Heritage Properties
The Heritage Advisory Committee researches and examines the history and/or architecture of a candidate for designation to determine if it meets the criteria set forth by the Ontario Heritage Act.
The Heritage Advisory Committee is committed to the identification and preservation of buildings, structures and lands that are of cultural and/or historical value or interest and to initiating and promoting a conservation ethic and a climate of responsible stewardship of the community’s cultural heritage assets.
Committee members build strong relationships with property owners to encourage good stewardship of heritage resources. They facilitate the exchange of ideas and expertise that contribute to the economic and cultural development of our cities, towns, villages, neighbourhoods and landscapes across the province. They also bring unparalleled passion and dedication to finding solutions towards heritage conservation.
Understanding Designation
- those considering designation,
- those who already own a designated property,
- or are interested in purchasing a designated property
If you are a present owner of a designated property or are planning to purchase one, you will be among the more than 50 property owners presently in the City of Thorold who are in the prestigious position of owning a property which has cultural heritage value, architectural value and historical value to the City of Thorold and to our country. Studies conducted by the University of Waterloo over the years, show us that designation increases the value of a property over time.
Designation requires a by-law to be passed by the City to indicate that the property has, in fact, been designated. With the passing of this by-law the owner(s) become stewards of an important site in the City of Thorold. With designation always comes pride of ownership of a designated site.
Architectural Heritage Inventory
Heritage Building Evaluation Criteria
Heritage Building Evaluation Form
Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Landscapes
Guidelines for Recognition Plaques
(Recognition plaques are normally installed if the property does not qualify for full designation, but has some cultural heritage value associated with it.)
When the installation is at the request of the property owner
1. Each case will be dealt with on an individual basis, considering the following:
- the interest of the property owner
- importance and condition of the property
- the owner(s) has any historical or background information on the property to contribute to the research
2. Determine if the site/house has any known important features:
- Architectural
- Cultural
- Historical
3. Determine if the owner(s) is willing to look after the cost of the plaque, engraving and stand and pay the supplier direct (approx. $600. including tax)
4. LACAC will look after the following :
a) hire and pay a qualified researcher to research the property and supply a report to LACAC. This report will supply sufficient information for the wording on the plaque – e.g.
- Historical information of interest
- Cultural features of interest
- Architectural features of interest
A copy of the research report will be presented to the property owner when the plaque is installed.
b) design and order the plaque and stand
- arrange for installation through the Works Department at a location desired by the property owner (taking into account a “locates” procedure to determine underground installations)
When the installation is at the request of LACAC there is no charge to the property owner and LACAC looks after all the steps needed to have the plaque installed (at a location chosen by the property owner and subject to a “locates” procedure to determine underground installations).
The Ontario Heritage Tool Kit is a series of guides for municipal councils, municipal staff, Municipal Heritage Committees, land use planners, heritage professionals, heritage organizations, property owners and others. It was designed to help them understand the heritage conservation process in Ontario. It explains the Ontario Heritage Act, the Planning Act, and related programs.
In order to keep the architectural features of the building in tact, it is required under the Ontario Heritage Act* that the property owner consult with the Heritage Advisory Committee if changes, alterations, additions or deletions are planned for the exterior of the building. The local committee can be of assistance to the owner in their planning so that the changes are in keeping with the age of the property and that the final result will retain the original architecture of that era. No doubt, you have seen many older homes where additions have been made which are unsuitable to the original building, when, in fact, the alterations could have been made to compliment it.
The Heritage Advisory Committee is available to help the designated property owner, or to give them advice on their heritage home. As well, the complete research report which was done by a qualified researcher on the site at the time of designation, regularly has a great deal of information on the history and architecture of the building which can be helpful in making proposed changes. A copy of this illustrated report is supplied to the owner and with this report he is able “to take a walk through history” and discover how his building played a part in it.
Designation under the Ontario Heritage Act is a step forward when the owner(s) of a heritage home are considering designation; they then become part of our growing group of Thorold sites which are protected for future generations to admire and enjoy as part of Canada’s history.
Thorold is becoming a popular tourism destination with the focus on three attractions in our City — cycling, Welland Canal and heritage. Studies show us that tourists are seeking out a cultural heritage experience. Many communities, have heritage conservation districts, (eg. Niagara-on-the-Lake’s business area) which are designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act, and which are a great attraction to visitors and tourists.
Learn about the history of Thorold by following one of three virtual tours on your phone. We offer a walking tour of our heritage homes in downtown Thorold, a driving tour around the rural areas of Thorold, and a cemetery tour exploring the famous people and darker stories of our ancestors who built our community.
While you are touring the City of Thorold, please understand that the heritage homes are privately owned. We ask that you do not wander onto their property or leave any garbage nearby. Remember that cemeteries are places of rest and reflection. Please explore these areas quietly and with respect for the dead. Thank you.
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