London Region
The Branch was founded July 14, 1966
The motivating issue for creating this ACO branch was the conservation of the Ridout Street buildings, known as London's first banking district. Only one building was demolished, thanks to the president of John Labatt Ltd that the buildings should be saved and repurposed. The Labatt Company agreed to pay for the restoration but unfortunately by the time this agreement was reached the Bank of Montreal building had been demolished.
First Walking Tour (house tour) - 1974
First named "Geranium Walk" - later the "Geranium Heritage House Tour" - because homes open to view are marked with red geraniums outside the building. Ticket includes a keepsake booklet describing the history of the area, a map and descriptions of streetscapes, and the interior and exterior of the homes open to tour. Afternoon refreshments are offered at public building included in the Tour.
Geranium Heritage House Tours have been held every year, each in a different historic neighbourhood, on the first Sunday afternoon in June attracting sell-out attendance of 500 visitors.
The Tours have encouraged people to appreciate London's architectural heritage, provide publicity for the branch, as well as being a flagship fundraiser.
Campaign to Preserve "Talbot Streetscape" 1982 - 1990
ACO London led the campaign to preserve a streetscape stretching across a block of important nineteenth century buildings in downtown London which had been bought by a developer. Two thousand people holding hands around the full block was evidence of support from the public but the campaign failed and the entire streetscape was demolished.
Brackets and Bargeboards - 1989
This book described nine walking tours, with many photographs, based on the first fourteen Geranium Tours. The book was made possible with a gift from the London Foundation and a grant from the Heritage Branch of the Ministry of Culture and Communications, along with the work of many members and friends of ACO London.
Inventory List of Designated Buildings - 1991
Several key branch members prepared the first Inventory List of buildings suitable for designation as a heritage building in the city, as per provincial legislation. The Stewardship Committee, a sub-committee to the London Advisory Committee on Heritage (LACH), oversees the Inventory List.
London Advisory Committee on Heritage - May 1, 1995 (replacement of LACAC)
A committee formed by, and reporting to, the Planning and Environment Committee, a standing committee of London City Council.
A representative of ACO London is appointed to LACH, a committee with many responsibilities related to heritage, including: recommending to City Council properties for heritage designation and preparing statements of heritage significance of these properties; commenting on Planning Department proposals related to heritage; assisting with preparation of Heritage Conservation Districts; making recommendations on preservation of natural heritage features.
