Street view of Prince of Whales on sunny day

Heritage Planning

Heritage Planning

Cultural Heritage Planning

Welcome! Our municipality celebrates and is defined by our extensive cultural heritage. In order to conserve our cultural heritage, we have a Heritage Permit system in place to ensure proposed alterations to designated heritage properties enhance and conserve the cultural heritage value of the property. This webpage contains information for current and future owners of heritage properties and for anyone with a general interest in heritage matters.

To further explore the Town’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, check out our Heritage Planning Infographic. This resource provides an overview of designated properties, heritage conservation initiatives, and how residents can get involved in safeguarding our rich history.

Heritage Planning Infographic

A Heritage Permit is required when the owner of a designated property wants to alter the exterior of a building designated under Part V (conservation district) or the designated portions of a building designated under Part IV (individual) of the Ontario Heritage Act.

Owners of designated properties should check with planning Staff to confirm whether their property is designated and if the work they are proposing to do requires a Heritage Permit.

Applications

Royal George Redevelopment

The Shaw Festival is redeveloping the Royal George Theatre, a long-standing Queen Street landmark originally constructed during the First World War. The project will replace the aging building with a modern, fully accessible and sustainable theatre while reflecting the historic character of the Queen–Picton Heritage Conservation District. Heritage planning has reviewed how the proposal conserves the site’s cultural heritage value and complements the surrounding Queen Street and Victoria Street streetscapes.

Information received and prepared by the Town can be viewed below. Additional information is available on the Shaw Festival Theatre website: The Future of the Royal George - Shaw Festival Theatre

Any further questions can be directed to the Heritage Planning Staff at: heritage@notl.com

Guidance Documents

Niagara-on-the-Lake Insurance Guide - Insuring Heritage Properties

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is committed to supporting the stewards of heritage properties, and in 2026, the Town Council adopted the following guide and additional tools to address these concerns. Owners of heritage designated properties are also encouraged to reach out to Heritage Staff to request a copy of personalized letters being issued by the Town to submit to insurance companies. These letters outline the Town’s expectations for the maintenance of heritage designated properties

Niagara-on-the-Lake Insurance Guide

Niagara-on-the-Lake's Heritage District Business Guide

Welcome to one of Canada's most sought-after business areas.

Niagara-on-the-Lake's Heritage District draws over three million visitors a year. Your business will be located in the heart of that experience. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to open smoothly, operate confidently, and make the most of what makes this place unlike anywhere else in Canada.

Niagara-on-the-Lake's Heritage District Business Guide offers everything you need to know to open, operate, and thrive here.

Niagara-on-the-Lake's Heritage District Business Guide

Additional Resources

Interested in designating your property?

Designation under the Ontario Heritage Act ensures the continued conservation of our built cultural heritage, a fragile and non-renewable resource.

Requests for designation are reviewed by heritage staff and the Municipal Heritage Committee and approved by Council. Staff and the Committee collect as much documentation on the property as possible. The Committee makes a site visit to the property to determine and document features that contribute to its cultural heritage value.     

If you are interested in designating your property under the Ontario Heritage Act, please contact Planning, Building and Development Services Staff for further information.

Niagara-on-the-Lake: A National Historic District

With the concerted efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers, Niagara-on-the-Lake became the first designated National Historic District in Ontario in 2003. This honorary designation focuses on the collection of buildings that range in date from 1812 to 1850.

More information on this designation can be found on the Historic Places of Canada website.

The Municipal Heritage Committee

The Committee consists of nine volunteers in the Community with expertise in heritage-related fields. Committee members review heritage applications and provide advice to Council to ensure that the development of the property is compatible and sympathetic with the heritage goals and policies of the District Plan and best practices in heritage conservation. Committee members are appointed by Council for a term of 4 years. Details regarding the Committee, its members and Terms of Reference can be found on our Committees and Boards page.

 

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