Heritage Revitalization Agreement

A Heritage Revitalization Agreement (HRA) is a conservation tool that can be used to protect a heritage building or property. An HRA is a legally binding agreement negotiated between the municipality and an owner of a heritage property. It outlines the duties and obligations of, and the benefits to both parties of the agreement.  

The agreement allows local governments to vary local zoning regulations and provide incentives which would make it viable for owners to conserve and preserve property of heritage merit. In exchange, the property owner agrees to restore, preserve and protect the heritage building or property.

For case studies of approved developments under an HRA including description of the heritage resource and site, project description, incentives provided in exchange for heritage conservation, challenges and learnings:

Application process

The Heritage Revitalization Agreement (HRA) process is a public process, similar to rezoning, and must ultimately be approved by Council.

The applications may take approximately 12-16 months. The length of the HRA process will depend multiple factors, including Council and committee schedules, the complexity of the proposal, public feedback received, and the ability of the applicant to provide responses, materials, and information when required.

The first step in an application for a Heritage Revitalization Agreement is the Preliminary Development Proposal.

Visit the Development Applications webpage for more information.

The guide for Heritage Revitalization Agreement applications can help you navigate the various stages of the development process:

Guide for Heritage Revitalization Agreement (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions