Conserving Our Heritage for Over 50 Years
ACO London encouraged and actively participated in the drive to designate outstanding heritage properties – starting with Eldon House in 1977. Since then, they helped to compile the City’s first Inventory of Heritage Resources which is continually being updated. ACO London also actively advocated for the eight Heritage Conservation Districts designated so far. The branch has produced five publications to date – and we participate in the research, recording, and archival conservation of the area’s architectural heritage resources.
ACO London continually monitored developments, acted to avert threats to the region’s heritage architecture, and informed the community on its potential to act and conserve our architectural resources whenever possible!
In an ongoing effort to make the community and visitors aware of the rich history contained in the buildings of the London area:
They organized events throughout the year including tours, speaker nights, and workshops, as well as signature annual fundraisers, the Geranium Heritage House Tour, and the annual Heritage Awards Gala presented in partnership with Heritage London Foundation.
They influenced public policy at municipal and provincial levels to help conserve and adapt heritage structures. They partnered with other community groups in programming and advocacy on built-heritage related issues such as sustainable development, smart city-building, homelessness, and affordable housing.
They encouraged young people’s interest in heritage conservation through the ACO London Heritage Scholarship, and they provided small grants to owners of heritage properties to help with their restorations.
Celebrating Our Heritage
ACO London loved to celebrate great people and great projects!
Since 2006, ACO London and Heritage London Foundation came together each year to jointly recognize individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation of London’s built heritage.
They celebrated these achievements with an annual Awards Gala with live music, good food, and great company!
Hang Out a Shingle
Own a heritage home and want to show your pride? ACO London’s Historical House Sign package included a sign featuring the name of the original owner and their occupation as well as the year of construction, and a print monograph including history of the home and its owners that was uncovered by our research team.
It was great glimpse into your neighbourhood's history and the cost was only $200.00 for non-members and $175.00 for members per municipal address. It made a great housewarming gift.
Above is a map of all the properties that received a Historical House Sign package, as researched and produced by our Historical House Sign committee members.