Cobourg
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History: The ACO Cobourg Branch was established in 1998 to counter pressure to demolish some of the oldest and most distinctive buildings in Cobourg. Upper Canada Academy was built in Cobourg in 1832, later to become Victoria College and subsequently Victoria University. In 1842 Charles Dickens described Cobourg as “a cheerful, thriving little town”. Victoria Hall was completed in 1860 and opened by the Prince of Wales who named it to honour his mother. Restored in the 1970s it remains one of Canada’s foremost public buildings. The town became prosperous in the mid 19th century and residents were able to build both modest and substantial homes. American industrialists began to build magnificent summer homes in Cobourg and the ‘American Colony’ era lasted until the 1930s. On August 3, 1894 the Toronto Globe wrote “ No town in Ontario of the same size contains so many beautiful residences as does Cobourg”. In the 1960s demolition of Cobourg’s architectural treasures became a concern and the Cobourg Heritage Association was established. In the 1990s another wave of destruction of heritage buildings in Cobourg lead to the formation of the Cobourg Branch of the ACO. Despite the town’s fine heritage most people when asked about the features of Cobourg would mention its transportation advantages (Highway 401, VIA Rail, CP and CN rail), its industry, its marina and beach, and perhaps its theatre groups and film festival. Heritage buildings may also be the reason why visitors and residents come to Cobourg but they are relatively underappreciated. The ACO Cobourg Branch has therefore focused on education, outreach and awareness building. The branch puts on and publishes lectures, walking tours, tours to other towns, displays, posters, postcards, notelets and newsletters. In 1999 the branch established the ACO Cobourg Heritage Fund which gives grants for restoration work and was gratified that the Town of Cobourg followed this by creating a heritage loan program. ACO Cobourg has raised funds through a Moveable Feast which provides an opportunity for guests to dine in interesting homes in Cobourg and surrounding district. Lobbying the municipality to preserve and designate buildings is an ongoing activity and the ACO has regular contact with Cobourg LACAC. ACO Cobourg has partnered with local architects to develop a digital imaging program of Cobourg’s historic downtown. This imaging program was featured at the 2006 Heritage Canada Foundation conference and is unique in its affordability and ability to be created on PC computers. The program has been well received by the municipality and affords the opportunity to demonstrate publicly the potential effects of architectural and planning decisions. An example may be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2EMYok5CFE Contact: |
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President: Vice President: Communications Contact: Membership Chair: |
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