Old and New

The Ministry of Culture has published Eight Guiding Principles in the Conservation of Built Heritage Properties .

Specific to these principles are the following relating to how to treat the historical component of the building:

RESPECT FOR HISTORIC MATERIAL:

• Repair/conserve - rather than replace building materials and finishes, except where absolutely necessary.
• Minimal intervention maintains the heritage content of the built resource.

RESPECT FOR ORIGINAL FABRIC:

• Repair with like materials.
• Repair to return the resource to its prior condition, without altering its integrity.

RESPECT FOR THE BUILDING'S HISTORY:

• Do not restore to one period at the expense of another period.
• Do not destroy later additions to a building or structure solely to restore to a single time period.

Town staff is currently working on a photo inventory of restored heritage properties. If you have any 'before and after' pictures of restoration projects, please submit to Town Staff.

Within the Ministry's Guiding Principles is the following relating to new construction:

LEGIBILITY:

• New work should be distinguishable from old.
• Buildings or structures should be recognized as products of their own time, and new additions should not blur the distinction between old and new.

Town staff is also currently working on a photo inventory of appropriate new construction in our heritage districts. If you have any suggestions or pictures of such projects, please submit to Town Staff.

Where can I learn more about district requirements and how to alter my property?

If you want to alter your property in any way, review the Heritage District Plan with its policies, design guidelines and other useful information.