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Staff Report
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Report To: Planning and Development Committee
Date of Meeting: December 7, 2020 Report Number: PSD-052-20
Submitted By:
Reviewed By:
File Number:
Faye Langmaid, Acting Director of Planning and Development Services
Andrew C. Allison, CAO
PLN 34.2.24.1
By-law Number:
Resolution#: PD-208-20
Report Subject: Heritage Incentive Grant Program Annual Report for 2020
Recommendations:
1. That Report PSD-052-20 be received; and
2. That all interested parties listed in Report PSD-052-20 and any delegations be advised
of Council's decision.
Municipality of Clarington
Report PSD-052-20
Report Overview
Page 2
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of Heritage Incentive Grant (HIG)
Program activity in 2020. The intent of the HIG Program is to provide owners of properties
designated under Parts IV and V of the Ontario Heritage Act, 2005 with financial support to
assist with the cost of repairs and restoration of their property's identified heritage features.
1. Background
1.1. The Ontario Heritage Act, 2005 (OHA) enables municipalities to designate properties of
cultural heritage value or interest and identify specific features to be conserved. The
OHA, in conjunction with the provisions of the Municipal Act, 2001 also provides
municipalities the opportunity to implement heritage grant and/or tax relief programs,
recognizing heritage properties can be more costly to restore and maintain than newer
buildings.
1.2. Clarington's Property Standards By-law 2007-070 addresses property standards
requirements specific to designated heritage properties, requiring identified heritage
features to be maintained, preserved, and protected.
1.3. The Heritage Incentive Grant (HIG) Program was established in 2013 to assist the
owners of properties designated under Parts IV and V of the OHA with financing the
cost of repairs and restoration. The HIG Program is targeted towards maintaining and
preserving those heritage attributes identified in each property's designation by-law.
2. Heritage Incentive Grant Program
HIG Program Guidelines and Procedures
2.1. The HIG Program provides owners of designated heritage properties with grants of up
to 50% of the costs of eligible works to a maximum of $2,000 for exterior projects, and
up to $1,000 for interior work.
2.2. Eligible works generally relate to the maintenance, repair and preservation of heritage
attributes identified in the property's designation by-law and may also include
reconstruction of existing heritage features that are beyond repair, required structural
works, and repair of mortar. Priority is typically given to applications for works that
specifically address the repair and restoration of heritage features listed in the
designation by-law.
Municipality of Clarington Page 3
Report PSD-052-20
2.4. In the spring of each year a letter is sent to owners of designated heritage properties
advising them of the HIG Program and inviting them to submit a HIG application. HIG
applications are required to be submitted by the end of May of each year for processing.
In most cases, a Heritage Permit application is required to be submitted in conjunction
with the HIG application in accordance with the OHA requirements for a proposed
alteration to a designated heritage property.
2.5. Applications are reviewed by the Planning and Development Services Department. In
cases where a Heritage Permit is required under the OHA, the proposal is also
reviewed by the Clarington Heritage Committee. If all eligibility criteria and HIG Program
requirements are met, the Director of Planning and Development Services may approve
the HIG.
2.6. All proposed works are required to be undertaken in accordance with an associated
Heritage Permit and the Ontario Building Code and meet all applicable planning and
zoning requirements. Grants are issued upon the completion of the works to the
satisfaction of the Municipality, and confirmation that property taxes are up-to-date.
Properties that are currently in receipt of other grants or tax incentives from the
Municipality are not eligible for the HIG Program.
3. 2020 HIG Program Activity
3.1. Three applications for HIGs were received in 2020 in response to the letter notifying
designated property owners of the Program.
3.2. Funding ranging from 30% to 50% of the total eligible project costs was allocated to the
three designated properties for works that included:
• Repair of a chimney (110 Wellington Street);
• Repair of exterior features including window brackets, hood mouldings, transom,
and sidelights (182 Church Street); and
• Repair of windows, trim, and soffits (67 Ontario Street).
3.3. At the time of writing, two 2020 HIG projects have been completed and grants have
been issued.
3.4. Uptake of the HIG Program has proven successful, with little funding unexpended year
to year. Generally, funding that remains unallocated in a given year is carried over for
use in following years. A small amount remains unallocated from the 2020 budget and
will be carried over to support applications in 2021.
Municipality of Clarington
Report PSD-052-20
Page 4
3.5. Throughout the year, staff received inquiries about the HIG Program that did not result
in 2020 HIG applications, either due to the timing of the project or the ineligibility of the
proposed works. The availability of contractors with expertise and experience in
heritage construction is an ongoing issue for many designated property owners, and
often contributes to project delays.
4. Concurrence
Not Applicable.
5. Conclusion
4.1 The intent of the HIG Program is to provide owners of properties designated under
Parts IV and V of the OHA with financial support to assist with the cost of repairs and
restoration of their property.
4.2 HIG Program uptake continues to be strong in the context of the funding available, and
particularly so in the light of the COVID-19 situation.
4.3 2020 HIG grants ranging from 30% to 50% of total eligible project costs were allocated
to designated property owners in support of their contribution to conserving Clarington's
built heritage fabric. To this end, 34 HIG applications have been approved and $34,650
of grant funding has been issued since the implementation of the HIG Program in 2013.
4.4 It is respectfully recommended that this report be received for information.
Staff Contact: Sarah Allin, Planner II, 905-623-3379 extension 2419 or sallin@clarington.net.
The following interested parties will be notified of Council's decision:
Clarington Heritage Committee