About the permit
If you own a property that is listed on the Wrenford Heritage Register or located in the Mill Street Heritage Conservation District, you must apply for a heritage alteration permit before making changes to the exterior of your building. The Heritage Conservation By-law 2020-085 protects our shared history by ensuring that any updates respect the original character of your home or business.
This permit works alongside your building permit. You cannot receive a building permit for exterior work until the heritage alteration permit is approved.
Check your property status
Before you start planning, find out if your property is officially designated or located in a conservation district. Use our online map or contact the Heritage Program team to confirm your property's status. If you are not sure, you can apply for a heritage review to determine if your property holds heritage value.
What to submit
Applications are reviewed by the Heritage Officer. To help us process your request quickly, please include the following with your application form:
- Application form: Download the Heritage Alteration Permit application from the Arts & Heritage page.
- Statement of Significance (SOS): If your property does not already have an SOS on file, you will need to prepare one. This document outlines the key heritage values and character-defining features of your building. You may hire a heritage consultant to write this for you.
- Conservation Plan: A detailed plan that shows how you will preserve your property's heritage features while making your proposed changes. The plan must follow the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.
- Drawings: Clear architectural drawings showing the current condition of the property and the proposed changes. Include elevations, floor plans, and material samples where possible.
- Photographs: Clear photos of the areas you plan to alter, as well as the surrounding context.
Review and decision
Once you submit a complete application, City staff will review it against the Mill Street Conservation Guidelines and the Wrenford Heritage Conservation Districts and Properties Policy. The review usually takes four to six weeks. If your project is complex, we may ask for additional information or schedule a meeting with you.
If approved, the permit will list specific conditions you must follow during construction. If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Committee of Adjustment.
Application fees
There is a $125.00 administration fee for a heritage alteration permit application. This fee covers the initial review of your documents and site visit. If you need a heritage consultant to prepare your Statement of Significance, the city does not cover those private costs, but you may be eligible for a heritage rehabilitation grant to help with conservation work once your permit is approved.
You can also find this information online.
Contact us
Have questions about your project or need help finding the right forms? Email the Heritage Program team at [email protected] or call 519-555-0100. You can also visit City Hall at 100 Mercer Street.