ontario Heritage Trust.
Since the Heritage Community Recognition Program began in 1996, it has helped communities across Ontario recognize over 3,000 local heritage volunteers.
Jeanes was nominated by Heritage Ottawa's past-President, David Flemming. He says Jeanes' energetic personality makes heritage interesting for the community.
“He’s everywhere – I mean, you see him at every community meeting,” Flemming says. “He’s very deserving because he’s done an incredible amount of work for the community on behalf of the people of Ottawa.”
Jeanes was born in London, England, where as a child he became fascinated with churches built by Sir Christopher Wren, a 17th-century English architect.
In his youth, Jeanes moved to Ottawa and began attending Lisgar Collegiate where he had a small influence in the 1960s renovations to the building.
“I really like when people say how they never realized that the buildings were so special,” he says, “and I like it even better when they come back for the next tour!”
“It’s in my blood to be here.”