London Region
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History: The Branch was founded July 14, 1966 The motivating issue for creating an ACO Branch was the preservation of the Ridout Street buildings, known as London’s “first banking district”. Only one building was lost, thanks to convincing the president of John Labatt Ltd that the buildings should be preserved. The Labatt Company agreed to pay for the restoration but unfortunately by the time this agreement was reached the Bank of Montreal building had been demolished. First Walking Tour (house tour), 1974 First named “Geranium Walk”, later “Geranium Heritage House Tour” because homes open to view are marked with a red geranium in a pot stand outside the building. The price of a ticket includes a brochure, considered quite a keepsake, describing the history of the area, a map and descriptions of streetscapes and the interior and exterior of six to nine homes open to view. Afternoon refreshments are offered at a Church included in the Tour. Similar tours have been held annually, each in a different area of the city, planned for walking, to appreciate the streetscapes and always on the first Sunday afternoon in June, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.. An average of 500 people attend these tours. The Tours have encouraged people to appreciate their architectural heritage, provide publicity for the Branch, as well as being a chief source of funds. Campaign to Preserve “Talbot Streetscape”, 1982 - 1990 The Branch led the campaign to preserve a streetscape stretching across a block of important nineteenth century buildings in downtown London, which had been bought by a developer. Two thousand people holding hands around the full block was evidence of support from the public but the campaign failed and the complete streetscape was demolished. Book published, Brackets and Bargeboards 1989 This book described nine walking tours, with many photographs, based on the first fourteen Geranium Walks. The book was made possible with a gift from the London Foundation and a Grant from the Heritage Branch of the Ministry of Culture and Communications, along with the work of many members and friends of ACO London Region Branch. Inventory List of “Designated Buildings” 1991 - Several key Branch members prepared the first Inventory List of buildings suitable for “designation” as a heritage building in the city, as per provincial legislation. The Stewardship Committee, sub-committee to LACH, oversees the Inventory List now. London Advisory Committee on Heritage (LACH), May 1, 1995 (replacement of LACAC) A committee formed by, and reporting to, the London City Council. A representative of the ACO Branch is appointed to LACH, a committee with many responsibilities related to heritage, including, recommending to City Council properties for heritage designation and preparing statements of heritage significance of these properties; commenting on Planning Department proposals related to heritage; assisting with preparation of Heritage Conservation Districts; making recommendations on preservation of natural heritage features. Website: http://www.acolondon.ca Contact: |
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President: Vice President: Membership Chair: |
Buildings at Risk
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