Heritage Properties

Listing a property on the Heritage Register means that the property has been recognized as having architectural, historic or cultural features of merit; it means that the property has value to the community.

The owner of a listed property is not restricted as to how they might want to renovate their house; they do not need any special permits.  If the owner wants to demolish the listed structure, the Township is given 60 days to assess the significance of the loss of the structure in terms of its heritage significance and to work with the property owner to determine if there are alternatives to demolition; the final decision for such resides with Council.

Not every listed property merits protection from demolition; but some do, and that is why the 60 days is required. 

Under the Ontario Heritage Act, a municipality designates a property when it believes that it merits recognition for its heritage value and that it should be protected so that it is not lost either through poorly conceived renovations or outright demolition.  The municipality designates a property because it has value to the community.  Its "value" can be measured in different ways.  A property may be connected to an important person or event. A property may be prominent as a landmark, such as The Hambly House in Nobleton.  By its very presence over a long period of time a property may be deemed integral to the streetscape and to the image people have in their mind as to what the village is.  The Ontario Government has prescribed criteria for determining a property's cultural heritage value or interest for the purpose of designation.

Designated properties are not frozen in time.  They can be renovated, but because of their value to the community there are some requirements and restrictions: a renovation plan requires review by Heritage Municipal Staff with the objective of avoiding changes to significant heritage features.  

What can be designated?

• ​Buildings and structures

• Archaeological sites and ruins

• Cultural heritage landscapes

• Cemeteries and monuments

• Trees and parks

• Bridges​​