Development and planning
Heritage Designations
Heritage designation is the municipal tool used to recognize and conserve places that are significant to our community’s history, architecture, and identity. Designation helps protect the character of historic buildings and neighborhoods while supporting adaptative reuse, economic vitality, and community pride.
Indigenous History
The lands that are now the Town of New Tecumseth sit within the area covered by Treaty 18, known as the Nottawasaga Purchase, signed on October 17th, 1818. These are the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe peoples, which includes the Ojibwe/Chippewa, Odawa, and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy, whose stories, activities, and relationships with place predate colonial settlement and should be acknowledged and considered in all heritage work. The Town recognizes the importance of incorporating Indigenous histories and perspectives in research and interpretive materials with designated places.
Learn more about the Town’s Indigenous history
If you represent or identify as part of an Indigenous community and have knowledge to share about local Indigenous histories, please contact heritage@newtecumseth.ca, so the Town can respectfully include Indigenous voices and sources in heritage documentation.
What is Heritage Designation?
Heritage designation is the formal municipal process under the Ontario Heritage Act that protects the cultural heritage value of a place by listing the property in a By-law and describing the attributes to be conserved. Designations under the Act fall into two common forms:
- Part IV (Individual property designation): Protects a specific property with a site-specific By-law and list of protected attributes.
- Part V (Heritage Conservation District): Protects an area (district) with its own conservation plan and permit frameworks
- Listed heritage properties are recognized for their cultural value but are not designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. They do not require a Heritage Permit for changes, though owners may seek advice. Demolition requires written notice to Council at least sixty (60) days in advance.
Please note that the name and address of heritage designated property owners are not included in the electronic version of the Municipal Register. As per Section 27 of the Ontario Heritage Act, this information is available upon request to Heritage Planning Staff, who can be contacted at heritage@newtecumseth.ca.
Why Designate?
There are many benefits that come with Heritage Designation. Designation does not mean that a property cannot be changed. Owners can alter properties with a Heritage Permit through an approval process. Local grant programs and technical support exist to help. Benefits include:
- Supports property value: Heritage Designation has been proven to retain higher property value and faster resale.
- Access to support: Town staff can help you plan repairs or upgrades that complement your home.
- Preserves what makes the Town special: Your stewardship protects the community’s story and character for future generations.
- Access to incentives: The Town has additional Community Improvement Grants specifically to support owners of Heritage Designated properties.
- Economic and cultural value: Heritage Designation supports local businesses, downtown vibrancy, tourism, and adaptive reuse.
How Heritage Designation Works: Step-by-Step
- Initial Identification/Nomination: A community member, staff, or the Heritage Advisory Committee can recommend a property for Heritage Designation. Find the Heritage Designation Application Form here.
- Preliminary Research and Statement of Significance: Before a property receives Heritage Designation, a research report is prepared. Generally, staff prepare or commission a research report describing the property’s historical or associative value, design value, and/or contextual value. If you are interested in conducting your own research, please find the Guide for Heritage Property Research here.
- Notice of Intent to Designate: The Town provides notice to the property owner(s), the Ontario Heritage Trust, and publishes it in the local newspaper. Members of the public have a 30-day comment period.
- Council Decision and By-law: Council considers the Designation By-law; if passed, the By-law is registered on title, and a copy is sent to the Ontario Heritage Trust.
- Post-Designation: Owners must obtain a Heritage Permit for specific work impacting the cultural heritage attributes on their property. Access to staff and financial support becomes available.
Heritage Permits
Designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act protects specific attributes as listed in the Designating By-law. Owners proposing changes that may impact protected heritage features, alterations, additions, or demolition must consult with staff and apply for a Heritage Permit. If you have any questions about the Heritage Permit process, or if one is necessary for your proposed work, please do not hesitate to reach out to heritage@newtecumseth.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Designation does not prevent the renovation or alteration of a property. It ensures that changes are sympathetic to the property’s historically significant features. This means that certain changes to the protected features require a Heritage Permit or prior approval. Routine maintenance and some repairs are usually allowed without a full review.
No. Designation does not negatively impact property values. Designated properties often retain more of their value.
The designation By-law lists the specific attributes to be conserved. For example, this could include the roof shape, porch, masonry, windows, or other specific features depending on what features are of cultural and historical value. Only the items that are listed in the designation By-law are protected.
No. In many circumstances, designation does not usually impose expenses beyond those expected of any property owner, including insurance premiums or property taxes. Property owners are encouraged to consult with their insurance provider to ensure their coverage aligns with their needs. The Town supports owners of designated properties financially through access to Community Improvement Plan grants for façade improvements, maintenance, and repairs.
The Town can provide support and guidance that can be accessed by contacting heritage@newtecumseth.ca. Additionally, please consult with the Heritage Specialist Directory, outlining relevant Canadian-based individuals and businesses that support heritage work and restoration.
Please do not disturb the area. Record the location and contact a licensed archeologist and the Town’s Heritage Planning staff at heritage@newtecumseth.ca.
If you find human remains or human burial materials, do not touch or move anything. Call the police immediately. If you find something that looks like Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO), please follow the procedure outlined by the Government of Canada.
Heritage Gallery
For more information, please contact the Town of New Tecumseth Heritage Planning at heritage@newtecumseth.ca.
The Beeton Heritage Conservation District Plan
The Beeton Heritage Conservation District (HCD) situated within the Town of New Tecumseth is a historically rich and significant area that captures the Town’s cultural and architectural heritage. The District is characterized by its well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian-era buildings reflecting the Town’s early settlement and development. It encompasses a variety of architectural styles including Queen Anne, Gothic Revival, and Italiante, contributing to a visually diverse streetscape.
Lands within the proposed HCD boundary are centered on the historical and present-day commercial core of Beeton and constitute transitional but cohesive mixed-use areas featuring a range of residential, institutional, and commercial properties on Main Street West and Centre Street North. This area is of historical value as it contains a concentration of heritage resources and grouping of elements that are associated with: Beeton’s earliest and most significant town builders, Robert Clark and D.A. Jones; early industries critical to Beeton’s early development such as agriculture and apiculture.
With the aim to protect the cultural identity and heritage value of Beeton’s historic downtown, the Town of New Tecumseth adopted the Beeton Heritage Conservation District Plan, which provides conservation policies and guidelines that support desirable development in the District while preserving Beeton’s historic attributes.
The Beeton HCD Plan will be subject to provisions of the Town’s implementing Beeton Heritage Conservation District By-law 2024-007 effective as of January 1st, 2024.
The Heritage Permitting Process Framework
The process begins with Property owners within the Heritage Conservation District looking at this application are required to consult with staff at the Development Application Review Team (DART) Pre-Consultation Stage to determine if the proposed project/work requires a heritage permit and the stream associated with the permit.
The Town has identified three streams for proposed project/works:
- No Heritage Permit required
- Streamlined Heritage Permit – Staff Level Review and Approval
- Full Heritage Permit – Staff Level Review and Council approval
The Beeton HCD Permit Approval Process is outlined in the above three streams as depicted in this flow chart.
A total of 53 properties have been identified within the Beeton HCD boundary situated on Main Street West, Main Street East, Centre Street North and Prospect Street. The HCD boundary was determined using criteria and definitions outlined by the Province of Ontario.
For proposals to be reviewed and evaluated against the Heritage Conservation District’s Statement of Objectives, Statement of Cultural Heritage Values and District significance and Architectural Styles noted in the guidelines, staff require applicants to complete this Beeton Heritage Conservation District Pre-Screening Form.
This form serves as an initial screening tool to identify key criteria relevant to heritage conservation, aiding in the evaluation of applications for Beeton’s heritage development projects.
The final stage in the permit process is the Beeton Heritage Conservation District Application Form. Proposed alterations or developments will be evaluated by staff to determine if the proposed works require a permit and further if it requires Council approval.
Minor Applications have a 60-day review process and are approved or denied by internal staff.
Major Applications have a 90-day review process and are approved or denied by Council.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heritage District Background Information
Beeton Heritage Conservation District
You can review the draft plan here.
During our Public Meeting, we heard from local residents who had questions and concerns about whether a Heritage Conservation District was right for them, their business and their home. We hope that the information provided below will help provide more clarity on Heritage Conservation Districts and their positive impacts:
- Heritage Districts Work! (University of Waterloo)
- The Economic Value of Heritage Districts: How assessment growth in heritage conservation districts compares with non-designated areas in Hamilton (page 40) (Link here).
We know you have a lot of questions, please view our **updated**
Frequently Asked Questions, click here
Purpose
Following Council approval of the Beeton Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study in June 2018, which examined the heritage significance of the properties within a defined area of Downtown Beeton, the Town of New Tecumseth retained Fotenn Planning + Design, in collaboration with Archaeological Services Inc. (ASI) and Goldsmith Borgal & Company Ltd. Architects (GBCA) to undertake the second phase of the project and complete a HCD Plan. The purpose of this HCD Plan is to develop appropriate guidelines in collaboration with property owners and the public to ensure that Downtown Beeton’s historic character is maintained and celebrated as the Town continues to grow.
To read the Heritage Conservation District Study click here.
HCD Boundary
The proposed boundary of the HCD is a result of the information collected and analyzed as part of the Beeton HCD Study phase, including the community consultation process. Lands within the recommended boundary are centered on the historical and present day commercial core of Beeton and are comprised of transitional but cohesive mixed-use areas featuring a range of residential, institutional, and commercial properties on Main Street and Centre Street. The HCD boundary was determined using criteria and definitions outlined by the Province of Ontario.
Process
Building on extensive staff, project Steering Committee and public consultation process, the project will be completed in the following steps:
Each property within the HCD Boundary was assessed against the key attributes of the district identified as part of the study first phase. Properties that represent one or more of the key attributes are considered “Contributing properties” as they contribute to the character of the HCD.
“Supporting properties” are those properties that, while not representing a key attribute, have the potential to support the character of the HCD. Both contributing and supporting properties will be designated as part of the HCD under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. Some of Beeton’s HCD attributes include:
- Building and landscape features associated with D.A. Jones, Beeton’s agricultural history, or the period of prosperity in the early 1890s;
- Landmark properties;
- Historical downtown commercial streetscape;
- Centre Street residential streetscape;
- Mature trees along Centre Street and surrounding the fairgrounds;
- Community and civic core; and,
- Mature trees along Cente Street and open spaces.
The Draft HCD Plan will provide a thorough examination of the findings of Step 1 and the following:
- District Objectives, Policies and Guidelines
The Consulting Team will develop draft policies and guidelines that outline a number of approaches to ensure the unique heritage character of the HCD will be enhanced and the historic identity of Downtown Beeton will be maintained. These policies and guidelines will address potential alternatives to contributing and non-contributing properties, new developments and infill, as well as streetscapes and cultural landscapes.
- Amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law
To support and implement the Policies and Guidelines of the HCD Plan, the Consulting Team will propose required changes and amendments to the Official Plan and the Zoning By-law in order to strengthen the regulatory controls for conservation of heritage attributes of the HCD.
- Implementation Recommendations
The Consulting Team will develop and recommend a series of implementation options and directions to implement the HCD Plan and supporting guidelines and policies.
The Consulting Team will revise the Draft HCD Plan, as necessary, to address comments received during the project consultation sessions and meetings and will prepare the final HCD Plan to be presented to Council for final approval.
Step I of the Plan began in February (2019). The first public consultation will be held at the end of spring (2019) to present the findings of Step 1 to the public and to introduce initial approaches to preserve the heritage character of the HCD.
Step II of the Plan will be completed by the end of summer (2019). The second public consultation will be held during Step 2 (early September) to present and receive feedback on the findings of the project to-date and the components of the Draft HCD Plan.
Step III of the Plan will be completed and the final HCD Plan will be presented to Council in fall (2019).
HCD Guideline Elements
The HCD Plan and guidelines will provide for a number of approaches and mechanisms to ensure the unique heritage character of the District will be enhanced and the historic identity of Downtown Beeton will be maintained. These guidelines will address the alteration and addition to street fronting and side facades for all contributing properties and overall building size, treatment of public realm and facade treatments for supporting properties.
Below is a brief description of the design elements outlined for all Contributing and Supporting properties as well as the district’s streetscapes and central civic core.
Contributing Residential properties are properties which have buildings that were originally built for use as a home for individuals residing in Beeton. Residential properties may currently or in the future be used for other purposes or a mix of purposes. The residential properties within the Beeton HCD are primarily located along Centre Street while there are a few along Main Street at the east and west ends of the commercial core.
Statement of Objectives
Primarily, the guiding objectives for the Beeton HCD as they relate to Contributing Residential properties include to:
- Retain, conserve and enhance existing buildings and structures that contribute to the heritage character and appearance of the HCD and,
- Maintain Centre Street’s stately nineteenth-century residential character, including mature tree canopy and lotting patterns.
Policies and Guidelines
Beeton’s conservation policies and guidelines provide direction on the maintenance, alteration, addition and conservation of the front facing facades of Contributing Residential properties.
Key conservation guidelines for Contributing Residential properties integral to the conservation of Beeton’s HCD character include but are not limited to the elements illustrated below graphic.
Contributing Mixed-Use & Institutional Properties are properties which have buildings that were originally built for commercial, institutional or a mix of uses.
Non-residential properties may currently or in the future be used for other purposes or a mix of purposes. These buildings comprise Beeton’s downtown commercial core and are primarily located along Main Street West. Institutional buildings are also located on Centre Street.
Statement of Objectives
Primarily, the guiding objectives for the Beeton HCD as they relate to Contributing Mixed-Use & Institutional properties include strategies to:
- Retain, conserve and enhance existing buildings and structures that contribute to the heritage character and appearance of the HCD and,
- Enhance the intersection of Centre Street and Main Street and the properties directly adjacent to the intersection as a gateway into Beeton, conserving significant buildings at this intersection.
Policies and Guidelines
Beeton’s conservation policies and guidelines provide direction on the maintenance, alteration, addition and conservation of the front facing facades of Contributing Mixed-Use & Institutional properties.
Key conservation guidelines for Contributing Mixed Use and Institutional properties integral to the conservation of Beeton’s HCD character include but are not limited to the elements illustrated below graphic.
Supporting properties are properties which may have one or more buildings, be vacant or be used for parking. These properties do not directly represent a heritage value or attributes of the HCD but have the potential to support the character of the HCD should the properties be altered or constructed upon.
Statement of Objectives
Primarily, the guiding objectives for the Beeton HCD as they relate to Supporting properties include strategies to:
- Enhance the intersection of Centre and Main Street and the properties directly adjacent to the intersection as a gateway into Beeton, emphasizing a high quality of design and architectural excellence and sensitivity to streetscape and context on properties proposed for redevelopment or infill.
- Implement policies and guidelines for new development within the HCD to ensure that the historical integrity and identified cultural heritage values that express this history are not adversely affected or impacted by new forms and types of development.
- Implement policies and guidelines for new development within the HCD to ensure new development is compatible with the character of the HCD, paying particular attention to massing, setbacks, scale, and materials.
- Implement alteration and infill guidelines that effectively communicate the periods of significance that express Beeton’s unique character qualities.
Policies and Guidelines
Beeton’s conservation policies and guidelines provide direction on the alteration, addition and new construction of the street facing facades and associated building massing of all Supporting properties.
Key conservation guidelines for Supporting properties integral to the conservation of Beeton’s HCD character include but are not limited to the elements illustrated below graphic.
The public realm is the space that belongs to everyone and consists of the places that can be accessed by community members and visitors and are available without charge. These places can include open spaces, streetscapes and civic buildings. The Beeton HCD public realm is comprised of identified streetscapes along Main Street West, Centre Street and Second Street.
The Civic Core consists of the Fairgrounds (under ownership of the Agricultural Society), the D.A. Jones Library, Beeton Community Memorial Centre arena, Beeton Cenotaph, and park.
In combination, these public buildings, streets and open spaces create a link between historic properties and buildings and play a significant role in the heritage character of Beeton.
Statement of Objectives
Primarily, the guiding objectives for the Beeton HCD as they relate to Supporting properties include strategies to:
- Implement alteration and infill guidelines that effectively communicate the periods of significance that express Beeton’s unique character qualities,
- Maintain and enhance the streetscapes along Centre Street and Main Street as unique and integral components of Beeton’s historical development, and
- Maintain the mature tree canopy along Centre Street and surrounding the Fairgrounds.
Policies and Guidelines
Beeton’s conservation policies and guidelines provide direction on the maintenance, alteration, addition, conservation and new construction of Beeton’s HCD Public Realm and Village Core.
Key conservation guidelines for the Public Realm and Civic Core integral to the conservation of Beeton’s HCD character include but are not limited to the elements illustrated below graphic.
HCD Implementation – Heritage Permit System (DRAFT – For discussion purposes only)
The purpose of the Heritage Permit process is to ensure that all alteration and development proposals are considered in terms of their impact on the District’s cultural heritage value and character.
The Town is in the process of developing a heritage permit system to manage alteration permits for properties designed under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated against the HCD’s Statement of Objectives, Statement of Cultural Heritage Values and District significance and Architectural Styles noted in the guidelines.
Proposed alterations or developments will be evaluated by staff to determine if the proposed works require a permit and further if it requires Council approval.
The following flow chart summarizes the proposed draft process and the various streams in which an application could fall under. To view the DRAFT flow chart, click here.
Want to make a comment, share your opinion, or submit feedback? We want to hear from you! Click here to have your say.
Consultation and Approval Process
During our Public Meeting, we heard from local residents who had questions and concerns about whether a Heritage Conservation District was right for them, their business and their home. We hope that the information provided below will help provide more clarity on Heritage Conservation Districts and their positive impacts:
- Heritage Districts Work! (University of Waterloo)
- The Economic Value of Heritage Districts: How assessment growth in heritage conservation districts compares with non-designated areas in Hamilton (page 40) (Link here).
Purpose
Following Council approval of the Beeton Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study in June 2018, which examined the heritage significance of the properties within a defined area of Downtown Beeton, the Town of New Tecumseth retained Fotenn Planning + Design, in collaboration with Archaeological Services Inc. (ASI) and Goldsmith Borgal & Company Ltd. Architects (GBCA) to undertake the second phase of the project and complete a HCD Plan. The purpose of this HCD Plan is to develop appropriate guidelines in collaboration with property owners and the public to ensure that Downtown Beeton’s historic character is maintained and celebrated as the Town continues to grow.
To read the Heritage Conservation District Study click here.
HCD Boundary
The proposed boundary of the HCD is a result of the information collected and analyzed as part of the Beeton HCD Study phase, including the community consultation process. Lands within the recommended boundary are centered on the historical and present day commercial core of Beeton and are comprised of transitional but cohesive mixed-use areas featuring a range of residential, institutional, and commercial properties on Main Street and Centre Street. The HCD boundary was determined using criteria and definitions outlined by the Province of Ontario.
Process
Building on extensive staff, project Steering Committee and public consultation process, the project will be completed in the following steps:
Step 1 – Background Research and Analysis/Inventory of Contributing Vs. Non-Contributing Properties
Step 2 – Draft Heritage Conservation District Plan
Step 3 – Final Heritage Conservation District Plan
Consultation
HCD Guideline Elements
The HCD Plan and guidelines will provide for a number of approaches and mechanisms to ensure the unique heritage character of the District will be enhanced and the historic identity of Downtown Beeton will be maintained. These guidelines will address the alteration and addition to street fronting and side facades for all contributing properties and overall building size, treatment of public realm and facade treatments for supporting properties.
Below is a brief description of the design elements outlined for all Contributing and Supporting properties as well as the district’s streetscapes and central civic core.
1. Guiding Principles for Contributing Residential Properties
2. Guiding Principles for Contributing Mixed-Use and Institutional Properties
3. Guiding Principles for Supporting Properties
4. Guiding Principles for Public Realm
HCD Implementation – Heritage Permit System (DRAFT – For discussion purposes only)
The purpose of the Heritage Permit process is to ensure that all alteration and development proposals are considered in terms of their impact on the District’s cultural heritage value and character.
The Town is in the process of developing a heritage permit system to manage alteration permits for properties designed under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated against the HCD’s Statement of Objectives, Statement of Cultural Heritage Values and District significance and Architectural Styles noted in the guidelines.
Proposed alterations or developments will be evaluated by staff to determine if the proposed works require a permit and further if it requires Council approval.
The following flow chart summarizes the proposed draft process and the various streams in which an application could fall under. To view the DRAFT flow chart, click here.
Want to make a comment, share your opinion, or submit feedback? We want to hear from you! Click here to have your say.