Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, designates buildings deemed to be of “cultural heritage value or interest.” The property must meet one or more of the prescribed criteria related to the building’s physical, historical and contextual value. The Toronto Preservation Board is assisted by Heritage Preservation Services (HPS) in deciding which buildings are worthy of protection. If staff recommends that a building be included in the inventory, it is put to a vote at City Council. 

 

Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act, allows Council to designate entire neighbourhoods through the implementation of a Heritage Conservation District (HCD). Every property within a HCD then becomes protected, requiring heritage permits approved by Council in order to alter or demolish the building’s exterior. Each HCD is accompanied by a District Plan which outlines the heritage and cultural value of the area, the objectives the HCD is meant to achieve, and any prescribed minor exterior alterations that would not require heritage permits.