GOVERNANCE
Structure: A Network of Local Branches
Since its founding in 1933 the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario has evolved to facilitate local action backed by the strength of a province-wide organization.
We are a charitable organization operating through a province-wide network of autonomous local branches linked together electronically through a small coordinating office in Toronto, and governed by a Board of Directors and Provincial Council.
Branches
Because it is important to have ongoing local monitoring to keep heritage emergencies from developing we encourage the establishment of local branches in as many communities as possible. Each branch has its own Board of Directors and its own accounts to manage local affairs.
For the most part, branches operate independently, focusing on local issues and programming opportunities, and recruiting and supporting local members.
Typical branch activities
- Advocacy for threatened heritage properties
- Owning Heritage Property such as Walkerton's Victoria Jubilee Hall
- Lecture series
- Publishing a local newsletter
- Restoring heritage properties
- Doors Open
- Managing revolving funds for heritage restoration projects
- Fundraising events, such as Port Hope's annual house tour and Cobourg's Moveable Feast
- Awards programs
- Walking tours, boat and bus tours
- Heritage photo competitions
- Antique auctions
- Heritage Highlights for television
Provincial Council
Policies affecting the province-wide organization are set by Provincial Council, which is made up of the Provincial Executive, and representatives (one per branch) of the individual branches. Our provincial Council meets four times per year, twice in Toronto, twice in branch locations. These meetings generally include an opportunity to share information about emerging issues, and a chance to take advantage of the experience of other branches in managing similar situations. Often these emerging issues set the province-wide advocacy agenda.
Provincial Executive
Between Council meetings the business of the organization is managed by the Provincial Executive, including:
- Managing the provincial office and its programs
- Government relations, liaison with the Government of Ontario on matters of province-wide importance
- Co-ordination of the ACO's role in the annual Ontario Heritage Conference
- Setting up new branches
- Province-wide Award Program
- Annual Fundraising Dinner
Provincial Coordinating Office
The provincial office has a small part time staff which co-ordinates province-wide activities, and provides general management. It is supported through Branch contributions, sponsorships, an operating grant from the Ministry of Culture, private donations as well as separate fundraising efforts. Activities Include:
- Provision of insurance (both general and director's), event insurance,
- Printing and distribution of brochures,
- Preparing the organizations tax returns, and
- Supervising the issuing of charitable tax receipts
- Liaison with branches
- Organizing meetings
- Creating and circulating the ACO's journal ACORN twice a year to all members
- Maintains the website, and
- Manages the PreservationWorks! and
- Buildings at Risk Programs (formerly H.A.L.P).
Province-Wide Programs and Activities
- PreservationWorks! Using professionals who volunteer their time provides advice on a wide range of built heritage and conservation projects at modest cost to property owners, heritage organizations and citizen's groups across Ontario.
- Buildings At Risk, including our Heritage Property for Sale service publicizes properties at risk and connects prospective purchasers with heritage properties.
- ACORN Search provides reprints of articles on specific topics to provide a wide range of examples for use in negotiations.
- Annual Awards/Fundraising Dinner: Held in November in Toronto offers a chance to socialize with other members and applaud outstanding effort.
- Awards: Three awards are being given this year, the Peter Stokes Award for heritage conservation, The Eric Arthur Award, and the A. K. Sculthorpe Award. For information on how to send in a nomination download ______
- Annual Conference: The Conservancy co-hosts with Community Heritage Ontario and the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals, the annual Ontario Heritage Conference on issues of province-wide interest, such as adaptive re-use of at-risk schools and churches; town halls and market squares; vernacular architecture in Ontario; main streets; preserving industrial architecture in Ontario; and others.
For information on how to send in a nomination e-mail info@arconserv.ca
Membership
All members receive Acorn twice a year, as well as being able to participate in the activities, both local and provincial of the ACO.
As it costs the provincial office more than the membership fee received to support members, donations above the membership fee are encouraged, and gratefully received.
Membership term/Renewal
Memberships run from January 1st to December 31st. New memberships received after September 1st receive a courtesy membership for the last months of the year and renew at the end of the following year.
Membership is offered in several categories:
Branch Membership:
Is for those wanting to support the work of their local branch. The membership fee is split between the branch and the provincial office. Additional donations can be made to either the local branch or the provincial office.
Provincial Membership:
Is offered for those with an interest in province-wide matters, or who do not have a branch nearby. The full amount of the membership goes to support the provincial office activities.
Life Membership:
Is occasionally awarded as a special honour to long-standing members or for generous support of the organization.
Meetings
Executive:
The Provincial Executive meets monthly, except in July, August and December.
Provincial Council:
Provincial Council, which includes the Provincial Executive, meets four times a year, on Saturdays from 10:00 – 2:00. February, April, September and November.
Annual General Meeting:
The annual general meeting takes place at the Ontario Heritage Conference, held in May or June.
Travel:
While Board travel expenses are reimbursable, it has become the custom for Board members to donate the cost of their travel to the organization.
Elections
For branches and provincial executive are held annually, with officers serving two years terms.
