Fall Bus Tour of Heritage Conservation Districts

The Fall Bus Tour of two Heritage Conservation Districts (HCDs), led by well-known tour guide and ACO member Warren Stauch is a great opportunity to see two of Kitchener's gems from the latest settlement to the earliest one.

We will meet at 54 Water Street South Parking lot. Parking is free on weekends in this lot. From there we will proceed by bus to the St. Mary's HCD.

ACO member and heritage advocate Sandra Parks will take the lead, showing how the St. Mary’s Heritage Conservation District was established as a prime example of construction for much-needed housing for WWII veterans. St. Mary’s HCD is very unusual in that it is not 19th Century homes. It is actually an instance of rapidly built efficient housing. Many of the St. Mary’s houses are simple yet elegant examples of living in small spaces, although a number have been added to over time.

Then we will proceed to the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District. Upper Doon was settled in the 1840 to 1880 period. Indigenous people have inhabited the area but there are no archaeological sites in the immediate area. Lower Doon, near the Grand River, was settled by Adam Ferrie and his family from the 1840s with a grist mill and a village for workers. Upper Doon was settled in the 1850s by the Perine Brothers from New York state and some of the buildings along the tour on Doon Village Road are still standing. Upper Doon remains one of Kitchener’s gems, having been well- insulated from developments in the surrounding area.

Snacks and drinks will be provided along with paper guides about the buildings and landscapes that you will see.

In the past few years HCDs have been eroded away by decisions to build inside them and protecting the heritage we have is important to our communities. Knowing about our past is a way to promote heritage conservation so please come and enjoy

Priority will be given to ACO Members...

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Host or Publisher Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, North Waterloo Branch