Heritage Conservation Districts

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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:

1. Kleinburg-Nashville

2. Maple

3. Thornhill

4. Woodbridge

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. The interest of a district may also depend on the diversity of the lifestyle and the traditions of the people who live and work there. Heritage Conservation Districts form an integral part of our cultural heritage as they contribute to an understanding and appreciation of Vaughan's cultural identity.

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.

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). Through the Planning Application, Cultural Heritage staff will review and submit the application to Heritage Vaughan Committee and City of Vaughan Council for approval.

Changes to the property are guided by the HCD Guidelines (available on the right hand side of this page).

Some examples of work requiring a Heritage Review:

• All additions and alterations to any structures on the property

• Demolition of structures on the property

• All new construction

• Landscaping and/or alteration of the property (including grading and tree removals)

• Replacement of windows or doors

• Change in window or door openings

• Removal and/or installation of porches, verandahs, canopies, cladding and chimneys

• Change in trim, cladding and painting of building exterior

• Removal and/or installation of a deck, fence, gate, trellis, arbours and/or gazebos

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.

Will heritage designation make property insurance premiums go up?

No. Designation itself does not place additional requirements on the insurer and should not affect your premiums. Many other reasons cause insurance companies to increase premiums for older buildings if there is a higher level of risk, such as services (outdated wiring etc.).

Where can I get historic information / old photos on my house?

Visit the City of Vaughan Archives (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.) and www.York.ca for additional resources.

Please contact Cultural Heritage staff to confirm if your property is designated as part of a HCD.

Contact Information

Cultural Heritage Division

Development Planning Department, City Hall, Level 1 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive Vaughan L6A 1T1

Nick Borcescu

Senior Heritage Planner

905-832-2281 ext. 8191

Nick.Borcescu@vaughan.ca

Katrina Guy
Cultural Heritage Coordinator
905-832-2281 ext. 8115
Katrina.Guy@vaughan.ca

Wendy Whitfield Ferguson

Cultural Heritage Coordinator
905-832-2281 ext. 8813
Wendy.WhitfieldFerguson@vaughan.ca

Heritage Conservation District Plans

Maple Heritage Conservation District - Vol 1
Inventory of properties within the Maple HCD
Maple Heritage Conservation District - Vol 2
Study of the Maple HCD
Maple Heritage Conservation District - Vol 3
Plan and guidelines for the Maple HCD
Kleinburg-Nashville Heritage Conservation District
Study, plan and guidelines for the Kleinburg-Nashville HCD
Thornhill Heritage Conservation District
Plan and guidelines for the Thornhill HCD
Woodbridge Heritage Conservation District
Plan and guidelines for the Woodbridge HCD