Plans are underway to give more protection to the historic buildings and landscape in Prince Edward County.
There’s a concern about the county heritage embodied in historic buildings and landscapes because of unprecedented development in towns and along the shorelines.
There is also the challenge of the increasing cost of maintaining older properties.
The plan now is to launch a county branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario.
Interim President Liz Driver tells Quinte News the community was upset when two historic homes were demolished inside Sandbanks Park.
Driver adds, “”The purpose of having a branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario is to be organized to have a group of people who care about these things and who can come together when needed.”
“On the whole people do really care about their historic buildings and landscape and do their very best but there are as I say a lot of challenges. One thing is even the cost of maintaining old buildings.”
Driver said, “Everybody has a part to play in the protection of heritage. Whether it’s the municipality through the advisory committee or all of our groups in Prince Edward County.”
She notes “There have been some setbacks like the demolition of two heritage homes at the Sandbanks Provincial Park in September 2021.”
“…ACO’s mission is to encourage the conservation and reuse of structures, districts and landscapes of architectural, historic and cultural significance, to inspire and benefit Ontarians.”
A virtual launch event will take place Thursday, February 24 at 1 p.m.
The keynote speaker is Diane Chin of Cobourg, president of the provincial organization.
Chin has served as chair of ACO Cobourg and East Northumberland.
Most recently, Chin was involved in establishing an agreement with Ontario Heritage Trust to open Barnum House, which is the founding property for ACO.
Barnum House is now being used by ACO and the community.
Chin is also Chair of the Victoria Hall Volunteers in Cobourg.
To join ACO Prince Edward County visit: https://www.acontario.ca/branch.php?b_id=45
For more information you can contact Driver at liz.driver@sympatico.ca
