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Heritage Protection

Markham uses a number of tools to protect its local heritage resources:

Individual Property Designation

One of the most important tools Markham uses to protect individual properties of cultural heritage value or interest is designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Over 350 properties are individually designated. To find out if your property is designated, search the Register of Property of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest.

For more information on individual property designation, see below or obtain a copy of our Individual Property Designation Brochure [PDF].

Heritage Conservation Districts

Markham uses the Ontario Heritage Act to protect entire areas known as heritage conservation districts.

Location: Markham has four heritage districts (Thornhill, Markham Village, Unionville and Buttonville). Designation offers protection against inappropriate alterations and demolition and guides the design of new development affecting all properties in these special areas.

Heritage District Plans: Each District has its own Plan approved by Council. Using the guidelines and policies in the heritage conservation district plans, heritage resources are appropriately conserved and design review of new development applications ensures compatibility with the heritage character of the area.

Heritage Easement Agreements

Properties can also be protected using a heritage easement agreement which provides even greater protection of heritage properties than designation.

Heritage Staff

Need help with your heritage property? Heritage Section Staff of Markham’s Development Services Commission co-ordinates and implements the City’s heritage conservation program.

Heritage Markham Committee

Heritage Markham is Council’s volunteer-based, advisory committee on heritage properties. The committee provides recommendations on designation, alteration and demolition of heritage resources. Find out more about Heritage Markham’s mandate, responsibilities, members and meetings as well as how you can participate.

Development Approvals

All development or alterations impacting individually designated properties and all properties within a heritage conservation district require a Minor or Major Heritage Permit application.  Find out more about these types of applications.

Demolition Control

Council also can deny a demolition request affecting a designated property and delay a request to demolish a non-designated or “listed property” to allow proper evaluation as to its heritage significance.

Commercial Signage

Markham’s heritage districts are also identified as Special Sign Districts in the City’s Sign By-law to ensure appropriate heritage friendly signage on both public and private property. See Section 10 of the By-law.

Canada’s first heritage subdivision

Markham has created a unique heritage conservation tool known as Markham Heritage Estates. This is a subdivision of last resort for threatened heritage dwellings which cannot be retained on their original sites.  This project has garnered national attention.

Heritage Policy

A variety of municipal and provincial policies are used to protect our heritage resources, including:

Property Designation
What type of properties can be designated?

A variety of properties can be designated including:

  • Buildings and structures;
  • Archaeological sites and ruins;
  • Cultural heritage landscapes;
  • Cemeteries and monuments;
  • Trees and parks;
  • Bridges
Who can request designation?

Anyone can request that a property be designated.  Council must obtain the advice of its municipal heritage committee on any property proposed for designation.

What approvals are required to alter these properties?

Most exterior alterations to the property require a Heritage Permit Application.

Can the property be demolished?

Designation provides an enhanced level of demolition control (See "Demolition Control" above) and ensures that the property is protected.

What financial assistance is available?

Markham has created a variety of financial programs to help designated properties.

For more information on individual property designation, obtain a copy of our Individual Property Designation Brochure (PDF].