Richmond Hill values it history and heritage. There are many ways Richmond Hill showcases and celebrates it past, present and future. Programs and events are offered for all ages to enjoy at the Heritage Centre, AJ Clark Interpretive Centre and at other City sites and facilites.
Richmond Hill also cares for the City-owned heritage buildings by maintaining them, using them for programs and celebrating the history of the sites. Historically significant home in the community may bedesignated by the Ontario Heritage Act andincluded in the Inventory of Cultural Heritage Resources. Grants may also be available.
Heritage Services
- Afternoon Teas
- AJ Clark Interpretive Centre
- Archaeology Discovery Kits
- Artifact Collection
- Children’s Birthday Party Packages
- Discovery Packages for Schools, Scouts, Guides, Community Groups, and Older Adults
- Galleries and Exhibits
- Heritage Outreach and Virtual Presentations
- Heritage Programs
- Museum of the Streets
- RHDDO Astronomy Series – Public Programs and Activities
- RHDDO Group, School and Private Packages
- Walk and Learn Historical Tours
- And more!
Contact the Heritage Services Coordinator at 905-737-1818 extension 6007 for more information.
The Heritage Section works with stakeholders, committees and the community to manage heritage-related tasks such as:
- Answering designation requests
- Publishing resources
- Managing heritage databases
- Developing policies and strategies
Heritage Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill has a committee of volunteers called Heritage Richmond Hill (HRH). This group advises Council on topics related to the Ontario Heritage Act.
Heritage properties
Cultural Heritage Landscape |
Cultural Heritage Landscapes are locations that explain our community's history. These spaces have a number of cultural features including:
Examples of Cultural Heritage Landscapes include:
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Designated Heritage Property |
| A Designated Heritage Property has special legal status under the Ontario Heritage Act. These buildings have a sense of history and culture. Its unique features are protected by the Act. Heritage designation process The designation process involves the following steps:
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Heritage Conservation District |
A Heritage Conservation District (HCD) is an area of the community designated under Section V the Ontario Heritage Act. HCDs can include:
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| Listed Heritage Property |
Listed Heritage Properties have cultural value but aren't designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. These properties are included on Richmond Hill's Heritage Register. The Register is an official record of listed and designated cultural heritage properties. Owners of these properties must let us know when they plan to demolish or remove a building or structure at least 60 days before applying for ademolition permit. |
Heritage Clearance Letters |
Heritage staff can provide a Heritage Clearance Letterwhich will provide owners, realtors and lawyers with concise information regarding the heritage status of a specific property. |
Development of heritage properties
Heritage building specialists |
Richmond Hill has a list of Heritage Building Specialists in Ontario. The list helps you find qualified people to work on a heritage property or prepare a Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment. They have experience and products specializing in heritage structures. |
Heritage permits |
Heritage property owners may need aHeritage Permitin order to complete any work on their property. A permit is needed when changes affect the "Reasons for Designation" listed in the designating by-law. Permit applications are submitted to the Heritage Planner and are approved by Council before any work can start. Some permits require a fee. More information on the Heritage Permit process and associated fees can be found on the Cultural Heritage Planning web page. |
Cultural Heritage Assessments |
Cultural Heritage Assessment (CHA) defines a property's value using the Cultural Heritage Assessment Terms of Reference. These terms of reference for a CHA explain:
Contact the Heritage and Urban Design Planner at 905-771-5529 for help with getting a CHA. |
Cultural Heritage Impact Assessments |
Richmond Hill may need to complete a Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment (CHIA) as part of thedevelopment approval process. The Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment Terms of Reference explain:
Contact the Heritage and Urban Design Planner at 905-771-5529 for help with obtaining a CHIA. |
