Port Hope council honours Rod Stewart after Order of Canada appointment

Mayor Olena Hankivsky presents Port Hope resident Rod Stewart a commemorative plaque at council’s July meeting where Stewart was honoured locally following his appointment to the Order of Canada. /Municipality of Port Hope photo 

By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt

Port Hope trailblazer Rod Stewart continues to be recognized for his lifelong contribution to the preservation of historic plaster throughout North America and heritage revitalization efforts close to home.

Earlier this year, on June 26, 2026, Gov.-Gen. Louise Arbour announced 61 new appointments and promotions to the Order of Canada, including Roderick “Rod” Milton Stewart, of Port Hope, Ont.

The Order of Canada is described as the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System, and to be invested into the order is considered one of the nation’s highest honours.

Recognition is reserved to honour people who make extraordinary contributions to the nation, according to the Governor General of Canada’s office.

More recently, at the Municipality of Port Hope level, Stewart was honoured by council in recognition of his appointment, with Mayor Olena Hankivsky presenting Stewart a commemorative plaque on behalf of the community on July 21.

“It is my great pleasure today to recognize one of our community’s own – Mr. Rod Stewart – on his recent appointment as a member of the Order of Canada,” Hankivsky told a full council chamber, which later erupted in roaring rounds of applause for Stewart’s plaque presentation.

He also received a standing ovation – and every single council member stood to shake his hand before he received his plaque.

“This prestigious recognition celebrates Rod’s contributions to architecture plaster conservation – a field in which he’s recognized as a leading expert across North America,” said Hankivsky. “Through his innovation, craftsmanship and dedication to preserving historic buildings, his work has helped protect irreplaceable pieces of our architectural heritage for future generations.”

For his Order of Canada appointment, the citation highlighted Stewart’s passion for architectural plaster conservation throughout his career.

“His products and methods have become industry standards across North America where he is known as a leading expert in this specialized field,” the citation reads. “His notable application of acrylic resins has extended the useful service life of plain face and decorative plaster in countless heritage buildings.”

And while Stewart’s work and expertise are recognized across North America, he’s also well-known at home for work on several prominent projects – from the transformation of the historic atmospheric Capitol Theatre to the restoration of the St. Lawrence Hotel and creation of the popular Furby House Books, to name just a few examples.

His fingerprints and work can be found throughout the downtown, with his conservation efforts dating back to the 70s along Walton Street and then again after the “Great Flood.”

“Port Hope would be a greatly diminished heritage town were it not for Rod Stewart,” said the ACO, after Stewart received the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario James D. Stachan Award for Craft for his outstanding craftsmanship and expertise in conservation and restoration in 2023.

Stewart is also the founder of the Historic Plaster Conservation Services, and according to his HPCS bio, developed a passion for resolving plaster issues in the 1980s while working on Ontario Heritage Foundation-owned buildings. It was in 1988 when he formed the HPCS “to pursue opportunities in the very specific field of architectural plaster conservation.”

He’s since grown to become recognized as one of North America’s foremost experts on problems that afflict all types of plaster in historic buildings, HPCS states online. Among his lengthy list of achievements, he’s also credited with inventing and developing many application tools and products, with all of them designed to improve the efficacy of plaster treatment programs, and he’s penned several research papers.

And he hasn’t been on this journey alone, noted Hankivsky.

“Of course, his accomplishments would not have been possible without the steady help and contribution of his talented wife Masumi Suzuki … (who is also attached to HPCS Canada in the research and development department.)

“As residents of Port Hope, we are especially proud that this power couple … has made such a significant impact nationally and internationally (and) also helped shape and preserve the heritage of our own community,” continued Hankivsky. “Through their work to conserve local landmarks, including the Capitol Theatre, Wesleyville Church, and the historic Opera House currently undergoing restoration, and many other heritage buildings, Rod and Masumi … have played an important role in preserving the character and history that make Port Hope so special.

“Rod’s appointment reminds us (that) extraordinary achievements often begin in our communities. His passion, expertise and commitment to conservation serve as an inspiration to others and exemplify the excellence recognized by the Order of Canada.”

Hankivsky called Stewart’s appointment “a well-deserved honour.”

“We’re incredibly proud of your accomplishments and grateful for all that you’ve done to preserve our shared heritage and for all that you will do in the future as well.”

On Sept. 1, at the Capitol Theatre, Stewart and Suzuki are teaming up with Rob Kempson, the theatre’s artistic director, for “A Historic Gem” special event.

“We are thrilled he is being honoured for his important work in historical conservation efforts,” said the theatre, after the Order of Canada announcement.

As part of the theatre’s “Behind-the-Scenes” event Sept. 1 at 7 p.m., “the legends behind the restoration and renovation of the Capitol Theatre share the history and relevancy of this unique cultural gem in our community,” reads the theatre’s event description.

“Rod and Masumi will share details about our heritage designation, what makes the Capitol a unique historical property, and how he gathered a group of volunteers to turn it into the dynamic facility that sits at the centre of arts and culture in Northumberland County,” said the theatre.