The Places of the Next Great Save 2025

by Jessica Sadlowski  | Historic Building, House Museum/Homestead, National Trust Passport Place, Places of Faith, Theatre/Dance Hall

In Spring 2025, the National Trust for Canada with the support of Ecclesiastical Insurance hosted the Next Great Save competition. The competition was created to empower communities to save heritage places that matter by awarding prize money to put toward projects that adapt, renew or improve heritage places for the future

From a historic theatre to a 19th-century ranch, this year’s finalists are all cultural landmarks in Canada’s rich history. The finalists have proposed innovative projects to transform historic places to better serve their modern communities, including initiatives to advance belonging, public engagement, and climate adaptation. Learn more about our finalists below!  

Places

Tam Kung Temple

Victoria, British Columbia

Tam Kung Temple, located in Victoria’s historic Chinatown, came in second place in the Next Great Save 2025! Established in 1876, it is Canada’s oldest Chinese temple.

The Grand Theatre is a community hub in Indian Head, SK. Throughout the year, The Grand Theatre hosts movies, live theatre, concert, art exhibits, youth programming and various workshops.  They hope to continue to be a pillar of their community for many years to come.

Sharon Assembly Church

Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

Sharon Assembly Church finished in third place in the Next Great Save 2025. It held its first service in 1877 and was attended by members of the Black community in Yarmouth.

Willowbank helps protect heritage and history by operating as a school for heritage conservation.

Battle Harbour Marconi Towers

Battle Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador

The Marconi Towers are believed to be the last paired Marconi towers in the world, and a testament to technology and communication history.

Empyrean Cemetery

Alberta

The Empyrean Cemetery is a historic Black burial ground and was once the heart of Alberta’s first Black community. Recently, 48 graves were rediscovered using ground penetrating radar (GPR). 

O’Keefe Ranch

Vernon, British Columbia

The winner of the Next Great Save 2025, O’Keefe Ranch documents the history of early ranching in British Columbia.

Maison Doucet Hennessy House

Bathurst, New Brunswick

This cherished local historic site was originally built by Acadian refugee Charles Doucet Sr. in the early 19th century. They have been working to restore the building.

St. Mark’s Church

Newfoundland and Labrador

This 1926 church is a focal point in Bareneed with big plans to transform into a new museum space.

St. Sylvester’s Church

Nipigon, Ontario

Completed in 1877, St, Sylvester’s Church is an important gathering place for the community.

Hourie House

Portage La Prairie, Manitoba

Built in 1890, the Hourie House is now located at Fort la Reine – moved from its original location in High Bluff, MB to Portage la Prairie in 1977.

Dove Brook Church

Dove Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador

The Dove Brook Church is located in Sandwich Bay, Newfoundland and competed in the Next Great Save!

Road Map

Victoria, British Columbia to Dove Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador

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