Heritage Conservation Districts

Designating a district helps municipalities manage and guide change in the district. Each district has a plan with policies and guidelines for conservation, protection and enhancement of the area's special character. Once an area is designated as a heritage conservation district, any exterior alterations and new construction are required to be consistent with the district plan and the character of the area.

Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act gives municipalities the ability to designate lands as a heritage conservation district. The Ontario Heritage Act provides clear guidance on the process to designate a heritage conservation district.

Property owners, individuals or organizations can recommend areas to be designated by contacting the Heritage Planning department.

You can find additional information about the designation process or heritage conservation districts through the Ontario Heritage Toolkit.

A document that provides guidelines on the management, care and protection of the District's heritage character and attributes. Each Heritage Conservation District Plan contains the following information:

• Objectives to be achieved in designating the area
• Statement explaining the cultural heritage value or interest of the area
• List of heritage attributes
• Policies and guidelines for managing change and new development (e.g. alterations, new construction, etc.)
• List of alterations that are exempt

• Property owners
• Business owners/tenants
• Owners of vacant parcels of land
• Town staff responsible for undertaking public works projects and reviewing development applications
• Residents

Visit our Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest to see if your property is designated or listed.

Yes. If you are completing work on a property in a heritage conservation district, review the heritage conservation district plan for policies and guidelines that might apply to your work. Go to our Heritage Permits page for more information or to get your Heritage Permit application form.