Connecting Our Community to Its Rich History

The historical plaque program launched in February 2012 is sponsored by the Stratford-Perth County Branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. It helps citizens and tourists connect with the history of the community by identifying with a plaque residential, commercial and other properties built pre-World War II. The program has been well received by residents and visitors.

Building History: Commemorative Plaques of Our Heritage

Each plaque records the date the structure was built and the name and occupation of the title holder(s) or tenant of record. Plaques are located in an appropriate and clearly visible place on the façade of the building. ‘The Stratford-Perth County Branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario’ is identified on each plaque.

Researching Property History

The Stratford-Perth County Branch researches the history of the property through the Stratford-Perth County Archives and the R. Lorne Eedy Archives in St. Marys to determine the date of construction and the name and occupation of the title holder(s) or registered tenant. The details of the researched information accompanies each plaque presented to the current owners of the property. The Branch is the sole source for all plaques in order to maintain consistency in design, materials and recorded information.

Important Information on Heritage Designation

The plaque program does not involve heritage designation of the property under the Ontario Heritage Act. Owners in the City of Stratford who wish to proceed with such designation should contact Heritage Stratford and the City of Stratford. Residents of other communities in Perth County should contact their municipal office regarding heritage designation.

Historic Landscapes Preservation

We are committed to preserving historic landscapes, gardens, and natural surroundings that complement and enrich our architectural heritage, fostering a deeper connection to our past.

Community Advocacy

Advocating for the protection of our architectural heritage, we collaborate with local residents and organizations to voice the importance of preserving our cultural identity and historical landmarks.

Plaque Property Application

First name

Last name

Phone

Address

Address of property to receive an historical plaque (if different from the address above):

The property is:

Residential

Commercial

Other

Notes or extra information about your application or the property:

I/we acknowledge that volunteer members of ACO Stratford-Perth County will research the history of my/our property through the Stratford-Perth County Archives, city assessments, directories, cemetery records and other sources to determine the date of construction and the name, occupation and short biography of the first resident. Turn around time from the receipt of the application is usually 6-8 weeks. Some plaque research can take upwards of 50 hours. I/we acknowledge that the plaque (dimensions: 20 inches wide by 14 inches high) shall record the date of construction, the name and the occupation of the first resident and the name of the ACO Stratford-Perth County in keeping with all other Program practices/plaques.

I/we agree to install the plaque in an appropriate and clearly visible location on the façade of my/our building; and that the maintenance of the plaque shall be my/our responsibility. I/we also agree that information on the property, including the results of our research, wording of the plaque, and exterior photographs, may be used by ACO Stratford-Perth County on our website and for other public promotions including on social media. Such information will not include the names and contact information of applicants or current residents or owners. Participation in the Historical Plaque Program does not involve property heritage designation by the City of Stratford, or any other municipality in Perth County under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Date

Year

Month

Day

Signature

Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload.

A fee of $175 is required to cover the costs of the Plaque Program. Payment is to accompany the Application.

E-transfer: stratfordperthaco@gmail.com

Or, please make cheques payable to ACO Stratford-Perth County and mail to:

ACO Stratford-Perth County

356 Ontario Street, Suite 272

Stratford, ON N5A 7X6