A heritage permit allows an owner to alter a property that is on the List of Historical Resources or within a Heritage Conservation District (HCD).
Application forms
There are two different types of Heritage Permits. Review the List of Historical Resources or information on Heritage Conservation Districts to ensure that you are applying for the correct permit.
Listed Historical Resources
For properties located on the List of Historical Resources
Heritage Conservation Districts
For properties located within a Heritage Conservation District
When you need a heritage permit
You need to apply for a heritage permit if you are planning to make alterations to a property that is:
- on the List of Historical Resources and the alterations will affect the listed character defining elements
- within a Heritage Conservation District and the heritage permit is required by the HCD plan
All applications are reviewed by heritage staff and are sometimes referred to the Historical Buildings and Resources Committee (HBRC). Heritage permit applications for properties within a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) may be referred to an HCD Advisory Committee.
If an application is approved, a heritage permit will be issued.
Applications for Listed Historical Resources
Applications for Listed Historical Resources are reviewed for consistency with the following standards and guidelines:
- The Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historical Places in Canada (PDF, 6.9MB)
- Windows in a Heritage Building (PDF, 197KB)
- Signage on a Heritage Building (PDF, 225KB)
- The Exchange District National Historic Site Commemorative Integrity Statement (PDF, 3.1MB) (if the project is located within the site)
Applications for properties located within a Heritage Conservation District
Applications for properties located within a Heritage Conservation District are reviewed for consistency with policies and design guidelines from their respective HCD plan:
For a major project, such as a building addition or a new infill development, heritage staff will arrange a pre-application meeting with the HBRC or the HCD Advisory Committee. This meeting should occur at the conceptual or schematic design stage of the project. There is no fee for this meeting.
During the meeting, be prepared to present the required information outlined below. You should discuss how your project is consistent with adopted heritage guideline documents or the HCD Plan or how it falls short, and why.
After the meeting, heritage staff will provide you with feedback to help you align your project with design guidelines. You should incorporate this feedback into your heritage permit submission to streamline the review process.
- plans of the existing condition including a site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, and details
- plans of new construction including a site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, details, and specifications
- an owner authorization letter if the applicant is applying on behalf of the owner
- a copy of the current Land Title
- *For window projects:
- completed Window Condition Assessment in the Guideline for Windows in a Heritage Building
- images that illustrate the condition of each window
- elevations and detailed drawings of the original windows
- shop drawings of new and/or replacement windows
- You may also be required to submit coloured renderings, photographs, condition assessment reports, and material product samples, etc.
*For properties on the List of Historical Resources only.
Questions?
For help preparing and submitting your application, contact heritage staff at ppd-heritage@winnipeg.ca