Designating a heritage property

Property, buildings or structures being considered for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act must meet specific criteria to be considered to have architectural or cultural interest.

Property designation under the Ontario Heritage Act recognizes and reinforces the community value of heritage properties, provides protection against inappropriate changes to heritage properties, controls demolition, and can give heritage property owners access to government-supported financial assistance.

How a property is chosen for designation

The designation process can be initiated by:

• A property owner volunteering their property for designation
• Heritage Planning staff and Guelph’s Heritage Advisory Committee recommending the designation of a property and contact the property owner to discuss plans for the proposed designation.

The reasons for designating a property can be:

• to recognize and celebrate the property’s cultural heritage value
• to identify the heritage attributes that contribute to the property’s cultural heritage value
• to protect against proposed demolition as well as inappropriate alterations through the heritage permit approval process
• to protect and conserve the identified heritage attributes of the property through the development planning process
• to follow Guelph Official Plan Policy 4.8.1 – that cultural heritage resources shall be conserved in accordance with this Plan and all other relevant legislation and that built heritage resources and cultural heritage landscapes may be designated and/or listed on the Municipal Register of Cultural Heritage Properties.

Priority is given to heritage properties that are seen to be at risk.

How heritage designation happens:

Once the property has been identified for designation, heritage planning staff complete a Draft Council Designation Report that contains:

• a statement of significance explaining why the property is important, and
• a list of heritage attributes – the features that contribute to its value.

This report is then shared with the Heritage Advisory Committee for their comments.

If it is eligible, a statement containing the reasons for designation is presented to Guelph City Council.

How properties owners can get involved during the research phase:

Heritage Planning staff ensure transparency by actively involving property owners in the designation process before a recommendation is made to City Council:

• Property owners are invited to discuss the research findings and the proposed list of heritage attributes directly with staff.
• Meeting materials for the Heritage Advisory Committee are shared in advance with both the property owner and the public.
• Anyone can participate in the process by registering as a delegate to speak to any item on a Committee meeting agenda.

This open and collaborative approach ensures that property owners and community members are informed and have the opportunity to engage meaningfully in decisions about cultural heritage.

Timelines and opportunities for involvement

Following the research phase, official steps for designation will take place.

Step 1: Recommendation

• Heritage Planning staff and Guelph’s Heritage Advisory Committee recommend that City Council publish its intention to designate the property.
• Next: City Council accepts the recommendation.

Step 2: Notification

• Notice of Council’s decision is sent to the property owner, the Ontario Heritage Trust and the local newspaper (Guelph Today) and on the City of Guelph’s website starting the 30-day objection period.

Step 3: 30-Day Objection Period

• Within 30 days from the date of public notice, property owners can have their say:
  • If you agree with the designation: No action is needed.
  • If you disagree with the designation: Submit a written objection to the City Clerk’s Office.
    • Include: Reasons for your objection.
    • Send to:
      City Clerk’s Office
      City of Guelph
      1 Carden Street
      Guelph, Ontario
      N1H 3A1
      
      519-837-5603
      [email protected]

Step 4: If There’s an Objection

• If there is an objection, City Council shall consider the objection and decide whether to withdraw or proceed with their intention to designate

Step 5: Council’s Final Decision

• City Council proceeds, passes a heritage designation by-law and publishes a notice passing of the by-law.
• City Council withdraws its intention to designate. The designation process ends.

Step 6: Appeal to the By-law

• Should a property owner wish to appeal a designation following the passing of a heritage designation by-law, they can do so by appealing to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
• The OLT decision is final.

If Designated:

• The bylaw is registered on title at the local registry office.
• Copies are sent to the property owner and the Ontario Heritage Trust.

For more information about designating a heritage property

[email protected]
519-837-5616