Ontario Heritage Act & Commentary

New Ways to Protect Heritage Properties

In 2005, the Government of Ontario passed comprehensive amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act. These long-awaited changes give municipalities new powers to protect their heritage properties and communities. Successful protection depends on municipalities using these powers wisely.

Ontario Heritage Act&; Commentary is the only dedicated research source on these amendments. Municipal lawyer Eileen P.K. Costello, of Aird&; Berlis LLP, gives you:

Section-by-section analysis of the Act - Discover exactly how the Act has changed to provide enhanced powers to municipal councils and the Minister of Culture

Overview of recent significant changes - Learn how the Act affects your role, whether you advise municipalities or act for owners of heritage properties

Commentary on case law - Examine how the Ontario Municipal Board, the Conservation Review Board and courts have interpreted and applied the Act in respect ofb heritage properties from Ontario municipalities of all sizes

Complete text of the Act - Quickly find sections, plus the rules of practice and procedure for hearings under the Act

Table of concordance - Easily track legislative changes

Appeal charts - Plan an effective appeal strategy

• How does the Act enhance protection of heritage conservation districts, marine heritage sites, and archaeological resources?
• What proactive steps can municipalities take to protect their heritage resources?
• How much discretion with respect to redevelopment and/or alteration is available to private property owners once they acquire a heritage property?
• What rights of appeal remain for the owners of heritage properties?
• What role is provided for Municipal Heritage Committees to protect heritage resources?
• What new powers do municipalities have to prevent demolition by neglect of heritage buildings?

A One-Stop Resource for:

• Municipal and land use planning lawyers (private and government) who need understand changes to the approvals and appeals process under the Act in respect of the designation of properties and districts
• Municipal clerks and councils who need to be aware of enhanced notice requirements, and requirements to consult with Municipal Heritage Committees in respect of applications under the
• Heritage planners and heritage advocate groups who have access to new avenues for pursuing heritage protection.
• Municipal planners who must stay current on intersection between applications under the Act and development applications under the Planning Act
• Heritage architects who specialize in adaptive reuse of heritage buildings