County of Brant Heritage Committee

What is the County of Brant Heritage Committee?
The County of Brant Heritage Committee was established in November, 2000 as an advisory committee of the County of Brant Municipal Council. Presently there are 9 volunteers from the community who have an interest in heritage issues and have offered their time, talent and energy to the work of preserving our architectural heritage. A member of Council and two staff representatives also serve the committee.

What Does The County of Brant Heritage Committee Do?
Under the Ontario Heritage Act R.S.O. 1990 the Municipal Council has the authority to designate heritage structures which have historical and/or architectural significance. The County of Brant Heritage Committee researches and makes recommendations to Council concerning buildings which may be eligible for designation as well as any proposed alterations/improvements that are to be made to properties already designated under the Act.

The County of Brant Heritage Committee is also mandated to provide educational opportunities and promotion of heritage matters through information and activities such as walking or driving tours, internet up-dates as well as regular monthly meetings which are open to the public.

What is "Designation?"
When a property owner agrees to seek “designation” of a building, a legal process is undertaken, regulated by the Ontario Heritage Act. The process ends when a by-law, passed by Municipal Council is registered on title giving a property special recognition under the Act. A plague is presented to the owner for display on the designated building or structure denoting it’s significance to heritage preservation.

At all times in the designation process, the owner retains control of his property. Designation does not affect the ability of the owner to sell the property nor does it restrict the use of the property, such as the controls that are put in place under a zoning by-law. The owner is not obligated, because of designation to restore or maintain the structure beyond what is normally expected under a Property Standards By-law. Owners may alter or renovate a designated structure, however Council’s consent must be granted to make changes to the designated features of the site.

Why Designate?
A key role of the County of Brant Heritage Committee is to raise awareness of the importance of heritage preservation. Designation takes place after a public consultative process and careful research. Our built heritage is a visible resource which gives our community it’s identity and distinctiveness. It is a way for the community to express an appreciation of the vision and efforts of the generations that have gone before, those who helped shape the world we live in today.

Designation works to protect that resource from inappropriate changes or demolition, at least until alternatives are explored and suggestions are given. Research has indicated that designation does not negatively impact the property value of a site, in fact it tends to protect values from an otherwise general downturn in the marketplace.

Designation status is registered on title, therefore the recognition of a heritage property runs with the property , not the owner. This provides some assurance that the property will continue to be recognized and valued for it’s heritage features for generations to come. Further, the renovation and renewal of heritage buildings provides employment and income opportunities while having less impact on the environment, natural resources and energy consumption than new construction does.

What are the Criteria for Designation?
When a building is being considered for designation, the County of Brant Heritage Committee uses number of established criteria to help determine if the property has historic value that should be preserved.

These characteristics may include : the age of the building; the architectural style, workmanship, landscape situation and type of materials used in construction; whether the building is associated with an important historical figure or event; whether the building is the work of a prominent architect or builder, the “uniqueness of the building in the community and the extent to which alterations and /or additions have been made over the years which may have affected it’s historical integrity.

The process of evaluation is not a science and members are encouraged not to let their personal taste and preferences affect their decisions.

For more information or to inquire about time and place of County of Brant heritage Committee meetings, contact us by email, phone, fax or regular mail.

County of Brant Heritage Committee Staff Representatives:

Carol Moore
Marcus Davidson
County Office
66 Grand River Street North,
Paris, ON N3L 2M2
442-6324 Fax : 442-3461