Heritage Conservation Districts

Cobourg has four heritage conservation districts designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. Each district has a unique character and sense of place.

Heritage conservation districts are an important part of Cobourg's cultural heritage. They help us understand and appreciate the cultural identity of our community.  

Cobourg's Heritage Conservation Districts

Each heritage conservation district has a plan with policies and guidelines for managing alterations and new construction in the area. A map showing all four heritage conservation districts is located below.

Cobourg Heritage Conservation Districts

What are the benefits of a Heritage Conservation District?

Designating a district helps municipalities manage and guide change in the district. Each district has a plan with policies and guidelines for conservation, protection and enhancement of the area's special character. Once an area is designated as a heritage conservation district, any exterior alterations and new construction are required to be consistent with the district plan and the character of the area.

How do you designate a Heritage Conservation District?

Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act gives municipalities the ability to designate lands as a heritage conservation district. The Ontario Heritage Act provides clear guidance on the process to designate a heritage conservation district.

Property owners, individuals or organizations can recommend areas to be designated by contacting the Heritage Planning department.

You can find additional information about the designation process or heritage conservation districts through the Ontario Heritage Toolkit.

What is a Heritage Conservation District Plan?

A document that provides guidelines on the management, care and protection of the District's heritage character and attributes. Each Heritage Conservation District Plan contains the following information:

• Objectives to be achieved in designating the area
• Statement explaining the cultural heritage value or interest of the area
• List of heritage attributes
• Policies and guidelines for managing change and new development (e.g. alterations, new construction, etc.)
• List of alterations that are exempt

Who should use the District Plans?

• Property owners
• Business owners/tenants
• Owners of vacant parcels of land
• Town staff responsible for undertaking public works projects and reviewing development applications
• Residents

Do I live in a Heritage Conservation District?

Visit our Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest to see if your property is designated or listed.

Do I need a permit to do work in a Heritage Conservation District?

Yes. If you are completing work on a property in a heritage conservation district, review the heritage conservation district plan for policies and guidelines that might apply to your work. Go to our Heritage Permits page for more information or to get your Heritage Permit application form.