Written by: RETROactive staff
We are pleased to invite you to the third instalment of the RETROactive Live Alberta Heritage Speaker Series. This online webinar will be presented by Heritage Conservation Advisor Fraser Shaw, as he explores the world of windows. Specifically, their contribution to the heritage value of a place, as well as considerations for building functionality, comfort and overall performance.
Historic buildings help shape community identity and continuity. Their value lies not only in age, but in design, craftsmanship, and the cultural meanings they embody. Heritage conservation focuses on identifying and protecting features or “character-defining elements” that convey this value while allowing buildings to remain in active use. Decisions are guided by an understanding of what makes a place significant and how those important qualities can be maintained over time.
Windows are among the most prominent of these character-defining elements. They strongly influence a building’s appearance through their placement, proportions, and detailing, while also serving essential functional roles. They are consequently often a focal point for concerns about comfort, energy efficiency, and maintenance. While historic windows are sometimes assumed to perform poorly, their effectiveness depends critically on condition and upkeep — and they represent only one aspect of overall building performance.
Historic window conservation requires a balanced, case-by-case approach. Many common issues are attributable to deferred maintenance and can be addressed through repair or modest upgrades, such as weatherstripping or storm windows. Replacement may be appropriate in some circumstances, but it is not always necessary or optimal. Effective decision-making prioritizes long-term outcomes, retaining historic material where feasible while meeting contemporary performance needs.
May 27, 2026
7 p.m. – 8 p.m. MST
Registration link
RETROactive 