Tips for Redeveloping a heritage Site

What is required for the redevelopment of a heritage site?

In addition to the typical development application review process, heritage building sites have additional requirements and processes which include the following:

• Heritage Assessment Report: To confirm the heritage value of the existing buildings.
• Heritage Revitalization Agreement: Includes a Heritage Conservation Plan, Site Plan, Floor Plan, and proposed Recommendations and Revitalization Renderings.
• Heritage Conservation Covenant: To protect part or all of a heritage building including any actions that could damage the existing heritage features.
• Approval from the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee and Panel: Required prior to City Council consideration.

Opportunities:

• Property Tax Exemptions
• Heritage Restoration Grants to aid in the maintenance and restoration of heritage buildings
• Potential relaxations to variances, bylaw regulations, and land use densities

Challenges:

• Significant costs associated with additional assessments and reports, and also restoration requirements
• Complex and time-consuming process that can span over several years