The Government of Ontario recognizes that the province’s heritage tells us who we are, where we have come from and what we have accomplished. This knowledge is a source of strength and confidence. Through the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, the government:

  • supports municipalities, provincial ministries, agencies, heritage organizations, archaeologists and heritage professionals to preserve and present Ontario's rich cultural heritage
  • advises municipal councils and staff, Municipal Heritage Committees, land use planners, development and infrastructure proponents, heritage professionals, heritage organizations, property owners and others by developing tools like the Ontario Heritage Tool Kit

This ministry administers the Ontario Heritage Act.

We are also guided by international standards and practice set out by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS International). Its International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites (the Venice Charter) provided for the creation of ICOMOS in 1964.

ICOMOS Canada, one of the 80 National Committees that belong to ICOMOS International, has two important charters:

Heritage framework transformation

We are working on transforming Ontario’s heritage framework to support heritage resource conservation while strengthening provincial resilience and competitiveness during a time of global pressures, investment needs and rapid development.

The Heritage Framework Transformation initiative will aim to transform Ontario’s archaeological framework to meet preservation objectives and support government priorities related to housing, infrastructure and economic development.

Ontario reviews thousands of archaeological assessment reports each year, supporting development ranging from housing to major infrastructure. Transforming the framework will help make sure these processes remain effective and responsive through industry-leading standards.

Ontario has been consulting and will continue to consult, with First Nations communities to inform the development of the heritage framework transformation. Ontario is also engaging the archaeology sector, municipalities, the development industry and other partners to support this work.

The Heritage Framework Transformation initiative looks to future-proof Ontario’s heritage system through the following objectives:

  • streamlined operational processes and improved service delivery
  • updated policy and legislative framework
  • modernized digital solutions and integrated mapping

The future modernized framework will include a regulatory system that keeps pace with growing demands, supports timely economic and infrastructure development and protects Ontario’s heritage while building a resilient economy for future generations.