What makes a place feel like home?
Is it the buildings that have stood for generations? The stories behind the buildings on Broadway where storefronts now stand? The way a neighbourhood keeps its character, even as the world changes?
Heritage designations and conservation districts help protect the buildings and places that hold meaning—from landmark homes to entire historic areas. They connect our dynamic future with our historic charm, making sure the story of our community isn't lost over time.
Whether you’re curious about how heritage protection works, thinking of applying for a designation, or just want to see what’s happening in your neighbourhood—this page is your place to start.
A heritage designation...
- protects specific buildings or properties
- keeps their history and original features
- adds to the community’s identity
- helps people learn about the past
A heritage conservation district...
- protects an area of buildings and properties
- highlights their history or cultural importance
- keeps the unique character of a neighbourhood
- builds community pride
Guided by the Ontario Heritage Act
How do municipalities decide what should be made a part of our official heritage? We are able to make decisions on heritage designations and conservation districts based on the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA). This guides the ways we protect and preserve important buildings, places, and stories that help us understand our history.
Heritage designations
A property must meet specific criteria under the Ontario Heritage Act to be considered for a heritage designation.
Why designate a property? It is a way to officially recognize the heritage value of the property and its contribution to the history of the community. Although a heritage designation means some of the bigger changes, like renovations, require a permit, it does not:
- restrict using your property
- prevent changes on your property; the approval process to protect the property's heritage features
- regulate changes inside the home; this only happens if heritage features were specifically identified with the designation
- negatively affect your property value
- cause higher insurance premiums; heritage designations do not add additional insurance requirements
- make you restore heritage features lost or damaged in a fire or natural disaster
Interested in having your property being officially recognized as a heritage property? There are a few steps you need to take before any decisions can be made.
Step one: getting started |
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This process can be started by a property owner, Heritage Orangeville, or council. The very first step is contacting the Planning division to check if your property qualifies for designation. Historical research on the property (called a Heritage Assessment) may be needed to help decide if it meets the criteria. |
Step two: consulting with Heritage Orangeville |
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Council needs to consult with the Town's heritage committee (Heritage Orangeville) before a property is designated. If the committee recommends moving forward with the process and council accepts the recommendation:
A property owner's permission is not needed for designation but you are entitled to object to it. Both the property owner and public have 30 days to object once the notice has been published. |
Step three: a decision is made |
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At the final stage, a decision is made by council either to:
Once the decision is made, a notice of the decision is sent out to the following:
If the property designation was approved by council, anyone who objected before can file an appeal with the Ontario Land Tribunal. This must be done within 30 days of the notice of decision. If there are no appeals, the designation bylaw comes into effect and is added to the property's title. A copy is also sent to the Ontario Heritage Trust to be included on the Ontario Heritage Act register. |
Have more questions about the heritage designation process? Our Planning division is ready to help. Send them an email at [email protected].
Did you know?
If you want to renovate a designated heritage property or a property located within a heritage conservation district, you must apply for a heritage permit.
Heritage conservation districts
A heritage conservation district is about more than just individual properties or buildings—it focuses on protecting specific areas in Orangeville. It is about helping to manage and guide change, not stopping it. The idea is to make sure the area's unique look, feel and of course its history, are not lost when change does happen.
It's not about freezing an area in time. It's about being able to guide new developments and changes that respect that area or neighbourhood's character.
Are there benefits to creating these districts?
Yes! Heritage conservation districts form a major part of our cultural heritage and contribute to helping people who live and visit now—and in the future—understand and appreciate Orangeville's identity. These areas have also been shown to:
- increase property values
- promote a sense of pride in community
- allow council to manage and guide future changes to the district
- allow council to develop policies and guidelines to protect and enhance the district's character
How does an area or neighbourhood become a heritage conservation district?
The municipality has to initiate the process, either by direction of council or through recommendations by staff. The process includes a formal study of the area, public engagement, and eventually, a decision.
Current and proposed heritage conservation districts in Orangeville:
| Downtown Orangeville Heritage Conservation District | ||||
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To protect downtown Orangeville's diverse and rich history, the Town designated part of the downtown core as a heritage conservation district. District area: This conservation district runs on Broadway from the east side of John Street to the east side of Third Street. It includes more than 40 properties, such as Town Hall, the old fire station, the original train station, and more. District documentation: Please note: the above documents are non-accessible PDFs. If you require the documents in an alternative accessible format, please contact the Planning division at [email protected]. |
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| Merchants and Prince of Wales Heritage Conservation District (proposed) | ||||
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This district is proposed to preserve the architectural heritage of old residential neighbourhoods in Orangeville. Proposed district area: The proposed district is made up of residential areas mostly near the Downtown Orangeville Heritage Conservation District. Selected streets include:
Background study: The study began in December 2015, and includes a heritage evaluation, details on the historic importance of the area and its history and development. Proposed district plan and guidelines: This outlines proposed conservation strategies for new construction, renovations, or changes inside the district, if approved. |
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| York Street Heritage Conservation District study (new 2025) | ||||
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We have started a study to consider designating a new heritage district in the York Street area to preserve the architectural heritage of the neighbourhood. If approved, the Town will be able to set out guidelines for new construction, renovations, and changes in the neighbourhood. Study area: The area includes the properties on York Street, Bythia Street, and John Street that fall between the south side of Broadway and Kay Cee Gardens park. Study documents:
Public engagement: Our team wants to hear from you! Our third party consultants, Stantec, are running a survey to get your feedback to help identify priority features for the study. The survey will be open until July 4, 2025. Previous engagement opportunities:
Project stages: The proposed study is completed in two stages.
Looking for more information on this proposal? You can reach out to one of our project team members below. Lashia Jones (Stantec), project manager, senior heritage consultant:
Brandon Ward (Town of Orangeville), manager, Planning division:
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