In Canada, the majority of legislation affecting heritage buildings is created at the municipal level. The federal government offers little legislative protection for heritage structures or sites. In BC, the Heritage Conservation Act confers protection to pre-1846 heritage sites but is vague concerning more recent heritage. In 1994, the Heritage Conservation Statute Amendment Act enabled municipal powers to protect local heritage from alteration or destruction. The Vancouver Charter was amended to improve regulations for heritage structures and sites. To learn more about how heritage is protected through the designation, heritage revitalization agreements and other regulations see Heritage Basics & FAQs or City of Vancouver Heritage Planning.
Acts, Charters & Guidelines
National
- National Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Canada’s Historic Places – Canadian conservation principles and practical guidelines for using and conserving historic sites.
- Historic Sites and Monuments Act – enables the federal government to commemorate historic sites.
- Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act – protects designated lighthouses.
- Heritage Railway Station Protection Act – protects designated railway stations.
Provincial
- Heritage Conservation Act – protects heritage sites or objects pre-dating 1846 on private and public lands or waters in BC.
Vancouver
- Vancouver Charter – outlines measures for heritage conservation in Vancouver, including designation of heritage buildings and sites, and heritage revitalization agreements.
