Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my property is considered a heritage property?
- What is the Inventory of Cultural Heritage Resources?
- How were properties added to the Inventory?
- What is the Municipal Register of Cultural Heritage Properties?
- What is meant by heritage "designation"?
- How is cultural heritage value or interest determined?
- Where do these heritage conservation powers and responsibilities come from?
- Does Burlington have any Heritage Conservation Districts?
- Does being included on a heritage list affect my property value or my ability to sell or alter my property?
- Does heritage designation affect property insurance?
- When do I need a Hertiage Permit vs. a Heritage Clearance?
How do I know if my property is considered a heritage property?
The City of Burlington maintains an Searchable Inventory of approximately 1,100 heritage properties. The database includes all inventoried heritage properties in the City, including those that are designated pursuant to the Ontario Heritage Act and those that are listed in the Municipal Register of Cultural Heritage Resources.
What is the Inventory of Cultural Heritage Resources?
Since the City’s municipal heritage committee was established by by-law in 1977, the committee has collected information and compiled a list of heritage properties in the City, in order to fulfill part of their Council-approved mandate. This list is called the “Inventory of Cultural Heritage Resources” and is used as a tool for planning and reference purposes. Council has periodically endorsed this Inventory over the years.
How were properties added to the Inventory?
Heritage Burlington historically evaluated properties based on several criteria (using the Kalman evaluation model), including history, architecture, environment, usability, integrity, etc. The properties were given a numerical score and a corresponding rating from “A” to “D”, “A” being the highest. The Inventory has no legal status. Property owners were not necessarily notified when their property was added to the Inventory as there are no legal obligations to being listed on the Inventory. Council last endorsed the Inventory in 2001. No new properties have been added to the Inventory since that time. The method of evaluation of cultural heritage resources has since changed and is now based on Ontario Regulation 9/06.
What is the Municipal Register of Cultural Heritage Properties?
The Municipal Register of Cultural Heritage Properties is a list that the clerk of every local municipality is required to keep. It is an official and publicly accessible list of properties of cultural heritage value in the community. The Register must include all properties in the municipality which are designated under Part IV (individual designation) and Part V (district designation) of the Ontario Heritage Act. The list may also include non designated properties of interest. (Read more).
What is meant by heritage “designation”?
Designation is the formal recognition of a heritage property pursuant to the Ontario Heritage Act by way of a by-law that is registered on title of the property. It provides the property special legal status designed to protect the resource and specifically the heritage attributes that are identified in the individual property by-law. Designation is not meant to freeze a property in time. It does not mean that alterations cannot be made, but alterations require a heritage permit to ensure the heritage attributes (as identified in the by-law) are maintained. The property may be sold, but any new owner is required to notify the Clerk of the municipality of the change in ownership within 30 days of the change. There are over 60 designated properties in Burlington.
How is cultural heritage value or interest determined?
The Ontario Government has set out criteria for determining cultural heritage value or interest. These criteria are set out in Ontario Regulation 9/06. In order for a property to be designated pursuant to the Ontario Heritage Act, it must meet at least one criterion.
Where do these heritage conservation powers and responsibilities come from?
The guiding legislation in matters of heritage conservation come from the Provincial Government in the form of the Provincial Policy Statement and legislation such as the Planning Act and the Ontario Heritage Act.
Does Burlington have any Heritage Conservation Districts?
Burlington does not have any designated Heritage Conservation Districts at this time.
Does being included on a heritage list affect my property value or my ability to sell or alter my property?
There is no conclusive research that shows that property values or the ability to sell a property are positively or negatively impacted by being listed on the Inventory, Municipal Register or designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. Only properties that are designated by by-law under the Ontario Heritage Act are affected in terms of a property owner's ability to alter the property. For these designated properties, a heritage permit is required prior to undertaking any alterations.
Does heritage designation affect property insurance?
Heritage designation should not cause an increase in property insurance premiums. A variety of other reasons may cause insurance companies to increase premiums for older properties if there is a higher level of risk, such as outdated servicing (wiring), etc. Designation itself does not place any additional requirements on the insurer and should not affect premiums. More information on this matter can be found in an Information Sheet from the Ministry of Culture website.
When Do I need a Heritage Permit vs. a Heritage Clearance?
A heritage permit is required only when the owner of a designated property (pursuant to the Ontario Heritage Act) seeks to alter or demolish the property. An application for a heritage permit can be found here. Heritage clearances are issued to owners of properties included on the Inventory of Cultural Heritage Resources at the time of issue of a Zoning Clearance before application for a building permit. There is no application for a heritage clearance. The application is automatically generated for all non-designated heritage properties on the city’s Heritage Inventory and a heritage clearance document is provided with the zoning clearance certificate. Heritage clearances provide advice to owners of heritage properties. There are no fees associated with either heritage permits or heritage clearances.
