Ten semi-detached units in five houses on Bower Avenue have been designated as the Town's first Heritage Conservation District under the Ontario Heritage Act. The designation -- which has full support of all 10 homeowners -- places restrictions on exterior changes that can be made to the houses to preserve their unique role as worker housing in Acton's industrial heritage. The so-called Syndicate Housing -- 69 to 89 Bower Avenue -- was built in 1882 by a 6 ao BR = 9° ° U Mi group of local industrialists and businessmen to provide housing for local workers. All of the homes are now in private ownership. In its designation background study, Heri- tage Halton Hills (HHH) said that the Second Empire-style row houses are an important aspect of Acton's industrial heritage, repre- senting an effort by leading industrialists to provide housing for workers during a hous- ing shortage. HHH chairman Mark Rowe said the hous- ing is unique because it was built at the same time by the same builder, using unique and unusual patterns of brickwork on the facades and sides, each with a distinctive design. The goal of the Conservation District is to maintain and preserve the five houses and to encourage ongoing maintenance and repair of the individual units in a manner sympathetic to the original features of the building. While demolition or removal of any build- Newstand Price 40¢ + GST Your Hometown Newsp ing within the District is not prohibited under the Ontario Heritage Act, it is strongly discouraged and requires a permit. Rowe said the next step is to arrange a meeting with the Syndicate Housing resi- dents to set up a Heritage District committee to implement the Heritage District plan. "The residents are very supportive of the designation. They realize they live in unique houses and want to help preserve them," Rowe said. IT'S WORTH THE DRIVE TO 2001 SATURN SC 2 3 DOOR COUPE... ACTON MOTORS These proud boys hold the boxes of Valentine chocolates they made with EWAG staff at Eden Mills Presbyterian Church on Tuesday. Pictured from left to right are: Robert Caulfeild, Quentin Magoon, Thomas Caulfeild, and Jack Bradley. Rebecca Ring Photos This 2005 Mazda 83000 Includes: Powerful 3.0L OHV V6 Engine ¥ ocolation 50% Beauty w Air Condition ACHILLES . Raceen marae Trans. Limited Slip Diff. ¥ Block Heater J v 15" Alloy Wheels w Extended Cab 4 Door ¥ Dual Sport Package ¥ Sliding Rear Window » AM/FM CD Stereo 'Trailer 50% Beast. 853-1280 1QO0% Great Deal .. Only at Achilles Lease from: =|).