A Heritage Conservation District (HCD) is a defined area that includes buildings and other structures – ranging from a row of houses to a neighbourhood or an entire municipality – that has been deemed by local residents to have a special heritage character worth preserving.
The recognition and desire of residents to celebrate and protect the special qualities of these buildings is expressed through the enactment of a municipal by-law (under the Ontario Heritage Act) designating the area as an HCD.
Enactment of the by-law is the product of an extensive and democratic process of community consultation, with input from heritage architects and other experts. The HCD process is frequently initiated by a group of interested local residents who volunteer to subsequently develop a Heritage Conservation District Plan containing design guidelines for the preservation and enhancement of the area’s heritage character.
Once an HCD has been enacted through municipal by-law, a Heritage Permit may be required for proposed alterations, additions or demolitions of building in the HCD. Where a Heritage Permit has been refused by the municipality because the proposal is inconsistent with the design guidelines, there is a right of appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board.