Strategy

The City of Saskatoon's Heritage Conservation Program supports and facilitates the conservation, management and interpretation of heritage resources through various incentives, regulatory measures and educational opportunities. 

In 2022, City Council approved the Heritage Conservation Program Project – a three-phased approach to strengthen the Heritage Conservation Program. The following components were included:

1) Jurisdictional Review – a review of municipalities to identify best practices;

2) Heritage Property Owner Support – a review of existing incentives and recommended approaches for an updated Heritage Program; and

3) Public Awareness – options for creation of new education and resource materials.

Report

A report on the Heritage Conservation Program Strategy and potential options were presented for information purposes to the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee at its June 18, 2024 meeting. The full report can be found here.

Survey and Feedback

The survey is now closed. Thank you for your feedback.

The City is looking for feedback on the proposed options to the Heritage Conservation Program.

Comments and questions can also be provided by email, telephone, or mail using the contact information below. Please submit your comments by August 24, 2024.

Background

The Heritage Conservation Program was created in 1996, under Council Policy C10-020, Civic Heritage Policy. A review of the Program was completed in 2012. An update to the Civic Heritage Policy and the creation of the Heritage Plan, with over 40 action items, based on the review, was completed in 2014.

The Heritage Conservation Program includes:

• Regulatory approaches such as Municipal Heritage Property Designation and the the Holding Bylaw, official known as Bylaw No 6770, The Demolition Permit Bylaw,1987;

• Financial incentives such as grants for conservation work and incremental tax abatements; and

• Educational opportunities and resources such as the Saskatoon Register of Historic Places and Doors Open Saskatoon.

Proposed Options

Administration undertook a jurisdictional analysis to identify current best practices in Municipal Heritage Conservation. Based on this review, along with current stakeholder feedback, a series of best practices/options are presented and grouped into three areas. These options are summarized below, but are outlined in detail here.

Incentives

Heritage property owners receive assistance in the form of financial and non-financial assistance. In turn, property owners are entrusted with the maintenance and conservation of the heritage asset.

Protection and Regulation

Appropriate regulatory tools ensure measures are in place to protect heritage assets from demolition and unsympathetic alterations, while also allowing for heritage assets to adapt and change.

Education and Resources

Providing access to education, tools and resources to heritage property owners is a fundamental component in achieving successful heritage outcomes. Educating the public on the value of heritage is equally important.