Introduction

The Square Goderich

Figure 1: The Square, Goderich, designated as a heritage conservation district in 1977 (Image courtesy of the Town of Goderich)

This guide is one of several published by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism as part of the Ontario Heritage Tool Kit. It is designed to help municipal councils, municipal staff, municipal heritage committees, land use planners, heritage professionals, heritage organizations, property owners, and others understand the heritage conservation process in Ontario.

Travelling through the downtowns and the back roads of Ontario you will find remarkable places rich in history and character – bustling market squares and commercial areas, picturesque villages in the heart of large cities, residential neighbourhoods that evoke the past, and landscapes that maintain a strong rural identity.

In many cases these areas have maintained their uniqueness and sense of place because the local municipality has taken the opportunity to designate them as heritage conservation districts (HCDs).

Following the designation of the first HCD in 1980, over 141 areas have been designated in recognition of their cultural heritage value.

This guide is designed to assist municipal staff, municipal heritage committee members and heritage community groups to understand the process of designation under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act.

What’s in this guide?

  1. Overview of heritage conservation district designation
  2. Designating a district
  3. The heritage conservation district plan
  4. Management of the district
  5. Resources and further information

This guide is one of several published by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism as part of the Ontario Heritage Tool Kit. The ministry has published these guidance materials as an aid to municipalities and others working with the Ontario Heritage Act. The information in this guidance is not intended to take the place of legal advice. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between this guidance and any applicable legislation or regulations, including the Ontario Heritage Act and its regulations, the legislation or regulations prevail.