Melville Street Heritage Conservation District Plan

An HCD is a geographically defined area of cultural heritage value that is designated by a municipal by-law passed under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. 

The purpose of an HCD is to identify the unique cultural heritage value of an area and provide policies and guidelines to conserve the heritage features and manage change within the District.

Yes. Designated Heritage Conservation Districts are a form of recognition of an area which can have beneficial impacts related to tourism. Properties within an HCD may be eligible for financial incentives such as property tax rebates or potentially a grant program to assist with property maintenance, conservation and restoration efforts. The HCD Plan will provide recommendations to the City of Hamilton for implementing such measures within the Melville Street HCD area.

Changes within the HCD (e.g. changes to exteriors of properties, demolition, new construction, public works, etc.) are guided by policies and guidelines in the HCD Plan. The HCD Plan policies and guidelines are unique to each HCD. Some HCD Plans have more restrictive policies, and some are more reliant on guidelines to guide change. All HCD Plans must outline types of alterations which require approval by way of the Heritage Permit process, and those which do not require a Heritage Permit. Some municipalities also allow ‘minor’ permits to be approved by staff, whereas ‘major’ permits go through the full approval process.

This depends on the unique set of policies of the HCD Plan which is approved by Council. Often, alterations that do not need a permit include things like painting, minor repairs, roof replacement of the same materials, interior alterations, and those which aren’t visible from the street.

The Melville Street HCD Plan will identify the types of work that require a Heritage Permit, and those which do not require a permit. However, it is strongly encouraged that you always consult with the City staff before starting on any work. 

An HCD designates all properties within its boundaries under the Ontario Heritage Act. The HCD Plan identifies which properties are considered ‘contributing’, and which are ‘non-contributing’ or ‘other’. The HCD Plan will provide a different set of policies for each type of property. The purpose of designating ‘non-contributing’ properties is to ensure that changes to these properties are sensitive to the identified character of the area and do not have an adverse impact on the reasons the area is identified as an HCD.

No. It is not considered best practice to make any new construction look like authentic heritage buildings. However, it is considered best practice to make new construction compatible with heritage buildings so that it complements or enhances the existing character of the area. This is done through building proportions, patterns of window / door openings, setbacks, etc. The proposed HCD Plan will provide guidance for new buildings.

Yes. If the changes are not considered minor alterations and are located at the exterior of the building (visible from the public realm), they must be in conformity with the policies of the HCD Plan. This includes all properties, including those which are considered ‘contributing’ and ‘non-contributing’. The goal of a HCD is not to prohibit change, but to ensure it is done in a way which maintains the character of the area.

Yes. If your property is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, it can also be designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act as part of a Heritage Conservation District as well. The HCD Plan, as well as the Part IV designation by-law, guides changes to these designated properties.