Why a heritage review is required
A heritage review makes sure any changes to a property respect its history and character. If your property is on the Wrenford Heritage Register or flagged as having heritage potential, you must go through this review when applying for a building or development permit. The review is handled by the Arts & Heritage team, and it applies whether your property is legally designated or just listed.
Staff will also use this step to tell you about conservation grants and incentives that could help pay for your project.
Step 1: Check your property's status
Before you start your plans, find out if your property is already on the register. You can check the online Heritage Register or check if my property is heritage designated. If you are unsure, contact the Arts & Heritage Liaison at Room 210, Wrenford City Hall, or email [email protected] to discuss your ideas early. Early talks can save time and keep your project on track.
Step 2: Prepare your application documents
When you are ready to apply, you will need to submit a few key items with your development or building permit application.
- Statement of Significance (SOS): This document summarises the key heritage values and character-defining features of your property. You can hire a certified heritage consultant to write this for you. The Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals has a directory of qualified professionals.
- Conservation Plan: A detailed guide for how you will keep the important heritage features intact while making your proposed changes. All work must follow the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.
- Architectural Drawings: Clear plans showing the current condition of the building and any proposed changes. These drawings should match the conservation methods in your plan.
- Physical and Structural Reports: For larger projects, such as mid-rise or high-rise buildings, you may also need structural or seismic assessments.
Step 3: Pathways for review
Properties on the Heritage Register
If your property is already listed, staff will confirm that a Statement of Significance is on file. You will work with us to develop a conservation strategy for your project.
Properties with potential heritage value
If your property is not yet listed but is being considered for addition, we will do a Rapid Heritage Assessment (RHA). This is a quick screening using maps, historical photos, and local records to verify the place's heritage value.
If the RHA confirms heritage value, we will discuss retention options with you. If you choose the conservation pathway, we will guide you to prepare a Statement of Significance. Once submitted, your property will be evaluated for the register. If you do not pursue conservation, your standard permit application can move forward without heritage requirements.
Demolition of heritage properties
Under the Ontario Heritage Act, the City can legally protect properties through designation. For these designated properties, the Heritage Alteration Permit By-law protects specific elements from being altered or removed. For non-designated properties on the Heritage Register, the City does not have the legal authority to refuse a demolition permit based on history alone. However, the Arts & Heritage team still reviews every demolition application. This review gives us a chance to talk with property owners about alternatives to demolition. If a property is going to be demolished, we will also arrange for photographic documentation and a commemoration feature to remember the site.
Heritage incentives and support
Conserving heritage helps the local economy and protects our community's character. The City offers several supports to help property owners.
- Heritage Incentives Policy: Financial support for conservation work on designated and inventory properties.
- Facade Improvement Assistance Program: Grants for exterior improvements. The application window runs from March 1 to April 30 each year.
- Heritage Plaque Program: Free brass markers for designated and inventory properties.
For more details on how we protect heritage properties, visit the Heritage properties page.
Contact us
For questions about the heritage review process, or to book an appointment to discuss your project, contact the Arts & Heritage team.
- Arts & Heritage Liaison
- Wrenford City Hall, Room 210
- 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1
- [email protected]