Municipal Cultural Heritage Register

The Municipal Heritage Register (the Register) is the list of heritage properties that are regulated by the City of Burlington under the Ontario Heritage Act.

The Municipal Heritage Register contains two types of properties:

• Designated heritage properties that have been designated under the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA)
• Non-designated heritage properties that have not been designated but still have cultural heritage value or interest

These properties may be privately or publicly owned. View a map showing all the properties in the Register.

Designated heritage properties

Designated heritage properties have cultural importance and attributes that must be conserved. They must meet certain eligibility criteria to be designated as such.

If you own a designated heritage property and want to alter it, you may need a heritage permit. Please email Heritage staff to determine if a heritage permit is needed for your project. You also need Council approval to demolish or remove any building or structure on a designated property.

You are eligible for certain grants and tax rebates if you own a designated heritage property.

Non-designated heritage properties

Non-designated heritage properties are put on the Register by Council and the Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee because they are believed to have cultural value.

There are no restrictions on alterations to non-designated properties except for demolition. If you want to demolish or remove a building or structure on a non-designated property, you need to give Council 60 days' prior written notice and receive approval to proceed.

Heritage Conservation District (HCD)

A heritage conservation district is a geographically defined area with distinct heritage character. It is protected by a municipal bylaw under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. District designation lets municipal council manage and guide future change in the district through a district plan. The plan has policies and guidelines for conservation, protection and enhancement of the area’s character or appearance. For more information, see the Ontario Heritage Tool Kit's guidance on Heritage Conservation Districts.