Ontario Heritage Act Amendments

For the first time since the Ontario Heritage Act was introduced in 1975, the government has made comprehensive amendments to bring Ontario's heritage legislation in line with leading jurisdictions in Canada and around the world.

The amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act:

  • Give the province and municipalities new powers not only to delay but to stop demolition of heritage sites. Enhanced demolition controls would be balanced with an appeals process to respect the rights of property owners.
  • Further expand the province's ability to identify and designate sites of provincial heritage significance.
  • Provide clear standards and guidelines for the preservation of provincial heritage properties.
  • Enhance protection of heritage conservation districts, marine heritage sites and archaeological resources.