How (and why) to get your house designated under the Ontario Heritage Act
Those round blue plaques that you see around London denote individual properties that have been found to have significant cultural heritage value or interest under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Heritage Conservation Districts (a designation under Part V of the Act) are neighbourhoods that have been found to have significant heritage characteristics. Properties within an HCD can, but don’t have to, be individually designated. Only individually designated properties get a blue plaque. HCDs are usually denoted by special street signs.
Getting your house designated protects its important architectural features for your benefit and the benefit of future owners, your neighbours, and the greater London community. Research suggests that designation (at least in the context of an HCD) increases the market value of a home.
Generally, the significant aspects of the façade and sides of a building (the parts visible from the street) are designated. The homeowner remains free to modify the interior (to install that dream kitchen or bathroom, for example). The heritage designation is accomplished by means of a City of London by-law. Any exterior changes that have the potential to alter the designated features of a property must go through a Heritage Alteration Permit process, which is relatively straightforward.
The City of London offers a helpful step-by-step explanation of the process. The first step is to contact one of the city’s Heritage Planners at 519-661-4980.
Why preserve the heritage attributes of your home?
Even in the absence of a formal heritage designation, there are good economic and environmental reasons to preserve the original features of your property. Although many companies recommend window replacement as an energy conservation measure, research in both Canada and the United States indicates that it is almost always best to retain and repair original windows in an older home.
Where do I get advice and help with heritage repair and restoration?
Edifice Atelier offers workshops, some of which take place close to London, as well as useful guidance on heritage conservation through Edifice Magazine. They have something to say about replacement windows, as well.
ACO London Region has compiled a directory of heritage practitioners for the London Region who have been recommended by ACO members. If you want to make a recommendation (or want to be considered for inclusion in the directory), please contact us.