Cobourg Heritage Advisory Committee

Purpose

The Cobourg Heritage Advisory Committee is established to advise, assist and make recommendations to Council on matters relating to the conservation of cultural heritage resources, applications for repeal of designations, construction, alterations, and removal or demolition of heritage properties and matters relating to the conservation and designation of heritage properties and districts in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act and the Town of Cobourg Heritage Master Plan.

Until the Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee is formed, the Cobourg Heritage Advisory Committee will provide advice in the interim to Council regarding the selection and display of art in public places within the community in accordance with the Cobourg Public Arts Policy.

In order to contribute effectively to the accomplishment of the Committee’s objectives, qualifications for members should include skills, knowledge, experience and interest in conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage resources, especially as it relates to the preservation of heritage properties.

Where possible, and where equal representation amongst the current Committee membership is lacking, regard shall be given to new appointments that represent one of the following:

• Commercial Core Heritage Conservation District;
• East Heritage Conservation District;
• West Heritage Conservation District;
• George Street Heritage Conservation District;
• Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA);
• Property designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act; and
• Local Heritage Community Groups and Organizations

Mandate

The Cobourg Heritage Committee shall:

• Advise Council on the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage resources within the Town of Cobourg and the implementation of the Town of Cobourg Heritage Master Plan
• Review heritage permit applications referred to it by Council and/or staff and provide input as to the effect that such applications may have on existing heritage properties or heritage conservation districts
• Provide input to staff on heritage policy matters as they relate to applicable planning applications governed by the Planning Act (e.g. Minor Variances, Consents, Site Plans and Zoning By-law Amendments)
• Provide advice to staff on the implementation of the Town’s incentive programs as it relates to eligible heritage properties
• Comply with the Official Plan and the Heritage Policies adopted by Council, including but not limited to:

1. Heritage Master Plan (2016);
2. Heritage Conservation District Plans;
3. General Heritage Conservation Guidelines for the Town of Cobourg;
4. Individual Heritage Designation Bylaws; and
5. Heritage Permit By-Law #097-2009.

The Cobourg Heritage Committee will NOT be responsible for the following:

• inspections of work performed at individual properties;
• administrative matters including directing staff and budgeting;
• preparation of grant applications; and
• administration and approvals for heritage incentive programs offered by the Town of Cobourg

 The Cobourg Heritage Committee will accomplish its mandate by:

• Assisting in the implementation of the Town of Cobourg Heritage Master Plan
• Providing recommendations to Council on heritage applications referred to it by Council and/or staff;
• Comment on various development applications which may impact existing or potential heritage properties or heritage conservation districts, as required;
• Promote public awareness of Cobourg’s heritage;
• Review the heritage registry each term;
• Review and nominate recipients for the Civic Awards and Cobourg Heritage Award; and prepare an annual presentation for Council in the fall on heritage matters.