Mr. Muirhead helped to create a private Heritage Act for the City of Kingston, which was the first attempt at heritage legislation in Ontario. Even though the legislation failed, it was used as a basis for the Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act of 1975, which applies to designation of buildings of historic or architectural value throughout Ontario. He was instrumental in the formation of the Frontenac Historic Foundation (now known as the Frontenac Heritage Foundation), the creation of the Local Architectural Conservation and Advisory Committee (now known as the Municipal Heritage Committee), and the compilation of an inventory of buildings of architectural and historic interest that resulted in the publication of six published volumes of designated properties from the City of Kingston. For many years, he chaired the committee that recommended the recipients of the annual Renovation and Restoration Awards presented by the Frontenac Heritage Foundation. These awards have acknowledged the many property owners, architects, and contractors who have worked to preserve particular heritage buildings in the Kingston area.

Former mayors Helen Cooper and George Speal supported the nomination made by the Frontenac Heritage Foundations. Helen Cooper noted that: “'George has always recognized the critical importance of Kingston's architecture not only for its intrinsic aesthetic value but also as an incalculable economic resource. George's great contribution to the City of Kingston was his recognition of the importance of a vital downtown core, understanding that the downtown commercial architecture was an essential component of that vitality. Through his efforts it became socially unacceptable to demolish important buildings.” Recalling Mr. Muirhead's inspirational leadership, Mr. Speal added: “George Muirhead made, and continue to make, a significant contribution to the preservation of the heritage of this community. He was instrumental in preserving the historical importance of Sydenham Ward and the village of Portsmouth.”

A Kingston optician also celebrated the encouraging atmosphere toward renovation of heritage properties in downtown Kingston created by Mr. Muirhead. Speaking about the stone building from the early 1840s on King Street that came to house his business, Mark F. Raymond recalled: “Acquiring the building in poor condition was a frightening proposition. The courage to take this step was through George Muirhead and the Frontenac Historic Foundation and the preservation attitude fostered by him at City Hall. I watched him guide by-laws that encouraged heritage preservation and enkindle the belief that it was economically feasible to restore old buildings. He provided information and assistance on how to create second storey residential units and to restore facades. He enkindled in me and others the confidence and enthusiasm to tackle restoration projects, in an era of demolish and build new 'urban renewal'”.

According to Douglas Franklin, Director of Policy and Programs, Heritage Canada: “The Gabrielle Leger Award is Canada's premier honour to an individual in the heritage field. It recognizes those individuals who have contributed outstanding services to the nation in the cause of heritage conservation. The award consists of a bronze medal and an inscribed certificate. This award will be presented to George on September 16, 2005 by the Lieutenant-Governor of Saskatchewan at the annual Heritage Canada Conference in Regina.”

The Frontenac Heritage Foundation will host the local recognition of George Muirhead receipt of the Gabrielle Léger Award at the twenty-third annual presentation of its Renovation and Restoration Awards to be held on October 16, 2005 at the Providence Manor. In 2004 they recognized valuable contributions in helping to preserve the heritage buildings of Kingston and Frontenac County with its rare Lifetime Achievement Award. Paul Christianson, President of the Frontenac Heritage Foundation, reported that: “The members and Board of Directors of the Frontenac Heritage Foundation are proud to congratulate George Muirhead for the well deserved recognition that the Gabrielle Léger Award bestows on him for his great contributions to heritage in the Kingston area. We are also pleased that George has assured us that he will continue to help with the annual Renovation and Restoration Awards by assessing nominations and writing commendations for successful projects.”