Heritage Buildings

A Heritage home in St. John's. A simple two-storey house with blue clapboard siding. The home is located on Signal Hill.

Our heritage is important in the City of St. John's. Protecting built heritage:

fosters a sense of place and identity
generates economic development and tourism revenues
makes best use of our built resources
is environmentally appropriate (reusing old buildings is preferable to demolishing them)

The City's aims to conserve significant heritage resources including buildings, streetscapes and areas.

Our Heritage Financial Incentive Program supports this with annual heritage maintenance and conversation grants. Every year, we recognize outstanding work on designated heritage buildings with the Heritage Recognition Award Program.

Heritage Areas

There are four Heritage Areas in and near Downtown.

Heritage Area 1 has the most significant heritage resources and streetscapes. We have design standards to ensure their continued preservation.
Heritage Areas 2 & 3 encompass areas of significance. There are design standards to ensure developments are compatible with the historic streetscape.
Heritage Area 4 represents The Battery. Design standards will preserve the unique character of this neighbourhood.

Designation

The City has been designating heritage buildings since 1977.

We encourage property owners to have their properties considered for designation so that buildings and structures with significant architecture and history are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Building permits

Owners of Heritage Area properties or designated heritage buildings must have heritage approval for exterior alterations to their property, new construction or demolition.

Contact us

Do you have questions about heritage in the City? Our heritage experts are here to help. Contact the team.