ACO St. Thomas Elgin Branch

11/03/2021

Though we have closed our local chapter, be believe strongly in the ongoing support for local efforts.

“Shut down by politicians last month, the idea of applying a heritage designation on much of the Lake Erie village of Port Stanley has flared back up as a citizens’ group pushes council to reconsider.

In a presentation to Central Elgin council, Dan Ross, president of the Port Stanley Village Association, urged officials to revive a new heritage conservation district plan and tighten policies to combat large-scale development.”

Shut down by politicians last month, the idea of applying a heritage designation on much of the Lake Erie village of Port Stanley has flared back up a...

29/07/2020

If there’s one thing this pandemic has taught us, it’s that there is much more to do in a summer; that new hobbies are out there to discover. With Phase 3 up and running, many are flocking back to their favourite bars and patios for some much needed T.L.C. with their B.F.F.’s. But if you’ve ...

15/07/2020

It's people, in addition to architecture or history, that make some meeting places worthy of heritage protection. Social values are now among the listing criteria, but many such places remain at risk.

28/06/2020

It was being billed as the 'largest one-day concrete pour in Southwestern Ontario history'

25/06/2020

ACO St. Thomas-Elgin members:

It’s that time of the year to renew your membership in the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. You can do so by visiting the ACO’s web site https://acontario.ca/ (Provincial office tab) or paying by cheque to: 401 Richmond St W suite 206, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8 ($35 individual, $40 household).

The executive of the St. Thomas-Elgin Branch has decided, after 11 years in operation, to close the branch and has recommended such to the provincial board. The fundamental issue was that membership in the executive was not being rejuvenated. I, for example, have been on the executive since the branch’s founding in 2009. Others are in a similar situation of increasingly fatigued dedication.

We feel that we’ve made a mark on heritage preservation in Elgin County and St. Thomas nonetheless. One need only consider various tours and walks - Aylmer, Vienna, Iona, West Elgin, St. Thomas (court house area, taverns and breweries, architecture of John Findlay).

We also succeeded in raising awareness of the need to preserve the Michigan Central Bridge, and promoted an awareness of achievements through an annual awards ceremony.

Regretfully, the executive made this decision. There are other means to support heritage preservation in our communities through municipal heritage committees, which exist in St. Thomas, Central Elgin and Dutton Dunwich. These need to be established in other communities as well.

Sincerely,

Laurence Grant
Past President

Jun 4 TODAY, June 4 at 4pm, ACO Pres. Kae Elgie will address the Ont. Legislature Standing Committee on Finance & Economi

31/05/2020

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William Shakespeare's Globe theater, the famous London playhouse where the playwright's shows were performed, faces permanent closure as a result of coronavirus lockdown measures, the theater and UK politicians have warned.

28/05/2020

09/04/2020

Firstly today, something that is NOT about that thing.Road construction in Sparta has unearthed a bit more of history in the historic Central Elgin community.Mike Baker, curator of Elgin County Mus…

23/01/2020

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After standing for more than 100 years, the Preston Springs Hotel could face the wrecking ball in July.

30/12/2019

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The Georgia mansion that inspired one of the homes in Gone With the Wind will be auctioned at the end of July 2019. Twelve Oaks is the name of the