The Ontario Heritage Act gives municipalities the ability to pass by-laws to formally designate properties of cultural heritage value or interest. Formal designation is one way of recognizing a property's heritage value to a community. Designation also helps to ensure the conservation of these important places for the benefit and enjoyment of the community.
The Ontario Heritage Act offers three levels of protection for heritage properties. Properties can be:
You can find additional information about the designation process or heritage conservation districts through the Ontario Heritage Toolkit.
The Ontario Heritage Act also gives municipalities the ability to establish a Heritage Advisory Committee to advise and assist Council on heritage matters.