As part of its ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the Town’s unique heritage, the Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study is moving forward with the identification of the study area boundary.
In October 2024, the Town hired a consulting firm to undertake this important project and launched a preliminary review of the Old Town area to assess potential updates to the existing Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Plan and explore the possibility of expanding the current district boundaries. For details on the initial launch, please refer to an earlier news release.
“Preserving the unique charm and heritage of Old Town is an important part of our Strategic Plan,” said Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa. “This Heritage Conservation District Study aligns with our ongoing commitment to celebrate and protect Niagara-on-the-Lake’s history and manage change in a way that protects our valued heritage.”
To support this work, Town Council will be considering the passage of a Study Area By-law on February 25, 2025. If approved, the By-law will define the boundaries of the Study Area and establish a temporary one-year pause on certain types of property alterations within the area while the HCD Study is underway. This pause is necessary to protect the heritage character of the area while the Study is completed. The final recommended HCD boundary will be a refinement of the Study Area boundary, based on detailed analysis and public input.
It’s important to note that the temporary pause will not prevent all types of alterations. Exemptions will be included in the By-law to allow for changes such as interior renovations, repairs, the construction of legally conforming accessory buildings, temporary event structures, and previously approved development projects.
Upon passage of the Study Area By-law, notices will be provided in local newspapers and sent directly to property owners within the Study Area.
“This Study is an opportunity to update our existing policies and ensure they reflect modern standards while continuing to protect our Town’s heritage,” said CAO Bruce Zvaniga. “Heritage conservation is important to our Town’s identity and this work will protect the character of our community for generations to come.”
Community input remains a vital part of this process. Residents and property owners will have several opportunities to provide feedback on the proposed HCD boundaries and the updated HCD Plan before it is brought to Council for final approval and implementation.
For more information on the Queen-Picton HCD Study, please visit www.notl.com/heritage-planning/queen-picton-heritage-conservation-district-study.
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Media contact:
Marah Minor, Communications Coordinator
905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com