Heritage Designations and Permits
If your property is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, you’ll need a Heritage Permit before making any changes that could affect its heritage features. The Heritage Permit process helps protect the character-defining elements that make heritage properties unique. There is no fee to apply. Any proposed alteration that may impact a property’s heritage attributes must be reviewed by the Municipal & Marine Heritage Committee and approved by Council before work begins.
To learn more about designated properties, heritage districts, and sites with potential heritage value, visit our Heritage webpage.
Heritage Permit Guide:
The Heritage Permit Guide was created to help property owners understand the application process. It outlines the information that Council requires as part of a Heritage Permit application.
If you have questions or would like to review the requirements before submitting your application, Building Department staff are available to assist you.
Heritage Permit Application Form:
Completing the Heritage Permit Application Form is the first step in the review process. Once submitted, your proposed project will be assessed to determine whether it could affect the property’s heritage attributes, as identified in the designation by-law, and to evaluate any potential impacts on neighbouring properties.
Designated Heritage Property Grant Policy
The Designated Heritage Property Grant program is established to provide financial support to owners of designated heritage property owners for the conservation and preservation of the Town's built heritage resources.
Heritage Conservation District Plan
The Goderich Heritage Conservation District Plan helps protect and strengthen the unique character of the downtown. Developed with input from the consulting team, Town staff, and the public, the Plan responds to the loss of historic properties through demolition and natural disaster.
Property owners and agencies making changes within these areas will be expected to follow the Plan’s policies and guidelines. This helps protect heritage features, support investment, encourage thoughtful development, and improve the downtown environment.
Heritage Pamphlets
Six pamphlets have been created to help educate property owners, businesses, and residents about the Heritage Conservation Districts:
1. What is a Heritage Conservation District?
If you have a project in mind, or are looking for more information on the Town’s Heritage Conservation Districts, you can look through the rest of the heritage pamphlet series:
2. Maintenance of Exterior Walls, Windows, Decorative Trim, and Signage
3. Maintenance of Roofs, Utilities and Telecommunication, and Environmental Sustainability
4. Alterations or Additions to Heritage Properties
5. Non-Contributing Properties, New Construction and Demolition
6. Heritage Permit Applications in the Heritage Conservation Districts
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