Patrick
Winchur

Heritage Planner

Patrick Winchur, Heritage Planner with NPG Planning Solutions, is passionate about the history and heritage of the province he calls home. NPG is delighted to have him complement our planning team, particularly NPG’s heritage division.

Patrick previously worked as a field technician with an archaeological consultancy firm, as an assistant archaeologist at the Ontario Heritage Trust, and as an archaeological laboratory assistant at the University of Toronto.

These experiences have shaped his understanding of cultural heritage in the province, existing and expected challenges in the industry, and methods of best practice to preserve and present cultural heritage for all to enjoy.

Laying the foundations for his cultural heritage-related work, Patrick graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts (High Distinction) from the University of Toronto, double-majoring in Archaeology and Anthropology. He later graduated with his Master of Science (Distinction) in Conflict Archaeology & Heritage from the University of Glasgow.

Researching two munitions factories that operated in southern Ontario during the Second World War, Patrick presented the history and heritage value of these sites through an archaeological lens in his Master of Science dissertation titled Canadian Small Arms Industry During the Second World War: The Archaeology of Small Arms Ltd. and John Inglis & Co. Hundreds of primary source materials, from blueprints to financial records, were located in archives and libraries at the municipal, provincial and federal levels, and later utilized to present a thorough understanding of heritage he is especially interested in.

Patrick is excited to be a part of the NPG team. He strives to apply his research, writing and analytical skills to help conserve cultural heritage in Ontario, and is committed to positively shaping the communities with whom he works.

Outside of work, Patrick enjoys spending time oil painting, reading historical non-fiction and fiction, cooking, golfing with friends, and volunteering at local military museums.