Overview

Downtown Port Perry

Figure 1. A heritage streetscape in the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District contributes to a vibrant downtown. (Image courtesy of the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association)

Every day across Ontario, thousands of volunteers work to conserve and celebrate the stories, places and events of the people that shaped our communities. Many of these volunteers are active at the municipal level as members of municipal heritage committees, commonly known as MHCs.

Under the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA), municipalities can establish MHCs to advise council on identifying, protecting and promoting cultural heritage resources that make our communities unique and sustainable places to live. The fact that so much of Ontario’s rich heritage has been conserved is a testament to the good advice and hard work of MHCs.

Establishing an MHC is often described as a municipality’s first and most important step in engaging its community in heritage conservation. Committee members build strong relationships with property owners to encourage good stewardship of heritage resources. They facilitate the exchange of ideas and expertise that contribute to the economic and cultural development of cities, towns, villages, neighbourhoods and landscapes across the province. They also bring unparalleled passion and dedication to finding solutions towards heritage conservation.

MHCs involve their communities in conserving cultural heritage resources that inspire current and future generations by assisting council to effectively identify and protect the community’s heritage.

This guide is designed for municipalities interested in establishing a municipal heritage committee, and for existing committee members who want to gain a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities under the Ontario Heritage Act. Where no heritage committee exists, municipal councils still have the authority to use the powers under the OHA and should consult the other guides in this series for further understanding of those powers.

What’s in this guide?

  1. An overview of the role of Municipal Heritage Committees (MHCs)
  2. Fulfilling your Municipal Heritage Committee mandate
  3. Setting up an effective Municipal Heritage Committee
  4. Tools for building and sustaining your Municipal Heritage Committee
  5. The benefits of establishing and sustaining a Municipal Heritage Committee
  6. Resources and further information

This guide is one of several published by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism (MCM) 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.

The Regent Theatre

Figure 2. The Regent Theatre in Prince Edward County, with its ‘California Hollywood’-style façade, has dominated the downtown Picton streetscape since the 1830s. It continues to offer cinema, live performances, and gathering space for artists and the community. (Image courtesy of Image Ontario)