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Rare, unique, representative, or early example of a style, type, expression, material, or construction method
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High degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit
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High degree of technical or scientific achievement
Heritage Designation
What's on this page
↓Overview
↓Purpose of heritage designation
↓Listed and designated heritage properties
↓Listed (but not designated) properties
↓Designated properties
↓Changes affecting listed heritage properties
↓How to designate a property
↓Correcting myths about heritage designation
↓How Milton determines cultural heritage value or interest
↓Designation notices
↓Heritage guidelines and policies
Overview
Heritage designation recognizes and protects properties that have cultural heritage value or interest. Designated properties help preserve Milton's history, architectural character, and cultural identity for future generations.
If you own a heritage property or are considering heritage designation, it is important to understand the differences between listed and designated properties, the designation process, and the protections provided under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Heritage designation is an official process under the Ontario Heritage Act that identifies and protects properties with cultural heritage value or interest.
Designation helps:
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Recognize significant heritage resources
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Protect properties from inappropriate alterations or demolition
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Preserve Milton's cultural heritage and community character
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Ensure heritage features are considered during future redevelopment
Understanding whether a property is listed or designated is important because different rules and protections apply.
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Contain some heritage significance
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Have not completed a Heritage Impact Assessment
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Are subject to a 60-day notice to Council if demolition is contemplated
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Allow sympathetic alterations and additions
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Have cultural heritage value or interest identified in a designation by-law
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Have completed a Heritage Impact Assessment
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Require a heritage permit for alterations and additions
The Province of Ontario has introduced changes to the Ontario Heritage Act through the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022.
Beginning in January 2027, the Town of Milton Heritage Register will only contain designated heritage properties. As a result, more than 900 listed properties will be removed from the register and may lose heritage protection.
If your property is currently listed but not designated, the Town encourages you to consider the benefits of voluntary designation.
Follow the steps below to begin the heritage designation process.
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Request a heritage review
Contact Development Services staff through the voluntary heritage designation form to begin a heritage review and determine whether designation may apply to your property.
This form can also be printed and mailed to:
Town of Milton - Development Services
150 Mary St.
Milton, ON L9T 6Z5
Following staff review, Milton Council will consider the property for approval to proceed with designation.
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Notice of intention to designate
If Council supports the request, a Notice of Intention to Designate will be issued and published in the local newspaper to provide the public with an opportunity to object.
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Heritage designation by-law
Following Council approval, a heritage designation by-law will be passed and registered on title with the Ontario Heritage Trust.
It is important to understand that heritage designation does not:
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Impact the use of a property
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Prevent redevelopment of a property, including alterations, additions, or expansions, provided the work respects identified heritage attributes
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Generally include interior spaces, unless those spaces are significant or rare
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Impose special restrictions, obligations, or expenses beyond those typically associated with property ownership
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Restrict the choice of paint colour for a property
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Adversely affect property values and, in many cases, may increase value
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Result in higher insurance premiums
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Require owners to restore lost or damaged heritage features following a fire
Town Council prefers to designate properties with the support of the property owner. However, Council may designate a property without owner consent and, in certain circumstances, the Province of Ontario may also designate a property if it is considered provincially significant.
Heritage properties are evaluated using provincially regulated criteria that measure historical, design, and contextual heritage value.
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Direct association with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization, or institution significant to a community
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Potential to yield information that contributes to understanding a community or culture
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Defining, maintaining, or supporting the character of an area
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Physically, functionally, visually, or historically linked to its surroundings
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Landmark significance
The heritage review process relies on a number of supporting policies and standards, including: