Heritage Conservation District

A Heritage Conservation District (HCD) is a designated area that holds historical, cultural, or architectural significance, protected under the Ontario Heritage Act. It helps preserve the district’s unique character by managing changes to buildings, landscapes, and streetscapes while allowing for appropriate development that respects the area's historical integrity and community identity.

The Amherstburg Historic Conservation District Study area reflects the historic commercial and residential core of the original Town.

Heritage Conservation Districts (HCD) are completed in 2 phases

Phase 1 - HCD Study

The study phase is exactly as it sounds. Amherstburg has hired a qualified consultant to complete an in-depth background study of the defined Study Area.  This includes historical research, fieldwork, documentation, and recommendations on the final boundary that should be considered and why. The HCD Study will be provided to the Town of Amherstburg Council, which will vote on whether to move forward in the HCD Plan stage 

Phase 2 - HCD Plan

This phase will include drafting a Heritage Conservation District Plan based on the recommended boundary and the work that was completed during the study.  The first step is to complete a draft of the HCD Plan, which provides policies and guidelines for change management within the area.  Consultation is an important component of this phase, given that the proposed policies and guidelines will have an impact on the development of the area and the culture of conservation.

The final Heritage Conservation District Plan will be presented to Town Council for consideration.

For updates on the proposed Heritage Conservation District plan and study for the municipality, visit Talk the Burg.