What is the Heritage Register?
The Wrenford Heritage Register is a list of buildings, structures, and sites that the City has formally recognized for their cultural, historical, or architectural value. It serves as a key planning tool, helping staff and Council make informed decisions about development while protecting the unique character of our neighbourhoods.
Listing on the register does not freeze a building in time. It does, however, mean that any changes to the exterior will be reviewed to ensure the features that give the property its heritage value are kept. Properties that carry legal protection, such as a municipal heritage designation or a heritage conservation covenant, will require a heritage alteration permit before you can make changes.
How to search the register
You can search the Heritage Register by street address or property name. The full register is available as a downloadable PDF through the Heritage Register PDF, or you can visit the Old Mill Museum & Archives in person to view the complete list and historical records.
What the notation codes mean
Each entry in the register uses a code to show what kind of protection or recognition it has. These codes help you understand what rules apply to a specific property:
- M – The property is legally protected by a municipal heritage designation by-law.
- CA – The property is inside a Heritage Conservation Area, such as the Downtown Historic District.
- HC – A heritage restoration covenant is registered on the property's title.
- HRA – The property has a Heritage Revitalization Agreement with the City.
- P – The property is protected under provincial legislation.
- I – Specific interior features are protected.
- L – Landscape features, such as heritage trees or gardens, are protected.
How listing affects your property
Properties on the register are flagged in our planning system. If you apply for a building, zoning, or demolition permit, our planners will check the heritage status first. Here is what you need to know:
- Alterations: You can still update your property, but the changes must respect the heritage character. If the property is legally protected, you will need a heritage alteration permit.
- Demolition: Before a registered property can be demolished, the City can delay the permit for up to 120 days. This gives us time to look at conservation options and talk with the owner.
- Grants: Owners of registered heritage properties are eligible to apply for the Heritage Conservation Grant Program, which covers up to 50 per cent of eligible restoration costs.
Adding a property to the register
If you believe a building or site has heritage value, you can nominate it for review. The process starts with a heritage evaluation using our values-based methodology. This looks at historical associations, community meaning, and physical design. Once staff complete the evaluation, the nomination goes to the Heritage Advisory Committee for a recommendation. If the Committee supports it, Council reviews the nomination. With the owner's consent, the property is added to the register.
Need help?
For a copy of the full register, or to discuss a specific property, contact the Heritage Planning team at [email protected] or call 519-555-0133. You can also drop by the Old Mill Museum & Archives at 12 Mill Street during open hours.