The City of Burlington is committed to conserving our cultural heritage for future generations. This includes identifying, protecting and promoting our historic buildings, monuments and landscapes.
Heritage permits
If you own a designated heritage property and want to make changes that could affect its protected heritage qualities, you need an approved heritage permit. You also need a heritage permit if you plan to demolish or remove buildings or structures from a designated heritage property.
We suggest that you consult with our Heritage Planner to determine what supporting materials you may need for your permit application. Email the Heritage Planner at heritage@burlington.ca or call at 905-335-7777, ext. 7929.
Planning staff will review your application along with the Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee. It can take up to 90 days for us to process your application.
Removing or demolishing heritage structures
If you own a designated heritage property and want to remove or demolish a building or structure on it, you need a heritage permit.
If you want to remove or demolish a structure on a non-designated heritage property, you must give the City 60 days written notice of your intention to demolish.
Give notice of intent to demolish
Email the Heritage Planner at heritage@burlington.ca or call at 905-335-7777, ext. 7929 for details on how to give notice of intention to demolish.
Legislation and partners
The conservation of cultural heritage resources is governed by different planning tools and legislation at the local, provincial and federal level.
Local planning tools |
| Our Official Plan and Halton Region's Official Plan help guide our cultural heritage conservation plans. Check out our staff report on updates to the Municipal Heritage Register, or on the Downtown Heritage Study and Engagement Program and tips for the conservation of heritage properties to learn more about the policies that guide our heritage conservation planning. |
Provincial planning tools and legislation |
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The conservation of cultural heritage resources is regulated by the Ontario Heritage Act and Ontario's growth plan. The Niagara Escarpment Plan protects the natural heritage of the Niagara Escarpment. Ontario's Greenbelt protects natural conservation lands in Ontario.
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Federal planning tools |
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The Canadian Standards and Guidelines for the conservation of historic places provides guidance on conserving historical places. |
Here are some partner organizations that help different levels of government in cultural heritage guidance and maintenance.
Local partners |
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Local partners that help guide our heritage conservation efforts include the: |
Provincial partners |
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Provincial partners that help guide Ontario's heritage conservation framework include the: |
National and international partners |
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National and international partners that help guide national policies around heritage conservation include:
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Conservation Toolbox
The Ontario Heritage Act gives the City of Burlington three different tools to identify or protect a historic place
- Identify a Heritage Property,
- Protect a Group of Properties or
- Protect a Single Heritage Property
This table provides details for each of the tools and their effect on an owner in comparison to a property that has no heritage status.
| Take no Action | Identify a Property with Heritage Significance | Protect Multiple Properties with Heritage Significance | Protect One Property with Heritage Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| The property has no Heritage Status | List a property on the Heritage Register |
Heritage Designate properties as part of a District |
Heritage Designate a single property |
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