Heritage

The Ontario Heritage Act requires that a minimum of 25% of the properties within the HCD area meet at least two of the criteria outlined in Ontario Regulation 9/06 in order for the area to be eligible for designation as an HCD. The criteria are as follows:

i.  The properties have design value or physical value because they are rare, unique, representative or early examples of a style, type, expression, material or construction method.

ii.  The properties have design value or physical value because they display a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit.

iii.  The properties have design value or physical value because they demonstrate a high degree of technical or scientific achievement.

iv.  The properties have historical value or associative value because they have a direct association with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is significant to a community.

v.  The properties have historical value or associative value because they yield, or have the potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture.

vi.  The properties have historical value or associative value because they demonstrate or reflect the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder, designer or theorist who is significant to a community.

vii.  The properties have contextual value because they define, maintain or support the character of the district.

viii.  The properties have contextual value because they are physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to each other.

ix.  The properties have contextual value because they are defined by, planned around or are themselves a landmark.

At this stage in the process, the Town’s heritage consultants (TMHC & LHC) have reviewed all properties within the study area and have determined that more than 25% of the properties in the study area meet two or more the above listed criteria and therefore the proposed HCD area is eligible for designation as an HCD.

The HCD Plan and Guidelines will provide direction on changes to properties within the Heritage Conservation District. Some projects may require a heritage permit from Municipal Council. The HCD Plan will identify which types of changes require a permit.

Routine property maintenance generally does not require a heritage permit. Interior renovations and alterations are also exempt under the Ontario Heritage Act. However, demolishing or constructing a new building or addition will require a heritage permit.

If a heritage permit is required, it must be obtained before a building permit can be issued. Property owners are encouraged to contact Planning early to understand the requirements and help avoid delays.

A HCD designation will not affect your property taxes. For property insurance, the age of a building is typically considered when calculating insurance premiums, rather than whether the property is designated as heritage.

Studies across Ontario and other jurisdictions have generally found that properties within Heritage Conservation Districts tend to maintain or increase in value compared to similar properties outside of designated areas. HCD designation can contribute to neighbourhood stability, consistent streetscape character, and the appeal of the area to prospective buyers.

Some properties within the HCD are classified as "non-contributing", meaning they are within the boundaries of the HCD but are not considered to have heritage significance.