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Home > Services > Business Services > Heritage Preservation > Heritage Conservation Districts

HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

The Ontario Heritage Act enables the council of a municipality to designate defined areas as a Heritage Conservation District (HCD). This allows Council to manage and guide future change in the district, through district plans. District plans include policies and guidelines for the conservation, protection and enhancement of the area’s special character. Vaughan has four Heritage Conservation Districts:

Kleinburg-Nashville Maple Thornhill Woodbridge

Click on each above to see a map of the specific Heritage Conservation District

HCD's can include residential, commercial and industrial areas, rural landscapes, villages or hamlets with features that contribute to a cohesive sense of time or place. Other physical and spatial elements, such as important vistas and views between buildings are considered. Heritage Conservation Districts form an integral part of our cultural heritage as they contribute to an understanding and appreciation of Vaughan's cultural identity.

QUESTIONS

My property is within a HCD. What do I need to know?

Properties located within a HCD are designated by municipal by-law and Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act.

What is designated on my property?

Designation includes the entire property, not just the main dwelling or building. This includes all structures and landscapes on the property.

I want to make changes to my property or building. Where do I start?

You need to find your (a) guidelines for your project and then (b) apply for a Heritage Permit.

(a) Guidelines for the districts are located to the right on this web page. Begin by looking up your district, and the requirements for your project (window style, brick colour, fencing, preferred trees, garage door types etc.). HCD Guidelines (available on the right hand side of this page).

(b) Permit: Heritage Conservation Districts (HCD) properties require the owner obtaining a Heritage Permit for any work undertaken that alter or changes the appearance property. The permit is obtained through a Heritage Review process which occurs in conjunction with Planning Applications (if required). Cultural Heritage staff will review and submit the application to Heritage Vaughan Committee and City of Vaughan Council for approval.

Will my project need to be approved by Council?

Depending on the scope of your project it may require recommendation from Heritage Vaughan to City Council. Staff are happy to discuss your project and determine if Council approval is required.

Do property owners need permission for general maintenance?

General maintenance work, such as repainting of exterior trim, replacement or repairs to an existing asphalt roof, or repairs to property features do not usually require a Heritage Review. However, you may still need a building permit or other City approvals.

Can I demolish a building in a HCD first and plan to build later?

No. The Vaughan Official Plan notes a demolition permit for a building or part of a building within a Heritage Conservation District shall not be issued until plans for a replacement structure have been submitted to the City and Council has approved the replacement structure.

What can happen if I do work without obtaining heritage approval?

The Ontario Heritage Act allows provisions for municipalities to recover the costs of restoring illegally altered buildings or structures designated under Part V. It also consents to a fine of up to $1 million for any person found illegally demolishing a property in a Heritage Conservation District.

Does designation alter the right to sell the property?

Designation will not interfere with your right to sell the property. We always encourage Real Estate agents and/or potential buyers to contact Cultural Heritage staff for clarification or questions.

Return to Heritage Preservation main page

Contact Information

Cultural Heritage Division,

Development Planning Department

Phone:
905-832-2281

Location:
City Hall, Level 2
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive
Vaughan L6A 1T1

Email:

CulturalHeritage@Vaughan.ca

Cultural HeritageStaff:

Nick Borcescu, Senior Heritage Planner

Katrina Guy, Cultural Heritage Coordinator

Wendy Whitfield Ferguson, Cultural Heritage Coordinator

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