NEWS RELEASE
ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVANCY OF ONTARIO - COLLINGWOOD
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The local branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario - ACO Collingwood, is reaching out to members of our community interested in the preservation of our built heritage.
The Collingwood branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario was formed in 2008 during a time when local heritage buildings were under threat. Over the years the group's advocacy has played a significant role in saving a number of important buildings from demolition including the Tremont, the Connaught School, and the Victoria Annex, to name a few. Additionally, ACO played a role in supporting a number of positive initiatives to enhance heritage restoration in the community. Some of this work has been done as an ongoing advisory member of the Heritage Advisory Committee for the Town of Collingwood.
Most recently ACO Collingwood advocated for significant improvements to the new official plan regarding downtown building heights and heritage protections. The issue of taller buildings in the heritage district will likely come to the forefront again in the near future as town staff and council consider a review of the heritage district guidelines and heights.
Another Collingwood landmark, the Terminals building, may see major changes and possibly the loss of some of its heritage features – including its iconic silhouette.
According to Margaret Mooy, ACO Collingwood branch president, the Terminals are recognized as the most important industrial site in the Heritage Conservation District. The history of the buildings should be recognized through an adaptive reuse restoration as well as incorporating input from the community.
Collingwood is one of 16 ACO branches across Ontario. The support that this provincial organization brings to local advocacy is very important. It's also noteworthy that the provincial arm of ACO works with provincial and federal levels of government to improve protections for our built and landscape heritage.
After 17 years of work in the community, ACO Collingwood is reaching out to find new volunteers to strengthen and expand the local branch. This is vital if we wish to see ACO Collingwood continue its important work. The job is ongoing, as development pressure continues to put at risk our historic downtown.
If you are able to support, either as a volunteer or as a contributor, please contact ACO Collingwood for further information by email at [email protected].
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