EVENT DATE: October 11, 2007
TOPIC: The Future of Kingston: Building on the Past for the Future

There is no better authority on the topic than Dr Osborne.  He has published extensively on the Kingston area.  He is now working on a new edition of his classic book “Kingston: Building on the Past for the Future”, which he co-authored in 1988.  He tells us of the successive phases of First Nations, French, and Loyalist settlement in this region.  He describes the evolution of the city with its commercial, military, and governmental roles in the past two centuries.  He adds a new theme: the search for a strategy to enhance Kingston’s economic and social viability, yet protecting its distinctive sense of place and enhancing its quality of life and ambience.

Professor Osborne is currently Past President of the Ontario Historical Society, a former President of the Kingston Historical Society, and serves on the boards of several heritage organisations.  He has taught at Queen’s University since 1967. He has also consulted for the National Capital Commission, Heritage Canada, Parks Canada, Canada Post and the National Film Board.