Heritage Tools

Please let us know on how we can best support heritage conservation on Bowen. Below is some information about the types of heritage tools available. If you have any questions about this content, post your question here.

Types of Heritage Lists

A Heritage Inventory is a list of places and practices that have heritage value, for information only. It does not have any legal ramifications, nor does it require action by Council to create or alter. It can include tangible (e.g., a building) and intangible (e.g., identity, continuity) heritage elements.

A Community Heritage Register is a fundamental tool for a municipal heritage program. A Register is an official listing of properties recognized as having heritage value and passed by a resolution by municipal Council. Once listed on a Register, properties are then eligible for the alternate compliance provisions and other incentives described herein. Public notice of Register listing is given, but owner consent is not required. See section 598 of the Local Government Act for additional information.

Heritage Designation occurs when a local government adopts a bylaw designating specific properties as having or contributing to heritage value or heritage character. It is rarely used, and is not being considered as part of Bowen's Heritage Strategic Plan. Public notice is required prior to designation. This designation prevents the alteration of the property without a heritage alteration permit. It can also require minimum maintenance standards. There are requirements for market values compensation. See sections 611-613 and 616 of the Local Government Act for additional information.

Incentive Options

Alternate compliance provisions allow for alternative methods for heritage buildings to meet the intent of regulations such as those in the Building Code. These exemptions are generally considered for approval on a case-by-case basis by the Building Inspector. A Building Code Engineer can also help by providing a report for this purpose.

Density bonuses/Transfers allow for residual unused density on a heritage site to be relocated to an alternate property as bonus density. This process can be complicated if the density bonus receiving site is not indicated from the beginning.

Fast-track permitting involves simplifying the building and development permit reviews and enabling a faster turnaround for applicants.

Financial incentives are applied to heritage designated or registered properties. They fall under one of five categories:

1.       Direct grants (from local government or a foundation)

2.      Tax incentives (generally from property tax)

3.      Revitalization tax exemptions (such as for seismic upgrades)

4.      Interest-free/low-interest loans

5.      Reduced permit fees

Heritage support can also be provided by the local government in the form of technical advice, public works improvements in heritage character areas, or referral to other organizations for assistance.

Relaxations/variances provide for site-specific variances to zoning and other regulations.

Definitions of Heritage Tools

A Heritage Alteration Permit allows for the alteration of a heritage property or area that is “designated” or part of a “Heritage Conservation Area.” See sections 617-618 of the Local Government Act for additional information.

A Heritage Conservation Area designates an area that would require a heritage alteration permit before any alteration, subdivision, or new construction is permitted. It can also require particular maintenance standards within this area. Public notice is required prior to designation of a conservation area. See sections 614-616 of the Local Government Act for additional information.

A Heritage Conservation Covenant is a voluntary contractual agreement between a heritage property owner and another party (which may be a local government). The terms are negotiated between the parties, but may include protection and maintenance of a building and/or landscape for a definite or indefinite period of time. The covenant must be passed by Council to become official. The agreement is then registered on the Title and runs with the land in the event of ownership transfer. See section 219 of the Land Title Act for additional information.

Heritage inspection is a physical examination of a property and the accompanying research necessary to determine the heritage value and any need for conservation of the property. See Part 15 of the Local Government Act for additional information.

Heritage Revitalization Agreements are formal, site-specific written agreements between the local government and the owner of a heritage property. They set out conditions applying to the property and can therefore supersede local zoning by combining regulation and incentives, including the owner’s obligations to maintain or otherwise protect the heritage resource. See section 610 of the Local Government Act for additional information.

Please let us know on how we can best support heritage conservation on Bowen. Below is some information about the types of heritage tools available. If you have any questions about this content, post your question here.