It’s the kind of building that, no matter how many times you drive by, you always find yourself craning your neck in order to take a second look. Covered in rust-coloured shingles that culminate in a tall church-spire-like roof, the majestic Hart House – built in 1894 for the Hart family – is one of Huntsville's best preserved Victorian homes.

  And thanks, at least in part, must go to Heritage Huntsville, also known as the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (or LACAC). Established in 1983, this dedicated group – one of many set up throughout the province under the Ontario Heritage Act of 1974 – has worked hard to protect and enhance the best of the past while accommodating and encouraging new development.

  In order to accomplish this task, Heritage Huntsville actively promotes the sympathetic renovation of older buildings while encouraging better architectural design. Consisting of five volunteers from the community, plus a town councilor, the Town Clerk and a Town Planner, the group strives to foster harmony between old and new architecture in the rural and town landscape.

  Heritage Huntsville achieves this goal in a variety of ways, including:

·  Promotion: raising awareness of heritage matters through activities such as walking tours and placing plaques on heritage buildings

· Technical Services: helping heritage property owners plan for alterations and property maintenance

· Historical: preparing and researching an inventory of buildings, cottages, structures and sites of architectural and historical importance for publications

The community, too, is encouraged to participate. This is done by actively encouraging residents to preserve historical buildings through private stewardship; raising awareness of heritage issues; and preserving old photos, documents and information about Huntsville and area.

Perfectly preserved past

The group has played a significant role in the preservation of a variety of sites and buildings of historic value in Huntsville, including:

· The Proudfoot House: built in 1895, handsome Queen Anne style house of narrow pick clapboard sits prominently atop Hunt's Hill overlooking Huntsville

·  The Locks: constructed by the Department of Public Works between 1873 and 1875 to open up navigation between Port Sydney, Huntsville and Port Vernon (Hoodstown), the locks helped open up Huntsville for settlement

· The Bookcase: Built in 1893, this building contains many classic examples of 19th century design elements

 
 For further details about Heritage Huntsville, call 705-789-1751.