The Nova Scotia Heritage Property Act authorizes the Municipality's to establish a registry of buildings, streetscapes, sites, conservation areas and conservation districts of municipal significance by the adoption of a heritage by-law, By-law H-200.  The HRM's Heritage Property Program maintains the Municipal Registry of Heritage Properties, which includes those buildings, sites and areas reflecting the rich heritage of the communities which make up the Halifax Regional Municipality.

How do I register?

Heritage registration is a voluntary process which begins with the owner making a written request by submitting an application to the municipality.  Heritage staff evaluate applications, and if warranted, request a research report be created. The Heritage Advisory Committee review heritage registration requests, and may forward a recommendation to Regional Council, who after holding a hearing, will make the final decision.

Once Council has approved the application, and the building has become a municipally registered heritage notification is sent to the owners via registered mail, and placed on title for the property. Additionally, the building is given a name associated with the history of the building and a heritage plaque is placed on the building.

What does it mean to be registered?

Owners of registered heritage properties must request approval from the Municipality for substantial alterations to their heritage property. As the term substantial alteration is not defined by the Heritage Property Act this means that owners should contact staff in the Heritage Property Program when considering alterations to determine if heritage approvals are required. Additionally, building permits and other municipal approvals may be required and heritage staff can inform owners on the processes and consult on the alterations.

Typically, most alterations fall under the category of maintenance and repair and are approved by heritage staff with little delay. Those alterations which are considered substantial require review by the Heritage Advisory Committee and approval by Regional Council. Heritage staff are always available to discuss projects.

Are incentives available?

The Halifax Regional Municipality has three grant programs aimed at assisting heritage property owners in the maintenance and upkeep of their heritage homes. To download these files, please visit our Application Forms.