Patricia Colleen Wagner

Patricia “Pat” Wagner was a tireless researcher and avid champion for the preservation of historical landmarks in Waterloo Region.

A volunteer with local heritage committees, including Friends of Doon Heritage Crossroads, Heritage Kitchener, Friends of Joseph Schneider Haus, and North Waterloo Branch Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, testified to Pat’s interest in and advocacy for heritage properties and institutions.

She co-authored the Guide to Historical Resources in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo in 1989. Pat also made a major contribution to the Regional Heritage Planning Advisory Committee’s study of historical bridges. The study played a key role in refurbishing rather than replacing several bridges including the Hartman Bridge in New Hamburg and the Freeport Bridge in Kitchener.

Pat was an early advocate for the preservation of the Governor’s House and Gaol in downtown Kitchener. Along with her fellow activists, Pat helped protect the buildings from demolition, and promoted their re-use. She also took part in the creation of the Walled Garden in the former exercise yard of the gaol.

For her achievements, Pat was presented with the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation Award of Excellence (2003), Ontario Senior of the Year for Waterloo Region (2009), and the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement (2012). In 2019, the Mike & Pat Wagner Heritage Award, part of the City of Kitchener Great Places Awards, was created.

Photo courtesy of Tony Wagner