Heritage Designation
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.
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
| Will designation stop me from renovating my property? |
| 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. |
| Will designation negatively impact my property value? |
| No. Designation does not negatively impact property values. Designated properties often retain more of their value. |
| What exactly does designation protect? |
| 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. |
| Will designation increase my insurance and/or taxes or cost me money? |
| 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. |
| Where can I get technical help for restoring a heritage building? |
|
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.
|
| I found an old object or artifact on my property. What should I do? |
|
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.