Ontario Heritage Act

The Ontario Heritage Act gives municipalities the ability to pass by-laws to formally designate properties of cultural heritage value or interest. Formal designation is one way of recognizing a property's heritage value to a community. Designation also helps to ensure the conservation of these important places for the benefit and enjoyment of the community.

Levels of Protection for Heritage Resources

The Ontario Heritage Act offers three levels of protection for heritage properties. Properties can be:

1. Designated individually (Part IV);
2. Designated as part of a larger area or Heritage Conservation District (Part V); or,
3. Listed on the municipality's Heritage Register of properties of cultural heritage value or interest (Part IV).

Ontario Heritage Toolkit

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

Cobourg Heritage Advisory Committee

The Ontario Heritage Act also gives municipalities the ability to establish a Heritage Advisory Committee to advise and assist Council on heritage matters.