Georgetown BIA Manager Receives Heritage Award

February 19, 2007

Heritage Mississauga Members’ Choice Award 2007 Recipient – Kay Matthews

The Nomination Letter included the following information:

“Since settling in Streetsville in the 1980’s Kay Matthews has been a tireless supporter and promoter of numerous activities benefiting the local and wider Mississauga communities.

Initially, as Manager of the Streetsville Business Improvement Area, she quickly recognized that businesses should capitalise on the concentration of heritage properties in the area to create a unique shopping experience in the city. With her encouragement, properties were renovated and upgraded with heritage in mind. Advertising promotions and special events such as Canada Day celebrations she organized around the Cenotaph, raised the consciousness and pride of the populace in it heritage.

Kay became deeply involved with the planning and organization of the annual Bread and Honey Festival – an event initiated to commemorate Streetsville’s founders and generations of citizens who contributed to the growth and strength of the village.

In conjunction with the Streetsville Historical Society, Kay began leading walking tours of the village. She did extensive additional research of the properties and the participants on her walks greatly enjoyed her stories. The costume she wore when conducting these walks added an authentic touch and she continues to lead these tours each summer. Kay worked as the Events and Marketing Coordinator for Heritage Mississauga organising events and fundraising for its programmes.

Although her work has taken her in a variety of other directions, her commitment to heritage remains strong. In 2006, Mississauga’s Doors Open event focussed on Streetsville and Kay was instrumental in putting together all the historical information for it. Other tour guide leaders felt enthused and confident using Kay’s material for three different walking tours.

Even though her career has moved her through the Mississauga Arts Council and now to the Georgetown BIA, her dedication to the history and heritage of Mississauga is still very strong. Kay is a quintessential activist and we are fortunate that so much of her efforts have benefited the heritage community.”

Georgetown BIA Manager Receives Heritage Award

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