FAQs

Designation is a way for property owners and the community to protect and promote awareness of local history. The Ontario Heritage Act enables municipalities to designate properties of cultural heritage value or interest through a by-law. Designation can apply to individual properties or a neighbourhood or district.

A Heritage Conservation District (HCD) is a tool provided by the Ontario Heritage Act to municipalities in Ontario to use for managing change in an area that is of special historical significance to the municipality and its residents. An HCD is a collection of buildings, streets and open spaces that are of special significance to the community. 

The creation of a Heritage Conservation District under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act would enable the Township to manage and guide future change in the District through the adoption of a  plan with policies and guidelines for conservation, protection and enhancement of the area’s special value and character. The designation further allows for the protection and enhancement of groups of properties within its community that collectively demonstrate distinctive heritage value and character.