Designation of a heritage property is the process whereby the municipal council declare a property or district to be of great historical or architectural interest locally or beyond. Council does this under the authority of Provincial legislation.
Once a property is “Designated” the property owner receives a small cast bronze plaque which is usually mounted by the main entrance.
The property owners are then often eligible for special grants, expert technical assistance, seminars and workshops.
And studies show that Designated properties weather the ups and downs of real estate markets better than their un-designated neighbours.
Certain minimal restrictions are placed on the site:
Council can postpone the issuance of demolition permits for up to six months. This can give breathing space while other options are explored.
The property owner cannot change any of the features mentioned in the “Reasons for Designation”, usually restricted to exterior features of architectural merit, without written permission from the council.
Often an interested property owner contacts Heritage Port Colborne through the City Hall. This is usually after the owner has already begun some research that indicates the building is special in some way.
At that point the volunteers of Heritage Port Colborne go into action. The research is split into two parts: the history of the stucture and its inhabitants, and the architectural survey of the structure. The research takes place at the Registry office, the local museums and libraries, through interviews, and any other private sources of historical information. The structure is inspected, and all unique or interesting features are noted and photographed.
After the research is complete, the members of Heritage Port Colborne debate the merits of the site, and vote whether to recommend the designation to council. If the vote is positive, an official “Designation Report” is prepared by Heritage Port Colborne and Planning staff, and eventually brought before council.
Ultimately it is the members of the Port Colborne Council who decide whether or not a property is to be “Designated”.
Interested parties who disagree with councils vote can appeal (for a fee) to the Ontario Heritage Board, an action similar to an Ontario Municipal Board hearing, and just as formal.
To date, Port Colborne councils have designated 11 structures, three of which are owned by the City. One designation (Roselawn) was appealed by the owners, and upon appeal the Board upheld the designation.