FAQs

A heritage conservation district is a geographically defined area with distinct heritage character that is protected by a municipal bylaw under the Ontario Heritage Act. Subsection 41 (1) in Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act enables the council of a municipality to designate the entire municipality or any defined area or areas of the municipality as a heritage conservation district (HCD).

District designation enables the council of a municipality to manage and guide future change in the district through adoption of a district plan with policies and guidelines for conservation, protection and enhancement of the area’s character or appearance.

An HCD has no predetermined size or footprint. It may comprise a few properties in a small area with a tightly arranged group or complex of buildings, or a large area with a scattering of buildings and properties. It may also comprise an entire settlement area with a cluster of heritage resources sharing a significant historic association that distinguishes it from its surroundings.

Potential districts can be found in urban and rural environments. They may include residential, commercial and industrial areas, rural landscapes, or entire villages or hamlets with features and land patterns that contribute to a definable character and appearance.

Heritage conservation districts form an integral part of our cultural heritage. They contribute to an understanding and appreciation of the cultural identity of the local community, region, province or nation.

The significance of an HCD often extends beyond its built heritage, structures, streets, landscape and other physical and spatial elements, to include important vistas and views between and towards buildings and spaces within the district. As the users and the ultimate guardians, the community forms a vital part of a district.

All properties within the boundaries of the Markham Village Heritage Conservation District ("MVHCD") are designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act regardless of the year in which they were built and are considered "heritage properties". A map of the MVHCD can be found under the "Documents" tab.

This means that submission of a Heritage Permit application is required should exterior alterations be proposed to any property within the MVHCD. These alterations are evaluated against the policies and guidelines of the MVHCD Plan to ensure that the changes reinforce the heritage character of the area. 

Having said this, not all properties within the boundaries of the MVHCD contribute equally to its heritage character. A home from the 1870s, for example, contributes more to the heritage character of the MVHCD than a bungalow from the 1960s. In recognition of this difference, all properties within the MVHCD will be classified as either "Contributing" or "Non-Contributing" in the updated MVHCD Plan (they are currently classified at Type 'A', 'B' and 'C'). Properties that are "Contributing" are those that reflect the character of the MVHCD as found in the "Statement of Cultural Heritage Value". To use the example above, a property with a home from the 1870s will be considered a "Contributing Property" while a property with a home from the 1960s will be considered a "Non-Contributing" property. A copy of the proposed Statement of Cultural Heritage Value is found under the "Documents" tab. 

Changes to the boundaries of the Markham Village Heritage Conservation District including the removal of properties, are not being considered as part of the update. 

Yes, most exterior changes to a property within the MVHCD require prior approval from the City (depending on the type of proposed change, the approval can range from City staff to Council). To understand how this approvals process works, please see the "Heritage Permits" link under the "Resources" tab. Note that interior alterations do not require submission of a Heritage Permit application.