Michael Harrison - 2012 Recipient of The Jean Hibbert Memorial Award
Michael Harrison grew up in the Mimico area of Etobicoke where he developed a passion for preserving the stories and heritage of not only Mimico, but also the neighbouring lakefront areas of Humber Bay, New Toronto and Long Branch. Because of the research and preservation work he has done for over 20 years, he is respected as THE expert on the history of southern Etobicoke.
Michael works proactively to save heritage properties, with recent examples including the Mimico Firehall, the Featherstonhaugh Estate gardener’s cottage, Wesley Mimico United Church, and the Ormsby/Franceschini Estate. His approach is “hands on”, submitting applications to designate the properties, writing letters to councillors, following up with the City of Toronto’s Heritage Preservation Services department, contacting developers, and deputing at council meetings.
Michael is always eager to share his knowledge of southern Etobicoke’s history with others. He focuses on education, giving talks about the Mimico Estates and leading walking tours of Mimico and New Toronto. He writes and maintains blogs on the following aspects of the area’s history: History of the Town of Mimico; Mimico Beach Estates; Soldiers of the First World War (for Mimico, New Toronto and Humber Bay); and Lost Creeks of South Etobicoke. In addition, he maintains nine blogs for personal genealogy. He has written articles on Mimico’s history for the Etobicoke Life newspaper and wrote a chapter called “The Vanishing Creeks of Southern Etobicoke” for the 2008 book HTO: Toronto’s Water from Lake Iroquois to Lost Rivers to Low-flow Toilets.
Michael has served on the board of directors of the New Toronto Historical Society since its inception in 1999 and currently looks after their popular speaker program.
At the September 27th AGM, EHS presented Michael Harrison with the Jean Hibbert Memorial Award for 2012 for his outstanding contribution to historical awareness and preservation in the former City of Etobicoke.
Michael works proactively to save heritage properties, with recent examples including the Mimico Firehall, the Featherstonhaugh Estate gardener’s cottage, Wesley Mimico United Church, and the Ormsby/Franceschini Estate. His approach is “hands on”, submitting applications to designate the properties, writing letters to councillors, following up with the City of Toronto’s Heritage Preservation Services department, contacting developers, and deputing at council meetings.
Michael is always eager to share his knowledge of southern Etobicoke’s history with others. He focuses on education, giving talks about the Mimico Estates and leading walking tours of Mimico and New Toronto. He writes and maintains blogs on the following aspects of the area’s history: History of the Town of Mimico; Mimico Beach Estates; Soldiers of the First World War (for Mimico, New Toronto and Humber Bay); and Lost Creeks of South Etobicoke. In addition, he maintains nine blogs for personal genealogy. He has written articles on Mimico’s history for the Etobicoke Life newspaper and wrote a chapter called “The Vanishing Creeks of Southern Etobicoke” for the 2008 book HTO: Toronto’s Water from Lake Iroquois to Lost Rivers to Low-flow Toilets.
Michael has served on the board of directors of the New Toronto Historical Society since its inception in 1999 and currently looks after their popular speaker program.
At the September 27th AGM, EHS presented Michael Harrison with the Jean Hibbert Memorial Award for 2012 for his outstanding contribution to historical awareness and preservation in the former City of Etobicoke.