Heritage Buildings

A heritage building is an architectural piece that, designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, is certified to be of significant architectural or historical value by a recognized, non-profit public organization whose primary object is the preservation of structures of architectural or historical significance and the certification has been accepted by the chief building official. These buildings are not just for show, but have a use associated to them such as being able to conserve what is important about them, and provide the opportunity to reveal and interpret their history, while also providing sustainable long-term uses.

Rural and urban communities are becoming much more sophisticated in using their heritage to enhance the appeal of their towns and neighbourhoods. One of the key ways they are doing this is by giving their heritage buildings and precincts a new lease of life through adaptation. These communities are seizing the opportunity to extend the life of their heritage items by making them useful by giving them new and productive purposes. Heritage sites and buildings can have a very positive influence on many aspects of the way a community develops.Regeneration, housing, education, economic growth and community engagement are examples of the ways in which heritage can make a very positive contribution to community life. It is easy to understand that an attractive heritage environment assists in attracting external investment as well as maintaining existing businesses of all types, not just tourism-related. It is also a fact that people are very proud of their local history, but don’t always express how much they value a place until it’s threatened. Because it adds character and distinctiveness to an area, heritage is a fundamental in creating a ‘sense of place’ for a community.The heritage places are an excellent local educational resource for people of all ages. Learning about the history of a place is a good way of bringing communities together through a shared understanding of the unique cultural identity heritage places give to an area.

Finally, coming to the point of conservation of these buildings, the architectural heritage of our local communities is as important as our duty to conserve the significant built heritage and its values or traditions of previous eras. More than ever, architectural heritage everywhere is at risk from a lack of appreciation, experience and care. Some have already been lost and more are in danger. It is a living heritage and it is essential to understand, define, interpret and manage it well for future generations.