Simcoe County
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History: As a result of unsuccessful campaigns to save two old stone settlers' farmhouses from the 1850s, a small group of Innisfil residents decided that joining the ACO might well help in the struggle to prevent other such important sites from further demolition. (Ironically, even as the March 28th. London Council meeting was taking place, another Victorian century farmhouse was being destroyed (See picture)). An organizational meeting was held in Barrie on March 2nd. 2009, and the Simcoe County Branch was formally recognized at the London Council meeting on March 28th. 2009. Simcoe County encompasses a vast area between Lake Simcoe on the east and Georgian Bay on the west, and from the northern boundary of Peel on the south to the fringes of Muskoka on the north. The area is largely dominated by farming communities, with Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Penetanguishene and Midland being the major urban conglomerations. Early settlers in the 1820s and 1830s travelled up the Holland River and across Lake Simcoe to set up farms, initially along the shores of Lake Simcoe, but later spreading inland. Consequently, many of the oldest buildings in the area are farmhouses set amidst their initial 200 acre lots. One major concern is the looseness of Provincial legislation regarding the demolition of farm buildings - the very buildings that are our major legacy. We are continuing to push for changes in this legislation. Farming communities, in South Simcoe particularly, are suffering from the huge influx of population mandated by the Provincial government, and the consequent need for more housing and jobs. This has placed many older farmhoses and landscapes in jeopardy, particularly those nearer the shores of Lake Simcoe. Our aims are to: - educate local politicians and the public in general about our heritage, how to preserve it, and to recognize the educational and economic benefits that accrue from doing so. - use the news media on a regular basis to present pictures of important buildings in the area and to explain their significance. - lobby politicians to revamp and strengthen current regulations relating to farm structures. - encourage restoration and re-use of farm buildings where they may be in the path of development. - bring in further representation from across Simcoe County to highlight broader concerns. At present there are at least three ongoing disputes over heritage buildings in Simcoe County: The Allandale train station in Barrie The Prince of Wales school house in Barrie The Simcoe House Hotel in Hillsdale The Barclay House - stone farmhouse from the 1860s, zoned commercial - presently for sale Contact: |
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