Heritage Advisory Committee meeting, January 15, 2026
Attendance
The meeting started at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Committee Room 2 at Wrenford City Hall. Present were Councillor Helen Marchetti (Ward 6) (Council representative), and the Chair (a resident member). Five other resident members also attended. Staff present was the City's Heritage Planner. A resident from the Old Mill neighbourhood sent regrets.
Delegations
A representative from the Downtown Wrenford Business Improvement Area spoke about maintaining historic storefronts. They asked for clearer rules on signage changes. A resident from the Fallsview neighbourhood asked about the process for heritage designating a family home. They wanted to know how long the review takes.
Reports and decisions
Heritage Conservation Grant By-law 2025-057
The committee reviewed applications for the 2026 grant cycle. They recommended prioritizing projects that restore original features on Mercer and Tamsin Streets. This will help keep the downtown core looking its best. Carried.
Heritage Alteration Permit By-law 2025-148
The committee discussed common issues with permit applications, such as window replacements and chimney repairs. They recommended a new one-page checklist for residents to make the process simpler. Carried.
Heritage Conservation District By-law 2026-045
The committee reviewed public feedback received after the draft by-law was posted. They noted support for protecting the streetscape near the Old Mill Museum & Archives. They recommended the by-law move forward to Council. Carried.
2026 Operating Budget
The committee discussed how heritage programming funding will be managed in the new year. They recommended keeping the current budget for heritage workshops and the Old Mill Museum & Archives operating costs. Carried.
Community Standards
The committee reviewed complaints about graffiti on heritage facades. They recommended that By-law Enforcement prioritize cleaning requests for designated heritage properties. Carried.
By-laws
None were passed. The Heritage Advisory Committee recommends by-laws to City Council, which makes the final decision.
Adjournment
The meeting ended at 7:15 p.m. You can find the full agenda and minutes on our website.