As the property owner, what does heritage designation mean for me?
- An interest will be registered on the land title for your property identifying it as a designated heritage property. This will not impede the sale or use of the property. The legal protection and interest remains with the property when it is sold.
- Your property will be listed on the Saskatchewan Register of Heritage Property with very basic information about the site; no sensitive or personal information is included.
- Conservation work on your property may be eligible for municipal heritage property incentives or tax credits. Check with the local municipality for more information.
- You are eligible for matching grant funding for eligible heritage conservation work from the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation.
How do I find out if my property has been designated?
The Saskatchewan Heritage Property Search lists all Provincial Heritage Properties and Municipal Heritage Properties designated under The Heritage Property Act.
What's the difference between Municipal and Provincial Heritage Property designation?
- Provincial Heritage Property designation, undertaken by the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, is for properties deemed to be provincially significant.
- Municipal Heritage Property, undertaken by a city, town, village, or rural municipality, is for those properties considered locally or regionally significant.
What is the regulatory effect of heritage designation on my property?
Once a property is designated, it is legally protected. Future alterations to Municipal Heritage Properties require prior written approval from the council of the municipality. Alterations to a Provincial Heritage Property require prior approval from the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport by applying for a Provincial Heritage Alteration Permit.
Are there any other responsibilities associated with designation?
As an owner of a designated heritage property, you are a steward of a valuable piece of Saskatchewan's heritage. Although designation does not imply rigid restrictions or regulations on the day-to-day use or administration of a site, the property owner will be encouraged to conduct regular maintenance and follow accepted principles of good heritage conservation.
Why would I want my property to be designated?
Many property owners take pride in owning and caring for a piece of Saskatchewan's heritage. Many property owners value heritage designation as it emphasizes the uniqueness and historic significance of the site, and enables other people in the community to appreciate its value.
Where can I get advice on how to care of my property?
A good place to start is the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada for recommended and not-recommended practices for preserving, rehabilitating or restoring their heritage property.
The Heritage Conservation Branch will provide expertise and technical advice on heritage conservation to owners of provincially designated properties. Whenever possible, this assistance is extended to Municipal Heritage Property owners as well.
What funding is available to support heritage properties?
Designated properties are eligible to apply to the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation for financial assistance to undertake heritage conservation work.
Will I need to open my property to the public?
You are not required to open your property to the public. You might be asked if you would like to receive visitors or have your site included on a walking/driving tour, or in an annual Open Doors event. Participation in these types of activities is voluntary.
Do I get a plaque for my designated heritage property?
Every Provincial Heritage Property receives an official bronze plaque explaining the significance of the property. Some municipalities provide plaques for municipal heritage properties (at their discretion).