Register of Properties of Cultural Value or Interest

Background

Cultural Heritage “is everything from the past of human origin, that a Community values in the present and wishes to pass on to the future” (Provincial Policy Statement on the Mininstry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website)

Our Heritage tells us who we are, where we have come from and what we have accomplished. It is a source of strength and confidence that puts the changes of society into perspective and helps us to build a better future.

Owen Sound is home to a rich and diversified, yet sometimes hidden, built heritage featuring many century-old buildings of historical and/or architectural significance.

The Ontario Heritage Act (Section 27(1)) requires that municipalities maintain a current register of properties of cultural heritage value or interest. This register must include all properties that are designated under Part IV of the Act (designated properties) and also may include other properties that Council believes are of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest.

More information regarding the Heritage Register may be obtained from the Ministry of Culture website and the Ontario Heritage Tool Kit.

Originally, an inventory of Owen Sound’s Heritage was started in the 1970’s by the City’s Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee. This inventory contained 96 properties. In June of 2004, City staff began updating the Inventory and access was provided on line.

In 2006, the Heritage Register was updated to include 30 additional properties.

Although only a selection of information is available on this web site, the official Heritage Register is available for viewing at City Hall under the following categories:

Property Name	Historical Significance
Location	Architect
Legal Description	Builder
Initial Owner	Compatibility with Surroundings
Present Owner	Physical Condition
Verified Erection Date	Modifications of Original Design
Building Type	Architectural Description
Date of Ontario Heritage Act Designation

The City’s Property Inquiry form (pdf) has been updated to include a report regarding the status of a property on the Register.

Your knowledge in contributing to the City’s Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest is a vital part of preserving the history of these buildings and sites. If you detect an error or have additional information you would like to share, please forward your comments to the Owen Sound Planning Division at osplanning@e-owensound.com , by phone at 519-376-4440 ext. 252 or by mail to Owen Sound City Hall, 808 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H4

Property Index

 

• Heritage Register - full lists of our properties.
• Maps - The city is divided visually into 5 zones
• Virtual tour of all heritage property locations - take a step by step tour through all of the sites at your own pace. No plug-ins required.

Community Services Dept. - Planning Division
808 2 nd Avenue East
OWEN SOUND, ON N4K 2H4