Appendix 1— Community Heritage Register

Appendix 1 — Community Heritage Register

Local Government Act s. 954

What is it?

A community heritage register is an official listing of properties identified by a local government as having heritage value or heritage character. Inclusion on a community heritage register does not constitute heritage designation or any other form of permanent heritage protection.

What does it do?

A community heritage register is intended to:

• officially list the heritage resources in the community;
• give notice to property owners, and potential buyers, of heritage factors (historical, architectural, aesthetic, etc.) which may affect development options for a listed property; and
• enable monitoring of proposed changes to properties through the local government licensing and permit application processes. Inclusion of a property on a community heritage register does not in itself constitute permanent heritage protection and does not create any financial liability for the local government. The register may, however, be used to "flag" properties for possible future protection. Properties on a community heritage register are eligible for special provisions in the B.C. Building Code Heritage Building Supplement.

When do you use it?

A community heritage register may be established by communities that are interested in integrating heritage conservation activities into other local government land use planning processes (e.g., OCP, local area plan).

A community heritage register is used to formally list heritage resources that the community identifies as having heritage value or heritage character.

Inclusion of a property on a community heritage register enables a local government to:

• withhold an approval [LGA s. 960],
• withhold a demolition permit [LGA s. 961], or
• require an impact assessment [LGA s. 958].

How do you use it?

1. Through a process of planning and research, community heritage issues and needs are assessed and a vision for the community's heritage resources is developed.
2. Local government establishes eligibility criteria for the community heritage register.
3. Community heritage resources are researched and identified.
4. A preliminary community heritage register list of resources is created.
5. Local government consults with property owners and anticipates the continuing need to provide information and to raise awareness, by such means as:
   • preparing clear and simple information packages (communities may wish to explain that registry status is not the same as designation status);
   • preparing a map to place individual heritage property in the context of the street, neighbourhood, or area;
   • assembling available information (such as before and after restoration photos, maps, archival material, inventories, etc.);
   • holding review meetings or workshops;
   • explaining eligibility criteria for financial assistance for conservation; and/or
   • offering technical assistance (e.g., design advice or rehabilitation standards).
6. Local government reviews, and, if necessary, revises the proposed community heritage register.
7. By resolution, a council or regional district board creates a community heritage register that lists selected properties. The register must indicate the reasons why a property is considered to have heritage value or heritage character.
8. Within 30 days of a property being added to, or deleted from, a register, local government must notify the property owner and the minister responsible for the Heritage Conservation Act.
9. Properties may be added to, or deleted from, the community heritage register by resolution of the council or regional district board.