The Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) enables the municipality to establish a municipal heritage committee to advise and assist the council on matters relating to Part IV of the OHA (Conservation of Property of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest) and Part V of the OHA (Heritage Conservation Districts) and such other heritage matters as the council may specify by by-law. Where a council has appointed a municipal heritage committee, the council shall consult with its committee on matters legislated by the OHA.
St. Catharines has individual properties that have been designated under Part IV of the OHA and five heritage conservation districts that have been designated under Part V of the OHA. The Heritage Conservation Districts include:
- Queen Street (1992)
- Yates Street (1996)
- Port Dalhousie (2003)
- Power Glen (2010)
- Port Dalhousie Commercial Core and Harbour Area (2022)
The Heritage Advisory Committee also provides advice and recommendations to City Council and staff regarding heritage permit applications in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA).
Purpose
The Heritage Advisory Committee will:
- Provide advice to Council and staff on measures to protect and enhance heritage resources based on conventionally accepted conservation practices and methods
- Research plaques related to heritage buildings, in cooperation with other entities at the City involved in the promotion of history and heritage (i.e. The St. Catharines Museum). The Committee may also be involved in designation and plaque unveiling ceremonies.
- Develop 'how-to' guides for heritage homes and building owners
- Be involved in the approval of grants for designated properties under the City’s Designated Property Grant Program, including recommendations to staff regarding applications, their eligibility for the program and the amount of funds to be provided to property owners.
- Work with other heritage organizations and providing public outreach and education
- Developing projects that celebrate built heritage
- Creating education programs to foster a better understanding of heritage, the importance of heritage preservation and reuse
Sub-Committees
The Heritage Advisory Committee has five standing sub-committees:
- Designations sub-committee
- Plaquing and Ceremonies sub-committee
- Public Outreach and Education sub-committee
- Research and Inventory sub-committee
- Heritage Districts sub-committee
Meetings
The Committee meets monthly or at the discretion of the Chair. Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the Staff Liaison and the Chair and may involve site visits to properties that are the subject of heritage permit applications. Members should expect involvement beyond the regularly scheduled monthly meeting.
For a schedule of upcoming meetings view our meeting calendar and read the committee's meeting agendas and meeting minutes to stay informed.
The Committee shall conduct its meetings in accordance with and otherwise comply with the City of St. Catharines Simplified Meeting Procedures for advisory bodies.
Committee members
- Gail Benjafield
- David Bergen
- John Crawley
- Rachel Cunningham
- Lorraine Giroux
- Mark Hoerdt
- Andrew Humeniuk
- Maria Laws
- Brian Narhi
- Robert Speck
- Holly Washuta
- James Neilson, Heritage Planner (staff liaison)
The membership term for the committee lasts for the term duration of City Council or as determined by Council.
Composition
The Committee shall be comprised of not fewer than 5 and up to 8 citizen members, with heritage skills and experience, including but not limited to the following fields:
- heritage related research;
- architecture, design;
- restoration, conservation, construction;
- history, genealogy;
- planning, geography.
Previous experience interpreting heritage district guidelines or plans and a demonstrated interest in heritage matters through membership in local or provincial heritage organizations is desirable.
Individuals who are not eligible electors in St. Catharines, but reside elsewhere in the Region of Niagara, may be considered for appointment if there is a demonstrated connection / knowledge to St. Catharines heritage or to achieve the heritage skills and / or experience noted above. Preference will be given to St. Catharines residents.
This is a “hands on” working committee that undertakes its duties under regulated time frames guided by the requirements of the OHA. Members should be prepared to commit the time required to meet these timelines.
If required, and at the discretion of the Chair, an additional three members (for a maximum of 11 members), can be added to the Heritage Advisory Committee to support individual (Part IV) designations.
Reporting Structure
This Committee reports directly to Council.
In accordance with the City of St. Catharines Delegation Bylaw (By-law 2020-156), recommendations from this Committee regarding heritage permits will go to the Director of Planning and Building Services or to Council as appropriate, while recommendations on demolition permits will go to City Council for consideration.
Administrative support to the Heritage Advisory Committee shall be provided by Planning and Building Services, which shall assign a Staff Liaison to the Committee. A representative from Planning and Building Services (who may also be the Staff Liaison) also serves as advisor to the committee, providing professional support, technical advice and research, and budget preparation and control.