Downtown St. Thomas Heritage Area Study

The Heritage Conservation District (HCD) study was initiated by the City of St. Thomas and Stantec Consulting Ltd. The HCD study will identify and evaluate heritage buildings and landscapes within the downtown area to determine overall heritage character of the area. The goal of the study is to determine whether this area warrants designation under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act.

What is a Heritage Conservation District?

An HCD is an area that is protected by a municipal by-law passed by the City of St. Thomas under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. An HCD provides a framework for protecting and conserving heritage resources by creating policies and guidelines to manage change and new development with the district. HCDs are not intended to stop all change or ‘freeze’ a place within a specific time period. Instead, they are an important community tool for balancing the ongoing needs for property maintenance and development while conserving the features that define St. Thomas’s history. Every HCD is unique and reflects the history and values of a community. 

The St. Thomas HCD study is the first stage of a two phase process; it will identify elements of the community that define the historical, architectural, and urban character of the study area. The report will recommend whether the study area, or parts of it, should be designated as a Heritage Conservation District. If the findings determine that the area has merit, Council may choose to proceed with the second Phase. This involves preparing a plan and guidelines to manage change in the area. It is important to note that at this time, the City of St. Thomas and Stantec are only working on the first phase of the process; no policies or guidelines are created during this phase.

Where can I learn more?

Are you interested in learning more about HCDs? Here are some helpful links: 

Ontario Heritage Toolkit, Heritage Conservation Districts

List of Heritage Conservation Districts in Ontario

Identify, Protect, Promote: Strengthening Ontario's Heritage

Heritage Districts Work! Summary Report

Heritage Districts Work! - More Stories of Success Report

Further information can be obtained by visiting our Heritage Conservation District webpage.
 

Downtown St. Thomas HCD - Study Completion

Please see the project newsletter, which provides you with information on the study completion
Project Newsletter - April 2017 (comments are due no later than Friday, April 28th)

Downtown St. Thomas Heritage Conservation District Study - DRAFT (April 2017)

Public Information Session #2- February 8th, 2017

Please provide any comments you have by filling out the following questionnaire sheet below:
Public Meeting #2 - Questionnaire and Comment Sheet

Photos from Session #2

Presentation: Downtown St. Thomas Heritage Area Study - Community Consultation Meeting

Notice: Downtown St. Thomas Heritage Area Study - Public Meeting #2

Public Information Session #1- October 13th, 2016

Public Meeting #1 - Questionnaire and Comment Sheet

Photos from Session #1

Presentation:Downtown St. Thomas Heritage Area Study - Community Consultation Meeting

Notice:Downtown St. Thomas Heritage Area Study - Public Meeting #1