Preserving the Past, Enriching the Present: Sylvia Leigh’s Commitment to Community

For more than three decades, Sylvia Leigh has called Kincardine home, and in that time she has become one of the many quiet champions who help make our community such a special place to live.

Sylvia and her husband moved their young family to Kincardine 32 years ago, drawn by an opportunity to join a local partnership and by a lifelong love of Lake Huron.

Having spent childhood summers connected to Huron County, the chance to settle beside the lake was one they eagerly embraced. Sylvia went on to spend 30

years teaching, primarily at Huron Heights Public School, building connections with generations of local families.

Community involvement has always been part of Sylvia’s life. Inspired by parents and relatives who modeled service and volunteerism, she became actively involved in Home and School Associations throughout her children’s school years. After retirement, her attention turned to another local treasure: the Walker House Museum.

Today, Sylvia is a dedicated volunteer with both the Walker House and Heritage Kincardine. Her passion for preserving local history stems from a lifelong appreciation for the stories and architecture that define a community. As the owner of a heritage home herself, she sees supporting local heritage as a meaningful way to honour Kincardine’s past.

When asked what she enjoys most about the Walker House, Sylvia is quick to credit the people. She speaks enthusiastically about the museum’s dedicated board members, volunteers, summer students, and curator Lydia Treidlinger, whose collective efforts keep the historic site vibrant and thriving. Together, they continue to expand programming, exhibits, events, and educational opportunities for the community.

Sylvia is particularly fascinated by Kincardine’s industrial history. While many know the town for its beautiful shoreline and Scottish traditions, she points to its rich manufacturing legacy, from world-class salt mining and furniture production to brickmaking, barrel manufacturing, and agriculture.

One of her favourite annual events is the Walker House Heritage Dinner and Play, a celebration of local history, music, theatre, and community spirit that also serves as an important fundraiser.

Reflecting on Kincardine today, Sylvia is proud of how the community has embraced its strengths while remaining welcoming and connected. Her advice to prospective volunteers is simple: explore opportunities, find the right fit, and keep trying. “Kincardine needs you,” she says.

And when it comes to the future, Sylvia remains optimistic. Through her years as an educator and volunteer, she has met countless young people who care deeply about their community. In her words, “We are in good hands.”