MEDIA RELEASE
ACO develops win/win compromise for Mountain View Hotel
The Collingwood Branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario is raising concerns regarding the future of the Mountain View (Globe) Hotel.
Collingwood, Ontario, July 18, 2012
A preliminary review of the impact of destruction of the historic Globe Hotel building has been completed by the Collingwood chapter of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, and suggests there is a compromise that would bring significant economic benefits to the Town, at the same time save an important historical building.
“A more complete economic analysis of Town of Collingwood options ought to be undertaken before tearing down the waterfront building which housed the former Mountain View Hotel,” study results reveal.
Unquestionably this is one of Collingwood’s most important historical buildings. It is the first brick commercial building and the oldest brick building remaining on the main street. Its position at the terminus of Hurontario Street speaks to the long history of the overland trade route between Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay. There has been discussion about the demolition of the building in order to widen the street, but there is a compromise available that would accommodate the heritage responsibility of our generation as well as the needs of the town. Research has indicated that the building was constructed in two sections, and the north section that faces Hurontario Street is believed to be the older part built in 1865 by town councillor John Rowland. As shown below, the bird’s-eye view map of 1875 clearly indicates two separate buildings.
While ideally the entire building should be preserved, a compromise option would see the preservation of this original 1865 portion of the building. This red brick building which would face Hurontario Street is the only commercial building with a strong mid-nineteenth century architectural style. The rest of the main street is built in the late nineteenth century style. While this proposal would only save 25% of the entire building, it would allow for the preservation of the oldest original section. The town would be able to construct the additional traffic lane while maintaining an important symbol of Collingwood’s rich heritage. The restored portion would be second only to the town hall in architectural impressiveness.
The red outline in this 1893 photograph indicates the original Globe Hotel
Rendering showing how the 1865 original portion could be restored
This building is adjacent to the heritage district and its restoration would undoubtedly increase the value of the main street. This is our last opportunity to preserve an authentic part of Collingwood’s history on our waterfront.
Restoring the original portion of the Globe Hotel would bring economic benefit to the town in the form of tourism dollars. The Tremont Hotel is an example of a building that was slated for the wrecking ball but was transformed into an award winning restoration. The restoration of a heritage building can provide economic stimulus for the neighborhood in which it is located.
If the town has the opportunity to purchase this property in order to create the extra lane for traffic, we the ACO of Collingwood, are requesting that the Town of Collingwood investigate the potential value of pursuing this win/win compromise.
For more information please contact Steve Redman, redmansteve@sympatico.ca
ACO Collingwood - www.heritagecollingwood.ca
The demolition signs are up at the former Connaught School but only for the removal of the 1970′s portions of the building. The swimming pool and change rooms are being carefully removed from the building by Kostick Demolition. It’s the last step before new owner Greg Knight of Markham based The Knight Group begins restoration of the building. The plans call for a historically correct restoration of the heritage building as well as adding an addition at the rear – creating four condos to be known as the Duke of Connaught School House Lofts.
The latest edition of Heritage Collingwood is now available online. The newsletter is put out by the town’s heritage advisory committee. There are a number of interesting topics covered in the Spring 2012 edition, including:
The newsletter can be downloaded as a pdf here:
There can be little doubt that the now empty Mountainveiw Hotel, (formerly the Globe), is one of Collingwood’s most important historical buildings. As noted here in an earlier posting, council is considering purchasing the building in order to demolish it to make way for a road widening.
Linda Ann Richardson recently wrote an excellent history on the building that was published in the Enterprise Bulletin.
http://www.theenterprisebulletin.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3565385
While many Collingwood residents recently objected to a 6/7 storey condo development in its heritage district, a similar controversy erupted in Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood. Residences objected to a 6 storey, 29 unit condo building, which is contrary to the area’s 4 storey limit. Just like in Collingwood, the development passed at council unanimously, however in the Beaches the developer conceded to set back the top three storeys to reduce the building’ massing.
“Looking from the outside it seems almost impossible that a six-storey condo could provoke this kind of interest and outpouring, but, as you can see, Beachers are passionate, immensely passionate, about our community,” said Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon, who represents Beaches-East York. (Ms. McMahon was born and raise in Collingwood and is the daughter of former Collingwood Mayor Ron Emo)
The full storey published in the National Post is here:
http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/05/15/dozens-of-beach-area-residents-rally-against-planned-condo/
Deadline Looms for Canada’s Historic Lighthouses
Sign the petition to help save Canada’s Historic Lighthouses
Ottawa, ON, March 23, 2012 – The Heritage Canada Foundation (HCF) is urging Canadians to sign a petition to help save Canada’s historic lighthouses.
The Government of Canada owns hundreds of iconic lighthouses, and has declared almost all of them to be “surplus”. Canadians have until May 29, 2012 to nominate lighthouses that matter to them for designation under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act. However, almost all of them will require a proposal from an organization or group willing to acquire and invest in them.
You can help: Call on the Federal Government now to invest in the efforts of local groups and communities that are committed to saving Canada’s lighthouses for future generations. Sign the petition to help protect Canada’s historic lighthouses. Then, share the petition on Facebook and Twitter.
Thank you for taking action to save Canada’s lighthouses.
The Heritage Canada Foundation is a national, membership-based, non profit organization with a mandate to promote the preservation of Canada’s historic buildings and places. Please join or make a tax-deductible donation today.
For further information:
Carolyn Quinn, Director of Communications, cquinn@heritagecanada.org
Telephone: 613-237-1066 ext. 229; Cell: 613-797-7206
On Monday, Fedruary 9th, Collingwood Council took the unprecedented step to amend the Heritage District’s Plan. The amendments, 11 in all, were made to allow for a 6/7 storey development on the corner of Hume and Hurontario. The action was opposed by a number of groups, including the Heritage Committee, ACO Collingwood and the Town’s heritage consultant. ACO’s concerns are noted in previous blog entries below.
This Friday’s Enterprise Bulletin contains an Open Letter from ACO Collingwood.
ACO Collingwood’s solicitor has sent a letter to council. The letter outlines ACO’s concern that council is acting as applicant for the Admiral Collingwood developer.
