About the Heritage Advisory Committee
The Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC) advises City Council and City staff on matters related to Wrenford's built heritage. We work under the Ontario Heritage Act and the City's Heritage Conservation By-law 2020-085. Our goal is to protect and celebrate the buildings, structures, and landscapes that tell the story of our city, from the original 1834 grist mill to the shops and homes along Mill Street.
What we do
The committee reviews applications and makes recommendations to Council on:
- Heritage designation: helping property owners learn how to protect their historic building under the law.
- Heritage alteration permits: reviewing changes to designated properties so they keep their character.
- Heritage conservation districts: identifying areas like the Mill Street Heritage Conservation District that need special attention.
- Grants and incentives: managing the Heritage Grants and Incentives programme to help offset repair costs.
- Heritage register updates: keeping the official list of significant heritage properties current.
We also plan and host monthly Heritage walking tours through the Old Mill and downtown areas. These tours are free and open to everyone.
Current members
Council appoints citizen members for two- or three-year terms. A City staff member serves as the liaison to help with meeting materials and reports.
| Name | Role | Term end |
|---|---|---|
| Gwen Lachance | Heritage and Archives Coordinator (Staff Liaison) | 2029 |
| Elena Petrova | Citizen Member | 2028 |
| Maya Chen-Watson | Citizen Member | 2027 |
| Noah Feldman | Citizen Member | 2027 |
| Rosa Castellano | Citizen Member | 2028 |
| Aaron Bellamy | Citizen Member | 2029 |
Meetings are usually held the first Tuesday of the month at City Hall, unless noted otherwise. All meetings are open to the public.
Apply to join the committee
Do you have a background in history, architecture, planning, or community volunteer work? We welcome applications from residents who want to help shape Wrenford's heritage future.
Applications are open year-round. When you apply, please tell us about your experience and why you want to serve. You will be asked to list your skills and your availability for weekday evening meetings. If you are between 16 and 19 years old, you can also apply as a youth member.
Send your completed application to [email protected] or drop it off at the Service Wrenford counter in City Hall. The City Clerk's Office will forward your application to Council for consideration at a future meeting.
Need help with a heritage property?
If you own a heritage property or are thinking of designating one, the HAC is here to guide you. We can explain the Heritage designation process, answer questions about Heritage alteration permits, and point you toward Heritage grants and incentives.
You can also visit the Old Mill Museum & Archives to view the Heritage register search or pick up a copy of the Heritage management plan.
For more information, call 519-555-0133 or email [email protected].