Stay Updated about Toronto’s Heritage Conservation Districts

Toronto may have some older buildings, but it is far from being the oldest city in Canada, and on a global scale, it’s just a baby. That is exactly why we need to protect our historically significant buildings; so Toronto can further develop its own unique character.

With the amount of development underway in Toronto, debates over protecting heritage buildings are constant. In some cases, the building won’t even be designated as a heritage building, but locals will still fight to protect it. And that’s okay, as long as the points are valid.

In order to keep Torontonians more informed, the City of Toronto has launched a new blog called “Heritage Conservation Districts in Toronto.”

"The new blog will be a resource to learn about milestones, events and ways to participate in the heritage conservation district studies and plans currently underway in the city," said Councillor Peter Milczyn (Ward 5 Etobicoke Lakeshore), Chair of the Planning and Growth Management Committee. "This is an example of how we want Torontonians to be better informed and more engaged in our city."

The blog will feature detailed information about Heritage Conservation District (HCD) studies and plans. It is a great way for everyone who is concerned about Toronto’s heritage to stay on the same page.

"This is a really exciting initiative that creates a meaningful way for us to share our work with the public, while also creating a vehicle through which we can collect feedback that will in turn shape our work," said Jennifer Keesmaat, Toronto's Chief Planner.

The HCD blog outlines five HCD studies that are currently underway:

• Historic Yonge Street: Yonge Street between Davenport Road to the north and Carlton Street to the south, including areas west of Yonge Street on Carlton Street, Wellesley Street, St. Joseph Street, St. Nicholas Street and Irwin Avenue.

• Garden District: from Allan Gardens south to Moss Park between Jarvis and Sherbourne Streets

• St. Lawrence: from Adelaide Street south to the railway corridor, between Yonge  and Parliament Streets

• Queen Street East: Queen Street East from the Don River to DeGrassi Street

• King/Spadina: between University Avenue and Bathurst Street east of Spadina Avenue, the study area runs between Queen and Wellington Streets. West of Spadina Avenue, the study area runs between Adelaide and Front Streets.

An HCD designation goes through two phases: a study and a plan. The study involves analyzing the area’s history and cultural value, and determining whether it warrants a heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. The plan outlines policies and guidelines for long term growth in the area. An area isn’t designated as an HCD until both phases are complete.

Feature image from HCD Toronto Blog