Canada's heritage sector faces a perfect storm of pressures. Heritage places are increasingly threatened by fast-tracked development, deregulation, and housing demands, even as rising cultural nationalism highlights their vital role in Canadian identity and economic resilience. At the same time, the sector is advancing reconciliation, addressing inequities in practice, and leading on climate action.

Heritage Futures, the National Trust Conference 2026, is Canada's largest heritage learning and networking event, convening 500+ professionals, policymakers, industry and NGO leaders, academics, students, and volunteers for a dynamic, cross-sector conversation. Presented with the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals and the Indigenous Heritage Circle, the program explores four themes: Housing Creation & Building Reuse; Re-Storying and Reclaiming Heritage; Retooling the Heritage System; and Craft, Tech, and Teaching. Join the conversation, October 22-24, 2026, in Waterloo Region.