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Staff Report
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Report To: Planning and Development Committee
Date of Meeting: December 2, 2019 Report Number: PSD-056-19
Submitted By: Faye Langmaid, Acting Director of Planning Services
Reviewed By: Andrew C. Allison, CAO By-law Number:
File Number: PLN 34.2.24.1 Resolution#:
Report Subject: Heritage Incentive Grant Annual Report for 2019
Recommendations:
1. That Report PSD-056-19 be received; and
2. That all interested parties listed in Report PSD-056-19 and any delegations be advised
of this report.
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Report PSD-056-19
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, 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 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.
2.3 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 in
conjunction with Heritage Permit Application, as required under the OHA for a proposed
alteration to a designated heritage property. Applications are required to be submitted by
Report Overview
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of Heritage Incentive Grant Program
activity in 2019. The intent of the Heritage Incentive Grant 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.
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Report PSD-056-19
the end of May of each year. Grants are administered on a first-come, first-served basis.
However, priority is given to applications for works that address heritage features listed in
the designation by-law.
2.4 Applications are reviewed by the Planning Services Department and the Clarington
Heritage Committee, in cases where a Heritage Permit is required under the OHA. If all
eligibility criteria and HIG Program requirements are met, the Director of Planning
Services may approve the HIG.
2.5 All proposed works are required to be undertaken in accordance with the 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 this Program.
2019 HIG Program Activity
2.6 Four applications for HIGs were received in 2019 in response to the letter notifying
designated property owners of the Program. One applicant postponed the proposed
works and withdrew the application with the intent to resubmit in the future.
2.7 Funding ranging from 30% to 40% of the total eligible project costs was allocated to the
three designated properties for works that included:
Repair and restoration of curved veranda steps (110 Wellington Street);
Repointing and repair of exterior bricks, including surrounding original arched,
Gothic windows (1848 Concession Road 6); and
Exterior repair and repainting (33 Centre Street).
2.8 At the time of writing, one 2019 HIG project has been completed and paid out. One
project has been completed and grant issuance is being processed. The works at 33
Centre Street have been delayed until the spring of 2020 due to the availability of the
contractor. The availability of contractors with heritage construction experience is an
ongoing issue for many designated property owners.
2.9 During its review of the application submitted for 33 Centre Street, the Heritage
Committee directed staff to extend an invitation for HIG funding to the property at 35
Centre Street, being the other half of a designated semi-detached dwelling, to provide for
the possibility of the entire structure to be repaired and repainted at once. A letter was
sent to the property owner in July 2019, however no response has been received.
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2.10 Uptake of the HIG Program has proven successful, with very little funding unexpended
year to year. Generally, funding that remains unallocated in a given year is carried over
for use in following years. There was no carry-over funding from prior years. The HIG
funding that was offered to 35 Centre Street remains unclaimed at this time and may be
used to support HIG applications in 2020.
2.11 Throughout the year, staff received numerous inquiries about the HIG Program that did
not result in 2019 HIG applications, either due to the timing of the project or the
ineligibility of the proposed works. Others contacted staff to discuss how qualified
contractors can be found for specific types of works.
3. Concurrence
Not Applicable.
4. Conclusion
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’s identified heritage features. HIG Program uptake continues
to be strong in the context of the funding available. 2019 HIG grants ranging from 30% to
40% 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,
31 HIG applications have been approved and $28,650 of grant funding has been issued
since the implementation of the HIG Program in 2013. 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