Each Term of Office, the Town of Georgina invites community members to sit on the Georgina Heritage Advisory Committee (GHAC).
The Ontario Heritage Act provides that the Council of a municipality can establish a Heritage Committee whose responsibilities include advising Council on all matters relating to Part IV: Individual Property Designations and Part V: Heritage Conservation Districts.
Georgina Heritage Advisory Committee
The Georgina Heritage Advisory Committee researches and maintains a list of properties, features, and areas worthy of monitoring for conservation, establishes criteria for the evaluation of properties of architectural, historical and contextual significance; and recommends to Council properties worthy of designation. Recently the Council of the Town of Georgina supported the GHC’s recommendation to establish a Heritage Register.
The GHAC also reviews planning documents, development applications, building permits and sign permits as they pertain to identified heritage resources and reviews municipal, provincial, and federal heritage legislation.
Agendas and Minutes
Please visit the GHC Agendas and Minutes webpage.
Terms of Reference
The Committee’s Terms of Reference outlines the purpose, general activities and membership responsibility.
Committee Composition
The GHAC consists of seven (7) members, one (1) member of Council and six (6) citizen appointments who have an interest in the conservation of architectural, historical and contextual significant properties.
The length of term for a person appointed to the GHAC shall be for the Council Term of Office.
Current GHC Members
Members for this committee are currently under review.
More Information
How to Designate a Heritage Property in Municipality
Designated Heritage Properties Flyer
Listed Heritage Properties Flyer
The GHAC meets every month in the Civic Centre Council Chambers.
- GHAC meetings are open to the public.
- Public input is welcome through a Request to Speak form or a Request for Presentation to the Committee
- The location is wheelchair accessible
- Meetings are conducted in accordance with the Town of Georgina's Procedure Bylaw.
For assistance and information please contact the Committee Services Coordinator by email at hthompson@georgina.ca or telephone at 905-476-4301 ext. 2377.
Heritage Designation
Heritage designation is a method of conserving a community's significant heritage resources for long-term enjoyment. Part IV and Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act give Municipalities the power to pass by-laws to designate individual heritage properties or entire Heritage Conservation Districts. Once a property is designated, it gains public recognition as well as a measure of protection from demolition or unsympathetic alteration.
Sometimes properties are 'listed' as having cultural heritage value but are not designated. These listed properties are recognized for their potential to have cultural heritage value, they require approval by GHAC and Council if demolition is being considered.
Ontario Regulation 9/06 outlines that a property may be designated due to its design, historical, or contextual value. At least one of these criteria must be identified in order for a property to be considered for designation.
What are the implications for heritage designation?
Heritage designation:
- Provides recognition and reinforces the cultural value and community appreciation of heritage properties.
- Offers enhanced protection against demolition and other inappropriate changes.
- Guides alterations so that changes will complement the cultural integrity and authenticity of a property.