Heritage Revitalization Agreements
A Heritage Revitalization Agreement (HRA) outlines the duties and obligations of, and the benefits to both parties of the agreement. In exchange for retention of a heritage building and some restoration work, an HRA allows the City to supersede local zoning regulations and to provide non-financial incentives which would make it viable to conserve the property. Each agreement is written to suit unique properties and situations. Every HRA is different from the next, and does not create precedent. Heritage properties subject to an HRA are also Designated.
Heritage Revitalization Agreement Process
Any property that has heritage value is eligible for an HRA. The HRA process is a public process, similar to rezoning, and must ultimately be approved by Council. The applications may take approximately 6 to 18 months. The length of the HRA process will depend on multiple factors, including Council and committee schedules, the complexity of the proposal, public feedback received, and the ability of the applicant to provide responses, materials, and information when required.
There are three stages of an HRA application: staff review and technical analysis, public consultation, and Council consideration. If Council decides to move forward with the HRA process, a Public Hearing will be held before the Heritage Revitalization Agreement Bylaw and Designation Bylaw are adopted.
City Policy for the Use of Heritage Revitalization Agreements
Heritage Alteration Permits
Proposed alterations and additions to protected heritage properties are reviewed through a permit process to determine the appropriateness of the changes in relation to the character defining elements of the building. A Heritage Alteration Permit (HAP) may be required if a building is protected by:
- Designation
- Heritage Revitalization Agreement
- Conservation covenant
- A Heritage Conservation Area
To see whether a property has heritage protection that would require an HAP to authorize work, view the Heritage Protection Map.
An HAP allows the City to respond to the changing needs of a property and its owners over time. For an HAP to be approved, the changes proposed must be consistent with the intent of the heritage protection bylaws. Standard maintenance, such as replacement of materials in-kind, does not require a permit.
There is no fee for an HAP for changes to a protected building.
Is your house in the Queen's Park neighbourhood? Learn more about building or renovating in the Queen's Park Heritage Conservation Area and for information about HAPs and which work requires them.
Heritage Alteration Permit Application Form
Columbia Street Historic District
Columbia Street is a Historic District, as identified in the Downtown Community Plan. The Heritage Area Revitalization Program (HARP) Guidelines help ensure changes to historic buildings in this area are respectful of the heritage value of the existing properties. The following proposed changes are evaluated using the guidelines:
- Heritage Revitalization Agreements
- External changes, including signage, to properties on the Heritage Register
Columbia Street Heritage Area Revitalization Program (HARP) Guidelines