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Heritage
Portage
la Prairie has a rich historical past.
There is a need to protect and conserve our existing heritage
resources as reminders of this past for future generations.
Portage
Heritage Advisory Committee
Heritage
Designations
Phase
One - Portage la Prairie Heritage Inventory (PDF Format)
Portage
Heritage Advisory Committee
In
accordance with Bylaw #7796, the Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC) is
an advisory body appointed by Council to advise on heritage matters.
The Committee can recommend various actions, but it cannot
commit the Council to these recommendations.
Council holds the ultimate authority in heritage matters.
The
Committee exists to:
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Advise
Council on matters arising out of the Heritage Resources Act
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Advise
Council on criteria for evaluation of properties of architectural
or historical value.
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Maintain
and prioritize a list of significant properties worthy of
conservation.
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Recommend
to Council buildings, sites and artifacts for designation under
the Heritage Resources Act.
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Advise
Council on means of conserving heritage properties and areas.
-
Advise
Council on current heritage conservation legislation and formation
of municipal legislation to conserve heritage properties and
areas.
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Recommend
to Council programs and activities to increase public awareness of
heritage conservation issues.
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Advise
Council on any matters relating to buildings and areas of
architectural or historical significance.
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Advise
Council on properties and artifacts owned by the city.
Heritage
Designations:
Who
Can Ask for Designation
Determining
the Significance of a Site for Designation
The
Designation Process
The
Owner and Designation
Who
Can Ask for Designation
A
proposal for municipal designation may come directly from Council, the
Heritage Advisory Committee or from a member of the public.
Determining
the Significance of a Site for Designation
A
point system based on the prominence of previous owners, age (of a
structure), importance as a landmark, architectural qualities and
exterior integrity is used to determine the significance of a site.
On occasion, aspects of the interior may also be considered.
The
Process
The
designation procedure is designed not only to make the owner aware of
the process, but also to protect their interests.
·
Upon evaluation of the home, the HAC may recommend to Council
that the designation process should proceed.
·
HAC evaluates potential municipal designation.
·
A Municipal designation bylaw is prepared for Council
consideration and may be given first reading.
·
After first reading, a Municipal Notice of Intent of the
proposed designation is issued. A
copy of the By-Law must be sent by registered mail to the owner, any
lessee of the affected property and Historic Resources Branch.
·
The Notice of Intent must be published in two successive issues
of the local newspaper and filed at the Land Titles office.
This must include a declaration that Council intends to
designate the site and set a date, time and place for a public hearing
(no earlier than 21 days after the Notice of Intent).
·
If no objections are raised at the public hearing, Council may
give second and third reading to adopt the By-Law to designate the
site, or it may decide not to proceed with the proposed designation
and publish a Cancellation Notice of Intent.
·
When objections are raised at the public hearing, Council may:
Þ
resolve not to proceed with designation and publish a
Cancellation Notice of Intent
Þ
amend the By-Law and adopt as amended
Þ
refer the objection to the Municipal Board
·
If the matter is referred to the Municipal Board, the Board
will set a time, date and place for a public hearing.
At least 21 days before the hearing, the Board will serve
notice to the City, Historic Resources Branch, the owner, any lessee
for the site, plus any parties who either objected or made
representation at the previous hearing.
A copy of the notice of hearing will also be published in two
issues of the local newspaper.
·
After the Municipal Board hearing, the Board will submit to the
City a report of its recommendations, with reasons.
The City may cancel the designation, amend and adopt the
By-Law, or adopt the By-Law in its original form.
·
Once Council declares a location municipally designated, a
Municipal Heritage Notice is sent to the owner, any lessee of the
site, and the Minister of the Historic Resources Branch.
The notice is also published once in the local newspaper and
filed at the Land Titles office.
·
Should a Notice of Appeal be submitted, Council may:
Þ
revoke the designation or
Þ
refer the appeal to the Municipal Board for a hearing and
recommendation
The
Owner and Designation
·
A potential heritage site, for which a Notice of Intent has
been issued, is protected from any alteration until a decision has
been made.
·
During the designation process or following designation,
ownership of a Municipal designated heritage site may be transferred.
The owner must inform the new owner of the process and/or that
the site is a designated heritage site.
The owner must also inform the City of this change of
ownership.
·
For a designated heritage site, Council requires the owner to
obtain a Heritage Permit before the site can be altered, renovated,
developed or enlarged. The
purpose is not to limit renovations and improvements, but to encourage
the owner to make changes that are sympathetic to the historic and
architectural qualities of the site.
·
The City’s Department of Economic and Community Development
will assist home-owner’s of designated sites by providing contacts
for possible grants and individuals/organizations with expertise in
altering/renovating historic sites.
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