Heritage Designation

 

Do you own an architecturally, historically or culturally unique home in the City of Chilliwack? Are you interested in learning more about how to “designate” your home or building as a cultural heritage?

Designating a site as a protected heritage property is a legislative tool that is used to help maintain a legacy for future generations. Protecting our heritage through designation strengthens Chilliwack’s identity and individuality.

The purpose of designation is to protect a heritage building from unsympathetic alteration, and subsequent loss of character or value. However, some alterations may be required for the ongoing use of a designated building.

 

What are the Benefits of Heritage Designation?

 

Honours a property for its contribution to local heritage but never requires an owner to restore a property to its original condition or require public access.

 

Identifies a property’s important heritage attributes but does not restrict the use of the property or the appearance of its interior.

 

Encourages a homeowner to conserve these attributes through routine maintenance and careful home projects and repair. Heritage guidelines are available for further help.

 

Heritage designation does not render a property ineligible for insurance or restrict the sale of the property.

 

What makes a home or building “heritage”?

 

A building, structure or site may be considered important for a variety of reasons. It may have architectural value or it may relate to a significant person, an important event in the history of Chilliwack or a critical time in the development of one of our neighbourhoods.

 

A building does not have to be "old" to be an important heritage property. Many modern buildings and structures are significant parts of our heritage and are symbols of our city.

 

A property does not have to be grand - small cottages, warehouses, industrial structures and bridges are also valuable legacies of the past and deserve to be protected and preserved.

 

 

 

 

For additional information, please check out the following resources.

 

Heritage B.C.  http://www.heritagebc.ca/resources/guides-tips-1/questions

 

Government of B.C.  http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/celebrating-british-columbia/historic-places/conserving-buildings-properties

 

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