Historic Resources: Register and Inventory

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The City works with the Edmonton Historical Board to review nominations and amendments to the Inventory of Historic Resources in Edmonton. Existing zoning, development rights and regulations still apply to properties on the Inventory.

The main difference between the Register and Inventory is the degree of protection provided.

The Inventory

The Inventory is a list of heritage resources that merit conservation, but are not legally protected. Once they are designated as a Municipal Historic Resource they are put on the Register and protected.

The Register

The Register is a list of Municipal Historic Resources that are legally protected from demolition or inappropriate alteration under Policy C-450B. This agreement is registered on the title.

If a building is designated as a Municipal Historic Resource, it is protected from demolition and required to be maintained in a fair condition. The only exception is if City Council repeals the protective Bylaw or if the building is completely destroyed by fire or other disasters.

How to Apply

Amend the Inventory

To add a property or other resource to the Inventory, a historical study needs to be submitted along with the Application to Amend the Inventory to the City.

The Landowner completes the Application to Amend the Inventory of Historic Resources in Edmonton and submits it to the City
Once received, the Heritage Planner prepares a report for the Edmonton Historic Board’s Historic Resources Review Panel
If the Historic Resources Review Panel approves the application, the Board will make a recommendation to the City
The City will decide if the structure is put on the inventory and contact the Landowner

Designating a Historical Resource

When a resource is added to the Register it is designated as a Municipal Historic Resource. However, it must be on the Inventory first.

Owners should keep in mind that, once the building is designated:

The building cannot be demolished
Inappropriate changes cannot occur, and any alterations must be sympathetic or in character with the original structure
The Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada are used as a guide in assessing the appropriateness of an alteration
Use is generally not affected, and additions and changes may still occur
The building will be maintained in a fair to good condition
The above restrictions will become a caveat on the property title
Property may be rezoned to DC1 (Direct Control Provision)
They are eligible for financial incentives, maintenance funds, and additional incentives

Application to Designate as a Municipal Historic Resource

Process of Amending the Register