There are buildings around Lowertown that have a heritage designation – they are usually identified with a special plaque. What you may not know is that there is also a heritage register that lists roughly 4600 properties across Ottawa. These are properties that are of heritage value or interest, but which have not been specifically designated as heritage.
With the implementation of Bill C-23 (More Homes Built Faster Act), non-designated heritage properties can remain on the heritage register for a maximum of two years after which time they will be removed, making them more vulnerable to demolition.
As this bill came into effect on 1 January 2023, City heritage planners have only until 31 December 2024 to identify those properties in the inventory of over 4600 that should be individually designated as heritage and thus afforded greater protections.
To assist heritage planners, the City has issued a survey to collect public opinion and information about properties that should be given a heritage designation. If you feel that your property or a property in your neighbourhood should be individually designated with heritage status, please follow the below link and complete this important survey!