Board Member Profile: Lisa Coles
Our latest profile proudly introduces Lisa Coles, one of our newest members of CAHP’s board. Based in Belleville, Ontario, Lisa is an exceptional heritage planner with LHC Heritage Planning & Archaeology Inc. Over her career, Lisa has worked on an extensive range of cultural heritage projects, including: consulting on heritage evaluations and impact assessments, historical and heritage interpretation, historical research, planning support and cultural heritage policy review. In this Q&A, Lisa reflects on how she got her start in heritage and her passion for the field.
Q: How did you get started in heritage conservation?
A: “It’s a long story. I started working at museums in the Windsor-Essex region during my undergraduate degree and was inspired by a mentor to become a museum professional. From there, I started the MMC program at Fleming College, attended a presentation by heritage conservation specialists, completed an internship in heritage conservation, and then I returned to working in the museum setting. However, I realized that I missed heritage buildings and all the adventures that I experienced during my internship in heritage conservation, so I accepted an internship in heritage planning and ultimately became inspired by my supervisor and mentor to do a Masters in heritage planning, leading me to where I am now.”
Lisa completed a Masters of Arts in Planning, at the University of Waterloo in June of 2022.
Q: What has been your favorite project that you have worked on?
A: “ I particularly enjoyed working on a commemoration and interpretation plan for Erie Beach Park (closed in 1930, the amusement park is nestled near Niagara Falls and hosted visitors from the local area and Buffalo in the first two decades of the 1900s). Not much was left of the amusement park. Key elements such as rides were absent, but some base elements remained. I was left with a challenge: how to find a way to bring history to life without its physical presence. I began researching ways to present this history effectively, allowing for a creativity in planning that is not always possible.”
Q: What do you appreciate most about being a CAHP member?
A: “I enjoy the fact that membership brings you into the heritage community and connects you with other heritage professionals. There are so many different specialities within urban planning, and it is nice to have a group where you can network and learn from other professionals that focus on heritage. It is also a great way to connect with and hear perspectives from heritage professionals specializing in areas other than heritage planning that I may not have had the chance to connect with otherwise. We are all one big heritage team and there is so much that we can learn from one another. CAHP provides a space in which we can do that.”
Q: What is your favorite historical era/period?
A: “In high school, I was drawn to Ancient Greece – particularly topics on clothing and food- and famous leader, Alexander the Great. There are many aspects of Alexander’s history that are interesting; however, it is the interaction of cultures and how those interactions impacted the traditions and foods of the areas that he visited that are of particular interest. Since high school, I have also developed a particular interest in architectural and industrial history.”
Lisa’s experience in heritage planning, heritage consulting, museum studies, and historical interpretation have allowed her to make meaningful contributions to communities across Ontario. Her passion for history and heritage are evident both in her projects and extracurricular interests.
As a CAHP board member , Lisa is looking forward to bringing members of the organization together and continuing CAHP’s goal of elevating the heritage sector in Canada. We are grateful for Lisa and her dedication to making meaningful change in Canada’s built and cultural heritage.
Lisa’s expertise in heritage and commitment to CAHP makes her an invaluable addition to the OAHP chapter . If you would like to learn more about Lisa or connect, click the button below.
