Designating Your Building

We designate homes, buildings and structures that are significant for the following reasons:

Architecture: style, construction, age, architect, design, interior, history (person, event, context)
Environment: continuity, setting, landmark
Integrity: site, alterations, condition

Heritage designation applies to the outside of a building only and does not affect the interior. Designation of a building does not give the general public any right of access. Heritage buildings which are privately owned remain private. The designation simply controls changes to the outside of the building.

Benefits of designation

When you designate your building, your property will get a beautifully crafted heritage plaque. Displaying this on the exterior of your property shows its value to our community.

We include your property on the City's list of Heritage Buildings.

Heritage buildings have a range of possible uses. The City allows a broader range of uses to help ensure that the building remains economically viable. Possible uses are at the discretion of Council and may include any use that is compatible with the surrounding neighbourhood.

Owners may apply for funding for exterior or renovations to heritage buildings. The purpose of this program is to help defray costs associated with maintaining and conserving a heritage building. Priority is given to heritage buildings over other applications.

Photo of a City of St. John's Heritage Building plaque made of dark red slate

Apply

If you are interested in having your property designated as a municipal heritage building, complete this application.