The Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) gives municipal councils the power to identify, protect and support the ongoing conservation of cultural heritage resources within their municipalities. Most of council’s powers under the Ontario Heritage Act. are implemented through municipal bylaws.

The Act gives council the ability to appoint a Municipal Heritage Committee (MHC) to advise and assist it on all matters relating to the conservation of property of cultural heritage value or interest. This includes adding properties to the municipal register of heritage properties, designation of individual properties, creation of heritage conservation districts and other heritage matters as specified by the terms of reference that council sets for the committee.

Establishing an MHC is a key way council can recognize the importance of heritage conservation. The impetus for forming an MHC can originate from any number of sources: a property owner, a community group, or a member of council. Ultimately, it is a decision of municipal council to establish the committee. An MHC can be established at any time by bylaw. The committee members are volunteers drawn from the community and represent a cross-section of interests and perspectives. Its members are appointed by municipal council.

1.1. Understanding the role of advisory committees

The committee’s role is to advise and make recommendations to council. This role can be further defined by a terms of reference which should be approved by municipal council. Common functions of an MHC may include:

  • advise and provide recommendations to council on matters set out in the OHA
  • provide knowledge and expertise
  • facilitate community awareness, support and education about the issues at hand
  • assist in the work of the municipality by ensuring open dialogue on specific issues
  • enable and share best practices
  • be sensitive to the range of views in the community which it represents
  • act as a liaison between politicians, organizational staff, members of the public, and other stakeholders
  • create a climate of sharing and participation among committee members