North Waterloo Region
 |
History: The North Waterloo Region Branch has existed since 1980, serving the north area of Waterloo Region, including the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, and the townships of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot The objectives of the North Waterloo Region Branch are in keeping with those of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. They include promoting the preservation of buildings of architectural and/or historic importance, holding events such as workshops and tours to stimulate interest in the built and natural heritage of our area, and publishing literature of interest about our organization and the community at large. The Branch fulfills these objectives through workshops, the Branch Newsletter and the provincial ACO journal ACORN as well as by participating in provincial ACO meetings and working with other heritage groups with similar goals. The executive of the Branch has followed developments of new heritage conservation districts in our communities, issues concerning downtown redevelopment, and the impact of a light rail system on built and natural heritage. Through the development of better communications with the various levels of government, the Branch, along with other heritage groups, expects to be able to offer comment on proposals affecting heritage structures and landscapes. Photograph [left]: Pioneer Tower (National Historic Site), 300 Lookout Lane, Kitchener, Region of Waterloo The following is the Board (Executive) for 2010 - 2011 President & ACO Council Representative; BRIAN DIETRICH; Vice-President - TIM WILLCOX; Treasurer - KAE ELGIE; Secretary, newsletter editor - JOHN ARNDT; Membership - JOYCE ARNDT; WRHF Representative - PATTY CLARKE; Social Convenor - LINDA KELLAR; Members at Large - CLAIRE BENNETT; MARG ROWELL Photograph [below] Outgoing Branch President, John Arndt, is assisted by ACO President, Lloyd Alter, in the cutting of the 30th anniversary cake, as Past Presidents - Joyce Arndt, Dr. Herb Whitney, Marg Rowell, and Bob Rowell - look on. The anniversary celebration took place on May 6, 2010 at the Rockway Centre in Kitchener. Thank you, Philippe Elsworthy for this photo. Contact: |
|
President: Vice President: Communications Contact: Membership Chair: |
 |
Events
DOORS OPEN WATERLOO REGION
September 18, 2010
DOORS OPEN WATERLOO REGION will be held on Saturday September 18, 2010. The special theme for 2010 is "Made in Waterloo Region." Most sites will be open from 10 am to 5 pm.
For more information go to www.region.waterloo.on.ca/doorsopen or contact doorsopen@region.waterloo.on.ca.
News
NORTH WATERLOO REGION BRANCH CELEBRATES 30 YEARS!
President's thoughts to the membership at the Branch AGM May 6, 2010, held at the Rockway Centre, Kitchener
It’s hard to believe that 30 years have gone by. I remember the 25th anniversary and the 20th; just barely the 10th. But there are some here that were here from the beginning. Marg Rowell has written that the formation of the Branch took place on March 1980 at the Rowell’s home. There were two people at this meeting who must be mention tonight. They were representatives from Heritage Cambridge - Katherine Hebblethwaite and Pat Rosebrugh. Our Branch was very appreciative of their assistance at this time. The first president in 1980 was Jeff Weller ; Peggy Brooker was the secretary; Christopher Moore was the Treasurer; and Marg Rowell was program and membership secretary. In addition to these officers the executive consisted of Murray Haight, Ron & Wendy Cascaden, Bev & Peter Grierson, Joye Krauel, Sandy Dare, and Rick Martin.
The following presidents have served over the years: Jeff Weller, Bob Rowell, Marg Rowell, Joyce Arndt, Herb Whitney, Pat McKegney, and Joye Krauel. These are our pioneers.
As a Branch of ACO, we are not alone. Thank goodness! The North Waterloo Region Branch is one of more than 20 branches of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. And it is a growing organization with branches spreading out throughout Ontario. Branches are formed for a variety of reasons, but more often than not, they are formed out of community crisis, possibly a threat to a precious bit of heritage. It doesn’t take too long for supporters to come together in an attempt to save that which may soon be lost. Here are some examples - St. Thomas ACO formed due to the neglect of Alma College by its owner, the municipality and province. ; Brantford ACO formed recently because of the very real threat of demolition to a block of 19th century buildings on Colborne Street. Stratford ACO formed by the threat (among other issues) to the rail yard works. And these are only three recently formed branches. Every Branch has its own story – including ours.
Waterloo Region is fortunate to have two ACO Branches – our Branch –the North Waterloo Region - and Heritage Cambridge to the south of us. We all share the same goals. Our objectives are to promote the preservation of buildings of architectural and/or historic importance, to hold events such as workshops and tours to stimulate interest in local built and natural heritage, and to publish literature about the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario and its goals. In planning many of these programs, we have the larger community in mind and co-operate with other history and heritage related organizations.
John Arndt, President NWRB-ACO, 2007-2010
Galleries
 |
PLAQUE UNVEILING CEREMONY FOR THE DAVID B. EBY HOUSE, 78 ERB STREET EAST, WATERLOO - SUNDAY NOVEMBER 22, 2009 November 25, 2009 North Waterloo Region The house at 78 Erb Street East in Waterloo was built by David B. Eby, who was born in 1827 to David Eby and Elizabeth Bechtel. they were early Mennonite emigrants who left Pennsyvannia for Waterloo in 1807. After retiring from farming and moving into the town of Waterloo in 1885, David B. bought land in what is known as the Erb/Tweed streets area. The house was built in 1886. The house is of Italianate design similar in design to other houses of well-to-do citizens of Waterloo at the time. The house has a frame tail and frame garage that would have been a drive shed the the horse and buggy. |
 |
Pioneer Tower, 300 Lookout Lane, Kitchener, Waterloo Region October 24, 2009 North Waterloo Region The Doon Pioneer Tower is a National Historic Site, administered by Parks Canada. It is located at 300 Lookout Lane in Kitchener (Region of Waterloo), and can be reached from the Pioneer Tower Road, west from Highway 8 about one kilometre north of Highway 401. The Tower was erected on one acre of land located on the old Betzner homestead, chosen in part because of the existence of the old pioneer graveyard. It was built by the Waterloo County Pioneers' Association, formed in 1923, as a memorial to the early Mennonite-German pioneers, who migrated to the area in 1800. The monument is constructed of field stones in a Swiss style. Constructed in 1925-26, the Tower was designed by Toronto based architect William Langton. |
 |
Wonderful Designated Modernist Structure turned into a "CRAPPY JOINT" June 14, 2009 North Waterloo Region On March 17, 2008, Kitchener City Council voted to designate a former down town TD Bank building located at 70 King Street at the corner of Frederick and King streets. The building designed by the Toronto architect, Bruce A. Etherington ([as Cathy Naismith says “a hugely under-rated architect”) has been listed on Heritage Kitchener’s Inventory is considered by the city’s heritage planning staff to be one of the best examples of modern architecture in the region. Built in 1959, this modernist building has a flow motion due to few right angles and metal fins along the windows, and also exhibits solidarity and tradition through the use of marble and limestone at its base. The building now has a tenant – a Crabby Joes restaurant. You be the judge as to whether or not the exterior has been improved or desecrated. |
